As Cheltenham Festival 2025 approaches, many property owners and Airbnbs are preparing to open their doors to racegoers — with 250,000 spectators descending on the town over the four-day festival each year.
Hosting comes with the responsibility of ensuring properties are safe from fire hazards and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is collaborating with SoGlos to provide a checklist of what to consider in the lead up to the big event.
It's crucial that holiday lets are aware of their obligations under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is legislation that typically applies to non-domestic premises — a property is regarded as this as soon as it is rented out.
The Building Safety Act 2022 further explains that all responsible parties must now record a complete fire risk assessment to ensure safety across the entire property, not just specific details.
There's a common myth that premises which open up their front doors to Cheltenham Festival goers are exempt from the legal fire safety order — but this is not the case.
What are the key safety measures to consider?
It's important that individuals from all walks of life can safely evacuate, this includes people with disabilities, those with limited mobility and children.
Ensure that:
- All fire evacuation routes are clear at all times, easily accessible and clearly displayed
- Guests are provided with easy-to-follow instructions in the event of a fire and are aware of what to do if they hear a fire alarm
- Hosts regularly check electrical equipment and appliances for faults
- All smoke detectors are functional and up-to-code
- Combustible materials are kept away from heat sources like radiators, portable fan heaters and fireplaces
While Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service cannot conduct a risk assessment for you, it does offer valuable advice and support for businesses across the county, including holiday let owners.
Additional resources and guidance can be accessed online via gloucestershire.gov.uk/glosfire.
