In response to the rise of fire incidents occurring due to improper control of open flame and ash disposal during events, Ecclesiastical Insurance has released a new bulletin which details safety practices for ceremonies involving fire.

The company noted that ceremonies involving some forms of fire are typically important traditional rituals – these include the use of incense, smudging, or even handheld candles. However, risk control procedures and taking preventative measures remains a critical step.

Ecclesiastical’s new bulletin provides best practices and advice to ensure that organizations adhere to safe practices when holding ceremonies.

Some of the best practices suggested by Ecclesiastical’s bulletin include:

• Ensure the designated room for the ceremony has suitable ventilation, or consider holding the event outside.
• Make sure the premises meet fire prevention standards, including fire exit plans, adequate working fire extinguishers, and additional life safety equipment.
• Use only approved fire-resistant metal containers; tin cans such as coffee tins are not safe nor approved for fire use.
• Do not dispose of the ash until the non-combustible container is cool to the touch.

The rest of the bulletin can be accessed on Ecclesiastical’s website.

“Many ceremonies at places of worship involve an open flame or fire,” said Ecclesiastical Insurance chief underwriting officer and vice president of risk control Colin Robertson. “We believe that providing our brokers and customers with guidance on how to manage these ceremonies safely and respectfully from a risk control perspective helps mitigate against the risk of fire in the facility.”