News broke this week that a fire at Conor McGregor’s Dublin pub, The Black Forge Inn, is being treated as criminal damage – suspected arson.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 3:00am, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The fire was quickly brought under control by Dublin Fire Brigade, but the implications for business owners are sobering.
Whether you own a high-profile venue like McGregor’s, or run a local café, shop, or office, the incident is a stark reminder that arson isn’t just something that happens to “other people.”
It’s a very real risk that every business must consider when carrying out a fire risk assessment.
Arson: A Serious Business Threat
Arson is one of the leading causes of commercial fires in the UK and Ireland.
While electrical faults and cooking equipment are common hazards, deliberate fire-setting is disturbingly frequent – and often devastating.
It’s not just the fire damage itself; there’s the loss of income, stock, customer trust, and business continuity.
Many small businesses never fully recover from a serious fire. And unlike other risks, arson can strike suddenly and with malicious intent, often outside of working hours when no one is around to raise the alarm.
Fire Risk Assessments Must Include Arson
A fire risk assessment isn’t just about ticking a box for the council or insurance.
It’s about identifying all the potential fire hazards on your premises – and that includes the risk of arson or deliberate acts.
Here are just a few questions every business owner should ask as part of their fire risk planning:
- Is your waste stored securely and away from the building?
- Are all entrances and exits well-lit and monitored?
- Do you have CCTV or security measures in place to deter intruders?
- Is access to the rear or sides of the building properly restricted?
- Are there any vulnerable areas like storage yards or bins that could be targeted?
- Are your fire alarms, extinguishers and suppression systems up to date and functional?
Too often, these risks are overlooked—especially in low-crime areas or smaller businesses that feel “under the radar.” But as the Black Forge incident shows, arson can affect anyone, regardless of fame, postcode, or industry.
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves
A few simple but effective steps can significantly lower your arson risk:
- Secure waste and flammable materials away from buildings.
- Install quality CCTV and ensure it’s well maintained.
- Keep entrances well-lit and consider timed exterior lighting.
- Invest in regular fire safety inspections by trained professionals.
- Review and update your fire risk assessment at least annually, or whenever your business changes.
It’s also worth talking to a local fire safety expert who can help you assess not only the obvious risks, but the hidden ones too—like security blind spots, vulnerable storage areas, or poorly maintained alarm systems.
A Wake-Up Call for Business Owners
The fire at the Black Forge Inn is a dramatic reminder of what can go wrong. It could’ve been much worse. Luckily, no one was hurt and the damage, while serious, was contained.
But it raises an important question for every business owner reading this:
If someone targeted your business tonight, would you be ready?
If you’re unsure, it’s time to book a fire risk assessment or review the one you’ve got. Because in the world of fire safety, being proactive is everything.
Need help with your fire risk assessment? Talk to our team today.
