Saunas are now found in a wide range of premises including hotels and leisure centre’s and are growing in popularity. Due to demand these are often installed into existing buildings which haven’t been purpose built and the risk from a fire is therefore greater than purpose built self-contained units.

The risk of fire is increased as saunas are typically constructed from timber and can reach temperatures of up to 95° C. They are also usually electrically operated and thermostatically controlled.

Some large fires have been attributed to saunas over the last few years so the risk to life, property and business interruption resulting from such fires can be substantial. The main cause of fire resulting from saunas is considerable as a number of factors are at play.

These include the following:

• Poor housekeeping - combustible materials left in the vicinity of the heater e.g. 
robes or towels 

• Heaters left ‘on’ and unattended for prolonged periods of time. 

• The failure to off power to the sauna on cessation of business. 

• Thermostat failure 

• Lack of or inadequate inspection regimes during times of operation 

• Lack of maintenance 

• Electrical faults e.g. internal sauna lighting 

• General wear and tear abuse of use