Do Venue Fire Officers Accept Fireproofed Artificial Plants?

A Complete Guide for Compliance & Certification

Artificial plants are widely used in hotels, restaurants, wedding venues, retail spaces and commercial interiors. They look impressive — but untreated synthetic foliage can burn rapidly and create significant fire risk. Because of this, venue fire officers increasingly ask for proof of fire safety compliance.

One of the questions we hear most often is:

“Will our venue fire officer accept fire retardant treated artificial plants?”

The answer is:

✔ Yes — for standard decorative displays, fire officers accept professionally treated and certificated artificial plants.

❗ But large plant walls or displays near fire exits may require inherently fire retardant (IFR) plants instead.

This guide explains exactly what is accepted, which standards apply, and why professional treatment is essential.

What Standards Artificial Plants Can Meet Using Fire Retardant Spraying

Professional fire retardant spraying can achieve:

✔ BS 5867 Part 2 Type B

(for decorative items)

✔ BS 5852 Part 1

(cigarette and match for decorative items)

These standards are suitable for most artificial plant arrangements, including:

• decorative foliage

• centrepieces

• restaurant displays

• hotel feature arrangements

• retail installations

• wedding venue decorations

However…

❌ Fire retardant spraying cannot achieve BS EN 13501-1 Class B.

To meet BS EN 13501-1 Class B, artificial plants must be manufactured as inherently flame retardant (IFR).

When Fire Officers Require IFR Artificial Plants

Fire officers will expect IFR plants when:

• plants cover large wall surfaces

• displays run alongside fire exits or escape routes

• the installation is part of a permanent feature wall

• BS EN 13501-1 Class B is required by the venue or insurer

• plants form part of architectural or structural elements

In these cases, no spray-applied treatment can upgrade the material sufficiently.IFR plants are the only solution that complies.

When Fire Retardant Treated Artificial Plants ARE Accepted

Venue fire officers regularly accept treated plants for:

✔ decorative features

✔ hanging foliage

✔ reception displays

✔ restaurant installations

✔ standalone arrangements

✔ wedding and event décor

As long as the treatment is applied professionally and a valid certificate is supplied, fire officers accept these items without issue.

Certification Validity for Treated Artificial Plants: 2 Years

Green foliage like grasses and broad green leaf leaves are made from plastics — which allow fire retardant to sit on the surface only.

This means:

• vacuuming,

• cleaning sprays,

• handling,

• wiping,

• dust removal

can gradually remove fire retardant.

For this reason, our certification for artificial plants is valid for 2 years.

After this period, retreatment is recommended to maintain compliance.

Why DIY Fire Retardant Sprays Fail Fire Officer Tests

DIY sprays commonly fail because:

❌ incorrect chemical

Many sprays do not work on plastics, PVC, latex, or foam.

❌ residue problems

Consumer-grade sprays may:

• roll off the surface

• leave a white powdery residue

• streak or stain

• wipe off easily

❌ insufficient coverage

Shadow zones and underside leaves remain untreated.

❌ wrong absorption assumptions

People underestimate how much product is required for synthetic foliage.

❌ no certification

Fire officers cannot approve installations without a professional certificate.

Our Professional Treatment Process

1️⃣ Material assessment

We identify plastic, foam or synthetic composition and select a compatible fire retardant.

2️⃣ Preparation

We advise dust removal if necessary to help the treatment adhere.

3️⃣ Specialist application

We apply a professional-grade fire retardant designed specifically for artificial plants, ensuring:

• full coverage

• correct saturation

• no staining

• no colour change

4️⃣ Certification

Once complete (and payment received), we issue a 2-year certificate accepted by venue fire officers.

Key Takeaways

✔ Fire officers do accept professionally fireproofed artificial plants

✔ Sprayed treatment can achieve BS 5867 Type B or BS 5852 Part 1

✔ BS EN 13501-1 Class B requires inherently fire retardant (IFR) plants

✔ Certificates for treated artificial plants last 2 years

✔ DIY treatments often fail due to residue, poor coverage, or incompatibility

✔ Professional treatment ensures safe, compliant displays

Get in Touch for a Quote or Expert Advice

If you’re planning a new installation or need your artificial plants treated for compliance, we’re here to help. Our team provides clear guidance on what your venue needs, whether fire retardant spraying is suitable, or whether inherently fire retardant (IFR) plants are required for more demanding environments.

You can send us photos, measurements, or a brief description of your display, and we’ll advise on the safest and most cost-effective route to certification.

For pricing, simply provide the sizes or a quick overview of the installation.We offer fast, accurate quotes with no obligation.

👉 Fireproofing Artificial Plants👉

Or contact us directly at adam@fire-proofing.co.uk or 07970 522475

Whether you need treatment, retreatment, advice, or guidance before a fire officer visit, we’re always happy to assist.