Pallets are a cornerstone of warehousing and logistics: strong, stackable, and easy to move. But they also come with a hidden danger: they burn.
If you’ve never thought about pallets as a fire hazard, you’re not alone. Yet in storage and distribution environments, they’re one of the most common contributors to fast-spreading fires. And with the increased storage of high-risk items like lithium-ion batteries and aerosols, the stakes are higher than ever.
In this article, we take a closer look at how pallets can contribute to fire risk, and how fireproof or fire-retardant pallet covers play a critical role in reducing that risk.
Why Are Pallets a Fire Hazard?
Most pallets are made from wood or plastic, two materials that are highly combustible under the right conditions.
When improperly stored, stacked too closely, or wrapped in flammable materials, pallets can:
- Ignite quickly from a nearby heat source or spark
- Allow fire to spread vertically and horizontally across storage areas
- Generate intense heat and smoke
- Block access routes and fire exits
- Compromise sprinkler systems or fire detection equipment
The fire load from palletised goods can rapidly overwhelm even a well-prepared facility, especially where detection and suppression are delayed by poor storage practices.
Real-World Risks: It Happens Fast
Across the UK and Europe, fire services have reported dozens of warehouse and transport fires that began, or escalated, due to palletised storage.
These events typically share a few traits. Pallets were often stacked too high or too close together. The covers or wraps used were flammable and melted quickly, and the contents were also combustible (e.g. cardboard, electronics, plastics). These factors resulted in fire spreading rapidly before suppression systems could respond.
And it's not just indoor storage that’s at risk. Outdoor pallet stacks can ignite from something as simple as sunlight magnified through glass, discarded cigarettes, or electrical arcing from nearby equipment.
Fire-Retardant Pallet Covers: What They Do
This is where fire-retardant pallet covers come in.
Unlike standard plastic shrink wrap or tarpaulins, which can fuel a fire, fire-retardant covers are designed to:
✅ Resist ignition when exposed to flame or radiant heat
✅ Slow down fire spread across stacks or aisles
✅ Reduce melting, dripping or toxic smoke
✅ Protect the contents for longer, allowing safer suppression
✅ Buy time for evacuation and fire brigade response
In short, they don’t make your storage fireproof, but they give your team and your building a better chance of containing an incident before it escalates.
How Do They Work?
Fire-retardant pallet covers are usually made from specially treated fabrics or polymers that comply with standards such as EN 13501-1 (Euroclass B or better).
When exposed to a flame or extreme heat, the cover material:
- Forms a char layer, reducing oxygen flow
- Insulates the contents underneath
- Delays the structural failure of the cover itself
- Slows the release of flammable vapours or toxic gases
This can make the difference between a manageable fire and a devastating loss.
When Should You Use Fireproof or Fire-Retardant Covers?
You should consider fire-retardant pallet covers as standard in:
- Battery storage areas (e.g. lithium-ion packs, power tools, EV components)
- Waste storage or holding areas
- Flammable product stock (aerosols, adhesives, chemicals)
- Transport and cross-docking operations
- Returns or quarantine zones
- Outdoor pallet storage
For certain industries, such as construction, automotive, or electronics, they may also be required as part of your insurer’s risk conditions.
What to Look for in a Fire-Retardant Pallet Cover
Not all covers are created equal. Here's what to check before purchase.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Certification | Look for EN 13501-1 or similar fire rating |
| Material strength | Must withstand rough handling, stacking, and outdoor exposure |
| Fit | Should be the right size for Euro or UK standard pallets |
| Labelling | Clearly marked as fire-retardant for audits and emergency ID |
| Reusability | Some covers are single-use, others are designed for long-term use |
| Breathability | Some covers allow air circulation while still offering fire protection |
Compliance, Safety & Peace of Mind
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses have a legal duty to reduce fire risk, and that includes the way goods are stored and protected.
While fire-retardant pallet covers alone won’t stop a fire, they form a vital part of a layered safety strategy, alongside:
- Fire blankets and suppression tools
- Proper pallet stacking and spacing
- Staff training
- Maintenance of detection and sprinkler systems
- Thermal monitoring in high-risk areas
In addition to our Pallet Covers, the Firechief® range of fire safety products also includes extinguisher stands, suppression systems, signage and fire safety products for all types of fires. For information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
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Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and, where necessary, to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.