Zurich claims data shows the average cost of large warehouse fires is £5.9million

Fire remains the largest cause of damage to warehouse buildings. The concentration of combustible material means that if a fire takes hold, it will be incredibly challenging to deal with. In the event of such a fire, many businesses with sprinkler systems suffer a minor interruption and find they’re back up-and-running in a matter of hours. Those without can see five-to-six times the damage and suffer longer spells of interruption.

These fires can also impact businesses within the supply chain. Companies supplying the fire-damaged business will lose business temporarily or even permanently. Businesses which depend upon products or services from the fire damaged business have to find other means of supply; businesses surrounding the fire-affected business will often have to cease trading for the duration of the fire and sometimes even longer.