Harris County's Businesses

Plan for FIFA 2026 Events

Fire Code, Permitting & Safety

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to supporting safe operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Houston region. This page serves as a dedicated resource for fire and life safety information, including permitting requirements, event guidance, and code compliance for businesses and gatherings in unincorporated Harris County. Content will be updated as needed to support safe operations throughout the event.

Harris County FIFA World Cup 2026

Harris County FIFA World Cup 2026

Guidance for Businesses and Temporary Events

Event Guidance

Businesses and event organizers planning watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026 should review fire and life safety considerations for a safe environment and compliance with codes. Additionally, coordination with Harris County departments may be necessary for permits related to food service, public health, and traffic control.



Who This Applies To

This guidance is intended for:

  • Business owners hosting public viewing events
  • Event organizers planning temporary or pop-up gatherings
  • Property owners allowing organized events on their premises
  • Promoters coordinating outdoor or indoor assemblies

WHO NEEDS TO REGISTER?

You may be required to register your event with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office if your event meets any of the following criteria

  • Outdoor events with 100 or more attendees
    • (e.g., parking lots, open land, private roads, or similar spaces)
  • Indoor events with 50 or more attendees
    • in buildings not designed or approved for assembly use

FOOD AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Harris County Public Health

Food vendors, temporary booths or mobile food units (MFU’s)
Certified Food Manager & Food Handler Certificates



www.publichealth.harriscountytx.gov

(713) 274-6300

ROADS AND TRAFFIC

Harris County Office of the County Engineer

Road closures or traffic impacts


www.oce.harriscountytx.gov

(713) 274-3600

Harris County Public Health logo

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Harris County Fire Marshal's Office

Fire and Life Safety Inspections
Special event & outdoor assembly permits

Temporary structures (tents, stages, etc.)

Operational permits (MFUs)



www.hcfchub.net

(713) 274-6300

Harris County Fire Marshall logo

Safety Considerations - Special Events

UNMANNED aIrcraft Systems (UAS) Risks to Large-Scale Public Gatherings

EMERGING THREATS

Concerns with UAS during open venues & public gatherings:


  • Capable of reconnaissance and surveillance.
  • Capable of creating panic and/or disruption (most probable).
  • Can be equipped with a weaponized payload.
  • Can carry Wi-Fi exploitation tools or RF jamming equipment.
  • Agriculture UAS can disperse liquids that may or may not be hazardous.
NO CREDIBLE THREATS HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN REPORTED RELATED TO FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 OR ANY OTHER RELATED EVENT.

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (1-2 min)

  • Notify you event incident lead & security team.
  • Activate your drone response plan and contact law enforcement.
  • Do NOT attempt to apprehend, disable, or take down the drone.

IF A DRONE CRASHES OR LANDS ON-SITE

  • Secure and clear the area.
  • DO NOT touch or move the drone.

KEEP PEOPLE SAFE (BASED ON DRONE LOCATION)

  • Clear or move people away from the area underneath the drone as feasible.
  • Manage crowd movement calmly to prevent panic.
  • Do NOT attempt to apprehend, disable, or take down the drone.

CAPTURE AND RELAY THESE DETAILS (PHOTOS/VIDEOS IF SAFE TO DO SO)

  • Date/Time and Exact Location of Drone (and pilot if known).
  • Drone Description: type, size, color, lights, any visible payload, notable features.
  • Flight Behavior: direction of travel, approx. height, flight path, hovering over people and/or vehicles.

PREVENTION STEPS FOR PROMOTERS

POST “NO DRONE ZONE” SIGNS



COORDINATE WITH POLICE



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