What is Fire Warden Training?

Fire wardens (also called fire marshals) are key people who help implement your fire safety plan and assist during emergency evacuations. Appointing and training fire wardens is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for most non-domestic premises in the UK.

Do you have trained fire wardens in your premises?

Let's check if your fire safety team is ready.

What is a fire warden?

A fire warden (also called a fire marshal) is a nominated person responsible for helping implement and maintain fire safety measures in a building. They assist the responsible person in meeting their duties under the Fire Safety Order.

Fire wardens are typically employees or volunteers who take on this additional role alongside their normal job. They are trained to:

Help prevent fires through routine safety checks
Ensure evacuation procedures are followed during emergencies
Assist people evacuating the building
Conduct headcounts at assembly points
Liaise with emergency services
Report fire safety concerns

Key Point

Fire wardens don't replace the responsible person's legal duties. They assist in implementing fire safety measures, but ultimate accountability remains with the responsible person (usually the employer, building owner, or occupier).

Fire warden vs fire marshal - what's the difference?

There is no legal or functional difference between a fire warden and a fire marshal. The terms are used interchangeably in the UK.

Some organisations prefer "fire warden" while others use "fire marshal." Both describe the same role with the same responsibilities. Choose whichever term works for your organisation and use it consistently.

Note:

In some very large organisations, you might have "fire marshals" who are senior fire safety coordinators, and "fire wardens" who are frontline assistants. However, this is an internal distinction, not a legal one. For most premises, the terms are identical.

Who needs fire wardens?

The Fire Safety Order requires the responsible person to nominate "competent persons" to assist in implementing fire safety measures. For most premises, this means appointing fire wardens.

Premises that need fire wardens:

Almost all workplaces:

Offices, shops, and retail premises
Factories, warehouses, and workshops
Restaurants, cafés, and hotels
Theatres, cinemas, and entertainment venues

Public and community buildings:

Schools, colleges, and universities
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Community centres and village halls
Places of worship
Sports facilities and leisure centres

Residential common areas:

Care homes and nursing homes
Sheltered housing
Student accommodation
HMOs with communal facilities

Premises that may not need designated fire wardens:

Very small, simple, low-risk premises with only 1-2 people present
Private dwellings (though care homes and HMOs with staff do need them)

Warning:

Even if you think your premises are too small for fire wardens, you still need someone who understands fire safety procedures and can coordinate an evacuation. The responsible person might fulfill this role themselves in very small businesses.

How many fire wardens do you need?

There's no fixed legal requirement, but best practice recommends:

General guidance: 1 fire warden per 50 occupants

This is a widely accepted ratio that provides adequate coverage for most premises.

However, the actual number you need depends on:

Building size and layout:

Larger buildings need more wardens
Multi-floor buildings need wardens on each floor
Buildings with separate wings or areas need coverage in each zone

Occupancy patterns:

High occupancy buildings need more wardens
If occupancy varies (e.g., shift work, evening events), ensure coverage at all times
Consider peak occupancy times

Complexity of evacuation:

Buildings with vulnerable occupants (care homes, schools) need more wardens
Complex escape routes require more assistance
Buildings with areas of higher fire risk need additional coverage

Staff patterns:

Account for holidays, sickness, and shift patterns
Always have backup wardens

Worked examples:

Small office (20 staff):

Minimum 1 fire warden, ideally 2 for backup

Medium office (100 staff across 3 floors):

2-3 fire wardens, with at least one per floor

Large retail store (200+ customers and staff):

4-6 fire wardens covering different areas of the store

Care home (40 residents plus staff):

2-3 fire wardens on each shift (may need more depending on residents' needs)

Fire Warden Coverage Considerations

Simple premises needs

•Single floor, straightforward layout
•All occupants mobile and alert
•Small number of people (under 50)
•One main escape route
•Staff all present at same times
•1-2 fire wardens usually sufficient

Complex premises needs

•Multiple floors or complex layout
•Vulnerable occupants present
•Large numbers or variable occupancy
•Multiple escape routes
•Shift work or 24-hour operation
•Multiple wardens across locations and shifts

Bottom line: Start with the 1:50 ratio and adjust based on your premises' specific characteristics. Your fire risk assessment should identify the appropriate number of fire wardens needed.

Fire warden roles and responsibilities

Fire wardens have duties before, during, and after a fire emergency.

Before an emergency (prevention and preparation):

Routine fire safety checks:

Ensure escape routes are clear and unobstructed
Check fire exits open easily and aren't locked or blocked
Verify fire safety signage is visible and in good condition
Inspect fire doors to ensure they close properly
Check fire extinguishers are present and not damaged

Maintaining awareness:

Stay alert to fire hazards in their area
Report any fire safety concerns to management
Ensure staff follow fire safety rules (e.g., no propping open fire doors)
Know the location of all fire safety equipment

Testing and drills:

Participate in fire drills
Help organize and coordinate evacuation practices
Test evacuation procedures and identify improvements
Familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and assembly points

Assisting with training:

Help new staff understand fire procedures
Remind colleagues about fire safety rules
Act as a point of contact for fire safety questions

During an emergency:

When the alarm sounds:

Remain calm and act decisively
Begin implementing the evacuation procedure
Put on high-visibility vest or identifier (if used)

Directing evacuation:

Guide people to the nearest safe exit
Encourage calm, quick evacuation
Ensure no one uses lifts
Direct people away from danger
Assist anyone who needs help

Checking their designated area:

Sweep their allocated area to ensure everyone has left
Check toilets, meeting rooms, and less obvious spaces
Close doors and windows where safe to do so (slows fire spread)
Do NOT put themselves at risk searching areas affected by fire

At the assembly point:

Direct evacuees to the designated assembly point
Conduct headcount and account for all occupants
Identify any missing persons
Report to the person in charge or emergency services
Prevent people from re-entering the building

Liaising with emergency services:

Provide information about the building and occupants
Inform them of anyone unaccounted for
Answer questions about the layout and fire safety systems

After an emergency:

Following a drill:

Participate in debrief sessions
Report any issues or improvements needed
Help update procedures if necessary

Following a real incident:

Assist with investigations if required
Help implement any changes to fire safety procedures
Support colleagues who may be distressed

Key Point

Fire wardens should NEVER put themselves at serious risk. Their job is to assist evacuation, not fight fires or search dangerous areas. Personal safety comes first.

What does fire warden training cover?

Fire warden training ensures appointees are competent to fulfill their role. A comprehensive course typically covers:

Fire safety law and responsibilities

Overview of the Fire Safety Order 2005
The role of the responsible person
The fire warden's specific duties
Legal consequences of fire safety failures

Fire behavior and prevention

How fires start and spread
The fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen)
Common fire hazards in different premises
Fire prevention measures
Importance of housekeeping and maintenance

Fire safety systems and equipment

Types of fire detection and alarm systems
How to raise the alarm
Fire extinguisher types and when to use them (basic awareness)
Fire blankets and other equipment
Fire doors, emergency lighting, and signage

Emergency evacuation procedures

When and how to evacuate
Evacuation routes and assembly points
Coordinating evacuation
Assisting people who need help
Accounting for occupants
When to call 999 and what to tell them

Practical scenarios

Walking through evacuation routes
Identifying hazards in the premises
Conducting area sweeps
Assembly point procedures
Role-playing emergency scenarios

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

What PEEPs are and who needs them
The fire warden's role in implementing PEEPs
Assisting people with disabilities or mobility issues

Communication and record-keeping

Reporting fire safety concerns
Documentation requirements
Importance of fire drills
Debriefing after incidents

Fire Warden Training Journey

Initial

Appointment

Fire warden appointed by responsible person

Within 2 weeks

Initial training

Complete comprehensive fire warden course

First month

Premises familiarization

Learn specific layouts, equipment, and procedures

Quarterly

Participate in drills

Practice evacuation procedures and identify issues

Annually

Refresher training

Update knowledge and skills, cover any changes

As needed

Additional training

Training after significant changes to premises or role

Training delivery options

Fire warden training can be delivered in several ways:

Classroom/face-to-face training

Typical duration: Half day (3-4 hours)

Advantages:

Interactive and engaging
Practical exercises and role-play
Specific to your premises
Questions answered in real-time
Team builds relationships and consistency

Best for: Most organizations, especially those with complex premises or multiple wardens

Online training

Typical duration: 2-3 hours (self-paced)

Advantages:

Flexible timing
Cost-effective for individuals or small numbers
Can be repeated as needed
Good for refresher training

Disadvantages:

Less interactive
No practical exercises in your premises
Harder to ask specific questions

Best for: Refresher training, remote workers, or supplementing practical training

Blended approach

Combines online learning (theory) with practical on-site training (evacuation routes, equipment, scenarios).

Best for: Large organisations wanting efficiency while maintaining practical elements

Tip:

Whatever delivery method you choose, ensure fire warden training includes a practical element specific to your premises. Generic online training alone is rarely sufficient for first-time fire wardens.

Who should deliver fire warden training?

Training must be delivered by a competent person - someone with sufficient fire safety knowledge, experience, and teaching ability.

Options include:

External fire safety training providers:

Professional trainers specializing in fire safety
Often certified by bodies like IFSM, IFE, or NEBOSH
Can deliver accredited courses with certification
Bring expertise and external perspective

Your local Fire and Rescue Service:

Many fire services offer training (sometimes free or subsidized)
Excellent knowledge of local risks and requirements
Can tailor advice to your specific premises
Contact your local FRS to check availability

In-house trainers:

Senior fire wardens or safety officers with training qualifications
Must have sufficient knowledge and competence
Good for refresher training once initial training is established
Cost-effective for large organizations

Warning:

Ensure whoever delivers training is genuinely competent. Simply reading from a PowerPoint doesn't constitute competent training. Poor training means incompetent fire wardens, which puts lives at risk.

Refresher training requirements

Fire warden training is not a one-off requirement. Skills and knowledge fade without practice and reinforcement.

How often should fire wardens be retrained?

Recommended frequency: Annually

This is widely accepted best practice and recommended by fire safety bodies and insurers.

You should also provide refresher training:

After significant changes:

Building alterations or layout changes
New fire safety equipment installed
Changes to evacuation procedures
Introduction of new fire hazards

Following incidents:

After a fire or near miss
After evacuation drills that identify problems
If fire safety deficiencies are found

When fire wardens change:

New staff appointed as fire wardens
Fire wardens move to different areas
Backup wardens need training

If competence is questioned:

Fire warden unclear about procedures
Poor performance in drills
Long absence from the role

What should refresher training cover?

Review of fire warden duties and responsibilities
Updates to fire safety law or procedures
Lessons learned from drills or incidents
Practice scenarios and evacuation procedures
New equipment or systems
Any changes to the premises

Refresher training can typically be shorter than initial training (2-3 hours), but must still ensure continued competence.

Warning(anonymised)

Hotel fined after fire wardens fail to evacuate guests

The Situation

A small hotel had appointed fire wardens and provided initial training several years earlier. During a real fire alarm (later found to be a false alarm), fire wardens were unclear on procedures and evacuation was chaotic.

What Went Wrong

✗Fire wardens had initial training 5 years ago with no refreshers
✗Evacuation procedures had changed but wardens not updated
✗Fire wardens uncertain about their responsibilities
✗No recent fire drills practiced
✗Some guests not directed to assembly point
✗Confusion about who should liaise with fire service

Outcome

Fire service inspected and found inadequate fire warden training. Hotel was issued an enforcement notice and later prosecuted for failing to maintain competent fire safety assistance. Fine of £15,000 plus costs.

Key Lesson

Initial training isn't enough. Fire wardens need regular refresher training and practice to remain competent. An emergency is not the time to discover your fire wardens don't remember their training.

Selecting the right people as fire wardens

Not everyone is suited to be a fire warden. Choose people who are:

Reliable and responsible:

Can be trusted to take fire safety seriously
Will carry out checks and duties consistently
Won't ignore fire safety rules

Calm under pressure:

Can remain composed in emergencies
Able to make decisions quickly
Won't panic when the alarm sounds

Good communicators:

Can give clear instructions
Comfortable speaking to groups
Able to help and reassure others

Physically capable:

Able to walk evacuation routes
Can assist others if needed
No health conditions that would prevent them fulfilling the role

Present regularly:

Usually on-site during working hours
Not frequently away or off-site
Available during shifts or opening hours

Willing volunteers:

Want to take on the responsibility
Interested in fire safety
Committed to training and drills

Note:

While you can ask for volunteers, remember that appointing fire wardens is ultimately the responsible person's decision. If no one volunteers, you may need to appoint people and ensure they understand it's part of their job role.

Fire warden records and documentation

Maintain records of your fire warden arrangements:

What to document:

Appointments:

Names of all fire wardens
Areas they're responsible for
Contact details
Date appointed
Backup/deputy wardens

Training:

Training dates and duration
Training provider and course details
Certificates or qualifications achieved
Refresher training completed
Next training due date

Drills and exercises:

Fire drill dates
Fire wardens who participated
Performance notes
Issues identified
Actions taken

Checks and inspections:

Weekly/monthly checks completed by fire wardens
Hazards or defects reported
Remedial actions taken

Key Point

Good records demonstrate that you're taking fire safety seriously. If the fire service inspects, or worse, there's a fire, you'll need to show your fire wardens are appointed, trained, and competent.

Fire wardens and fire risk assessments

Fire wardens are closely linked to your fire risk assessment:

Your fire risk assessment should identify:

The need for fire wardens
How many fire wardens are required
What areas they should cover
What specific duties they have
Training requirements

Fire wardens should:

Understand the fire risk assessment findings
Help implement the fire safety measures it identifies
Report new hazards that should be included in reviews
Participate in fire risk assessment reviews

Tip:

Involve your fire wardens when reviewing your fire risk assessment. They often spot hazards and practical issues that others might miss because they're in the building every day.

Fire wardens in shared or multi-occupied buildings

In buildings with multiple tenants or responsible persons, fire warden arrangements can be complex.

Coordination is essential:

Each occupier should have their own fire wardens for their premises, but they must:

Coordinate with fire wardens from other occupiers
Understand who's responsible for common areas
Have consistent evacuation procedures
Know shared assembly points
Communicate during evacuations

Building managers should:

Provide fire warden training for common areas
Coordinate evacuation procedures
Ensure all occupiers understand their duties
Organize building-wide fire drills

Example: Office building with 5 tenants

Each tenant appoints fire wardens for their office space
Building manager appoints wardens for reception, stairs, and common areas
All fire wardens meet quarterly to coordinate procedures
Building-wide drills held annually

Warning:

In multi-occupied buildings, poor coordination between fire wardens can cause confusion during evacuations. Make sure everyone knows their role and how different areas work together.

Common fire warden mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Appointing fire wardens but providing no training

Untrained fire wardens are worse than useless - they may give incorrect advice or put themselves at risk.

Mistake 2: Training once and never refreshing

Fire safety knowledge fades. Annual refresher training is essential.

Mistake 3: Not having enough fire wardens

One fire warden covering 200 people across three floors cannot effectively coordinate an evacuation.

Mistake 4: Forgetting about absence

Your fire warden is on holiday when the alarm sounds. Do you have backup? Always have deputies.

Mistake 5: Never practicing evacuations

Fire drills reveal whether your fire wardens know what to do. Without practice, you won't know if they're competent.

Mistake 6: Treating it as a tick-box exercise

Fire wardens are there to save lives, not just satisfy legal requirements. Take their role seriously.

Mistake 7: Not giving fire wardens authority

If fire wardens can't enforce fire safety rules or aren't supported by management, they cannot do their job effectively.

Frequently asked questions

No. Fire wardens are not trained firefighters. Their role is to assist evacuation, not to fight fires. They may have basic training on using fire extinguishers for very small fires (e.g., a bin fire), but only if safe to do so. If in doubt, evacuate and call the fire service.

Your employer can reasonably require you to be a fire warden as part of your job duties, provided you're given proper training and it's within your capabilities. Refusing without good reason could be a disciplinary matter. However, if you have genuine reasons you cannot fulfill the role (health issues, disability), discuss this with your employer.

There's no single mandatory certification, but completing a recognized fire warden training course is essential. Many training providers offer certificates showing the individual has completed the course. Keep these certificates as evidence of competence.

This is why you need backup fire wardens and why all staff should receive basic fire safety training. In the absence of fire wardens, the responsible person (or most senior person present) should coordinate the evacuation. This scenario highlights the importance of having enough fire wardens.

Generally, the responsible person is legally liable under the Fire Safety Order. However, fire wardens could face civil claims or even criminal prosecution if they acted recklessly or with gross negligence. If they follow their training and act reasonably, personal liability is very unlikely.

Yes. Charity trustees, committee members, or volunteers managing community buildings have the same fire safety duties as commercial premises. If you need fire wardens, they need proper training, regardless of whether they're paid or volunteers.

While certificates may not have an expiry date, fire warden competence requires annual refresher training. Treat fire warden training as valid for one year, then arrange refresher training.

It's good practice for fire wardens to be easily identifiable, especially during evacuations. Many organizations use high-visibility vests, badges, or armbands marked 'Fire Warden' or 'Fire Marshal.' This helps occupants know who to follow and allows emergency services to quickly identify key people.

Fire warden coverage needs to match when your premises are occupied. For 24-hour premises (care homes, hotels, security staff), you need fire wardens on every shift. For 9-5 offices, you need wardens during those hours. If you hold out-of-hours events, arrange fire warden coverage.

Next steps

Understand your overall fire safety responsibilities:

What is a fire risk assessment? →

Who is the responsible person? →

Learn about supporting people who need assistance:

What is a PEEP? →

Need professional fire warden training for your premises? A qualified fire safety trainer can deliver tailored, practical training courses that meet your specific requirements and ensure your team is competent and confident.

Speak to a professional

Related articles:

Useful tools: