Most workplace fires start small: an overloaded socket, a heater left on, a bin that catches light. What happens in the first few minutes decides whether it becomes a near miss or a disaster. That is where your fire marshal comes in. Understanding fire marshal duties helps every organisation stay compliant, calm and ready when the alarm sounds.
In this guide we cover what a fire marshal does, what UK fire safety law expects, how many fire marshals you need and how to train for the role. Whether you work in a care home, a hotel, a restaurant, on a construction site or in an office, this is one of the most valuable responsibilities you can take on.
What is a fire marshal?
A fire marshal (often called a fire warden) is a member of staff who has been appointed and trained to support fire safety in the building. They are not firefighters. Day to day, their role is preventive; in an emergency, it is organisational: they help raise the alarm, guide people out, check their area and report to the assembly point.
Many organisations use the two titles interchangeably. What matters is that the person is trained, known to colleagues and present on every shift.
What UK fire safety law says
In England and Wales, fire safety in non-domestic premises falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It places duties on the “responsible person” – usually the employer, owner or building manager – including carrying out a fire risk assessment and setting up emergency procedures.
Article 15 requires the responsible person to nominate a sufficient number of competent persons to carry out evacuation procedures. In practice, that is the legal basis for the fire marshal role. “Competent” means having enough training, experience or knowledge – which is why proper training matters.
Since 1 October 2023, section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 has required all responsible persons to record their full fire risk assessment and their fire safety arrangements in writing. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own legislation with similar principles. For official detail, check gov.uk and your local fire and rescue service.
Key fire marshal duties
Exact responsibilities depend on your premises and procedures, but typically include:
- Routine checks: clear escape routes, fire doors closed (never wedged open), visible signage and extinguishers in place.
- Spotting hazards: damaged cables, poorly stored flammable materials, overloaded extension leads.
- Taking part in fire drills and noting what worked and what did not.
- Leading evacuation of their zone: raising the alarm, directing people to exits and sweeping rooms where it is safe to do so.
- Reporting at the assembly point: confirming the area is clear or flagging anyone unaccounted for.
- Using an extinguisher only on a small fire, only if trained and only with a safe exit behind them.
The golden rule: people matter more than property. A good fire marshal never takes unnecessary risks.
Fire marshals in health and social care
In care homes and hospitals, evacuation is rarely as simple as “everybody out”. Many residents cannot move independently, live with dementia or rely on equipment. That is why many settings use progressive horizontal evacuation, moving residents from one fire compartment to another protected compartment on the same floor.
Care fire marshals need to know each resident’s personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP), the evacuation aids available and how staffing changes on night shifts. If you work in care, our overview of mandatory training in UK care explains where fire safety fits in.
How many fire marshals do you need?
The law does not set a fixed number. It asks for a “sufficient number”, based on your fire risk assessment. Many industry guides use rough starting ratios, such as about one fire marshal per 50 staff in low-risk premises, one per 20 at medium risk and one per 15 at high risk.
More important than the ratio is real-world cover. Ask yourself:
- Is there at least one fire marshal on every floor or zone?
- Is every shift covered, including nights and weekends?
- Who steps in during holidays and sickness?
- How many visitors, customers or vulnerable people are usually on site?
How to become a fire marshal
- Tell your manager you are interested – most organisations welcome reliable volunteers.
- Complete a fire marshal course covering the law, how fire behaves, extinguisher types, prevention and evacuation.
- Learn your building’s procedures: alarms, exits, assembly point and fire compartments.
- Take part in drills and ask for feedback.
- Refresh your training regularly, in line with your organisation’s policy.
The role shows employers you are dependable and ready for responsibility – a real advantage when applying for senior or team leader posts. Read more in our guide to business skills that boost your career.
How Rafidin Education helps
Rafidin Education offers practical online courses to prepare you and your team for fire marshal duties and wider workplace safety:
- Fire Marshal (220 minutes): the law, prevention, extinguishers and your role in evacuation.
- Working Safely (150 minutes): health and safety essentials for every employee.
- Fire Safety and Health & Safety Essentials, in our Health & Safety category.
Every course is CPD accredited, available in English and Romanian, studied online at your own pace, with an instant certificate on completion. You can also book 1:1 career consultancy, and employers can use our B2B packages to train whole teams quickly with clear records.
Do not wait for the next fire drill to find out what to do. Start the Fire Marshal course today, or get in touch to arrange training for your team.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fire marshal a legal requirement in the UK?
In England and Wales, the responsible person must nominate enough competent persons to carry out evacuation procedures. The exact number depends on your fire risk assessment, but almost every employer needs at least one trained person.
Is a fire marshal the same as a fire warden?
In most workplaces, yes. Both titles describe the trained member of staff who supports fire prevention and evacuation.
How long does fire marshal training take?
Rafidin Education’s Fire Marshal course takes around 220 minutes online, at your own pace, with an instant certificate when you finish.
