How to Become a Fire Marshal (Fire Warden)
Being asked to become a fire marshal (often called a fire warden) usually comes with mixed feelings.
On one hand, it’s good to be trusted. On the other… it can feel like a lot of responsibility. And let’s be honest — when alarms start sounding, nobody wants to be guessing what to do.
At Ascend Learning Solutions, we work with businesses across the UK who want fire safety handled properly, not as a tick-box exercise. This guide explains exactly how to become a fire marshal, what the role involves day to day, and how to do it in a way that genuinely keeps people safe.
No fluff. No scare tactics. Just clear, practical guidance.
What Is a Fire Marshal (Fire Warden)?
A fire marshal is a designated person responsible for helping manage fire safety in the workplace.
You’re not there to fight fires. You’re there to:
- Reduce the risk of a fire starting
- Make sure evacuation routes are usable
- Help people leave the building safely
- Act calmly and decisively during an emergency
In reality, the role is about prevention and preparedness. Most of the work happens long before any alarm ever sounds.
We’ve seen plenty of workplaces where everything looked compliant on paper — but in practice, fire exits were blocked, doors wedged open, or procedures misunderstood. That’s where trained fire marshals make a real difference.
Is a Fire Marshal Legally Required in the UK?
UK fire safety law doesn’t give an exact headcount, but the expectation is clear.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers must:
- Carry out a fire risk assessment
- Put suitable fire safety measures in place
- Appoint competent persons to assist with fire safety
In most workplaces, those competent persons are fire marshals.
Enforcing authorities expect to see trained individuals who understand their responsibilities. Simply nominating someone without training is not enough — and it’s something inspectors pick up on very quickly.
Who Can Become a Fire Marshal?
Almost anyone can take on the role, provided they receive proper training.
You do not need:
- A management title
- A health & safety background
- Previous fire service experience
You do need:
- A responsible attitude
- The confidence to speak up about unsafe practices
- The ability to stay calm under pressure
- A clear understanding of fire safety procedures
Some of the best fire marshals we see are people who know the building well and aren’t afraid to challenge “that’s how we’ve always done it”.
How to Become a Fire Marshal: Step-by-Step
1. Complete Fire Marshal Training
Training is essential. It’s what makes you a competent person under UK fire safety law.
A proper fire marshal course covers:
- How fires start and spread (I.e Fire Doors)
- Common workplace fire hazards
- Fire prevention and control measures
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Roles and responsibilities during a fire
- Fire extinguisher awareness (not firefighting)
Courses typically last half a day and can be delivered:
Quality matters here. Good training gives confidence. Poor training creates hesitation — and hesitation is dangerous in an emergency.
2. Understand Your Workplace Fire Risks
Every workplace is different.
An office, a school, a warehouse and a care setting all present very different fire risks, evacuation challenges and vulnerable persons.
As a fire marshal, you should understand:
- Where ignition sources exist
- What materials could fuel a fire
- Which areas are higher risk
- Who may need assistance during evacuation
We’ve seen evacuation plans that looked fine until a drill revealed serious bottlenecks. Knowing your environment properly is key.
3. Get Familiar with the Fire Risk Assessment
Even if you didn’t write it, you must understand it.
Pay close attention to:
- Identified hazards
- Control measures in place
- Emergency procedures
- Fire assembly points
- Your specific responsibilities
If something doesn’t reflect reality — raise it. Fire risk assessments should be living documents, not dusty PDFs no one looks at.
4. Carry Out Day-to-Day Fire Safety Checks
This is where fire marshals add real value.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Checking fire exits are clear
- Ensuring fire doors aren’t wedged open
- Reporting damaged signage or lighting
- Flagging unsafe storage or faulty equipment
- Supporting fire drills and staff awareness
Small issues ignored repeatedly are how serious incidents happen. Consistency is what keeps people safe.
What Does a Fire Marshal Do During an Emergency?
If a fire alarm activates, your role is to:
- Stay calm and follow procedures
- Encourage immediate evacuation
- Check designated areas if it is safe to do so
- Close doors to limit fire spread
- Report to the assembly point
- Pass information to emergency services if required
You are not expected to:
- Investigate fires
- Put yourself at risk
- Re-enter the building once evacuated
Fire safety is about protecting lives, not taking unnecessary chances.
How Often Should Fire Marshal Training Be Refreshed?
Best practice is:
- Refresher training every 1–3 years
Training should be renewed sooner if:
- The building layout changes
- Work activities change
- New risks are introduced
- There has been a fire or near miss
Fire safety evolves. So should your knowledge.
How Ascend Learning Can Help
At Ascend Learning Solutions, we deliver UK-compliant fire marshal training that’s practical, engaging, and grounded in real workplace scenarios.
Our courses are designed to:
- Build confidence, not confusion
- Focus on real risks, not theory overload
- Help people understand why procedures matter
- Support employers in meeting legal duties properly
If you want fire marshals who genuinely understand their role — not just names on a spreadsheet — we can help.
We also offer tailored courses to your industry including fire marshals in case homes, as its important to consider the needs of the occupants of the building.
Final Word
Becoming a fire marshal is about stepping up when it matters.
With the right training and mindset, it’s a role that:
- Protects colleagues
- Strengthens workplace safety culture
- Provides calm leadership during emergencies
Do it properly. Stay alert. Keep learning.
That’s how fire safety actually works.