Definition
Fire Warden
A fire warden (also called a fire marshal) is a designated person trained to assist with fire safety procedures in a workplace — including conducting evacuation drills, checking escape routes are clear, accounting for occupants at the assembly point, and supporting the responsible person in maintaining fire safety day-to-day. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to appoint a sufficient number of competent, trained fire wardens.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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Find a BFC memberWhat Does a Fire Warden Do?
Fire wardens are the first line of response in a workplace fire emergency. Their role is not to fight fires — it is to ensure that everyone in their designated area evacuates safely and that the building is properly accounted for. During a fire alarm or drill, a fire warden will:
- Direct occupants to leave immediately via designated escape routes
- Carry out a sweep of their designated area — checking toilets, meeting rooms, and other enclosed spaces for anyone who has not evacuated
- Ensure fire doors are closed as they leave (where it is safe to do so) to limit fire spread
- Proceed to the assembly point and report to the chief fire warden or incident controller
- Account for all persons known to be in their area, including visitors and contractors
- Liaise with the fire and rescue service on arrival to provide information on persons unaccounted for
Who Must Appoint Fire Wardens?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to "appoint one or more competent persons to implement [fire safety] procedures" — this is the legal basis for the fire warden role. The fire risk assessment should identify the number of fire wardens needed based on the size of the premises, number of occupants, shift patterns, and the findings of any previous fire drills.
BS 9999 recommends a ratio of approximately one warden per floor in low-risk premises; the ratio should increase in high-occupancy or high-risk environments. There must be sufficient coverage at all times the building is occupied — including early mornings, evenings, and weekends where shift patterns require it.
Fire Warden Training
Fire wardens must be trained to a level appropriate to their role and the risk of the premises. A typical fire warden training course covers:
- The basics of fire behaviour and how fire spreads
- The fire warden's duties under the RRO
- How to recognise the signs of a genuine alarm versus a fault
- Evacuation procedures — directing occupants, sweeping, closing fire doors
- Accounting for occupants at the assembly point
- How to use a fire extinguisher safely (introductory awareness, not full training)
- Communicating with the fire and rescue service
Training should be refreshed regularly — typically every one to three years, or sooner if there are significant changes to the premises, its use, or its occupancy. The BFC offers fire warden training through its member network.
Fire Warden vs. Chief Fire Warden
In larger premises, a chief fire warden (or incident controller) is typically designated to take overall command of the evacuation, receive reports from individual fire wardens, and liaise directly with the fire and rescue service on arrival. The chief fire warden coordinates the response; individual wardens manage their designated zones.
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Article 13)Requires the responsible person to appoint a sufficient number of competent persons to implement procedures for serious and imminent danger
- BS 9999:2017Recommends fire warden roles, responsibilities, and training frequency based on building occupancy and risk
- PAS 79-1:2020Expects fire risk assessments to identify the number of fire wardens needed and confirm their training is current
Related Terms
- Means of EscapeGeneral Fire SafetyMeans of escape are the designated routes — corridors, stairways, emergency exits, and final exit doors — by which building occupants can evacuate safely in a fire without obstruction. Adequate means of escape must be provided in all non-domestic premises under Approved Document B and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and must be identified and assessed in the fire risk assessment.View definition
- Assembly PointGeneral Fire SafetyAn assembly point is a pre-designated location outside a building where occupants gather following an evacuation, enabling the fire warden to account for all staff, contractors, and visitors before the fire and rescue service arrives. Assembly points must be clearly signposted, identified in the fire emergency plan, and positioned away from the building and clear of vehicle access routes.View definition
- Responsible Person (Fire Safety)Fire Regulations & StandardsThe responsible person is the individual or organisation with control of a non-domestic premises who, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire, protect occupants, and maintain fire safety measures — including carrying out or commissioning a suitable fire risk assessment.View definition
- Fire Risk AssessmentFire Risk AssessmentA fire risk assessment is a systematic examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and implement or recommend appropriate fire safety measures. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carried out by a competent person and reviewed regularly — or whenever significant changes occur.View definition
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Fire Regulations & StandardsThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) is the primary fire safety legislation in England and Wales, applying to all non-domestic premises. It places a legal duty on the responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire safety measures, and maintain them effectively. Non-compliance can result in unlimited fines or imprisonment of up to two years.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire warden (also called a fire marshal) is a designated person trained to assist with fire safety procedures in a workplace — including conducting evacuation drills, checking escape routes are clear, accounting for occupants at the assembly point, and supporting the responsible person in maintaining fire safety day-to-day. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to appoint a sufficient number of competent, trained fire wardens.
Requirements for fire warden in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Fire Warden and Means of Escape are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to fire warden. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.