A fire needs three elements to ignite—heat, fuel, and oxygen. This is known as the fire triangle. Without one of these elements, a fire cannot continue. Understanding the fire triangle helps Fire Wardens recognise and address workplace fire hazards effectively. Common hazards include overloaded electrical sockets (heat source), improperly stored flammable materials (fuel), and conditions that allow oxygen to feed a fire. By understanding how fires start, Fire Wardens can take proactive steps to remove or control these elements and prevent fires from occurring.

As a Fire Warden, your proactive duties include: keeping escape routes and fire exits clear of obstructions at all times; ensuring fire extinguishers are accessible, correctly located, and within service dates; reporting faulty alarms or fire detection systems immediately; supporting regular fire alarm testing at the frequency required by local code and manufacturer guidance, and documenting dates, times, and results; monitoring safe storage of flammable materials away from ignition sources; coordinating evacuation drills at least annually (or more frequently if required by local law, insurer, or risk profile); verifying controls for contractors and hot work including permits, fire watches, and housekeeping for combustibles; maintaining records of inspections, drills, and corrective actions; and promoting fire safety awareness among colleagues about behaviours such as not blocking exits or misusing electrical equipment.

When a fire alarm sounds, every second counts. As a Fire Warden, you should: put on your hi-visibility identification; begin evacuation using your designated sweep card or checklist; direct people to the nearest safe exit (knowing alternatives if routes are blocked); check all areas in your zone, including toilets, storage rooms, and meeting spaces; and assist individuals following their Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). Key rules to remember: do not use lifts unless they are designated evacuation elevators under an approved procedure; close doors behind you to slow fire spread; only use a fire extinguisher on a small, contained fire if you are trained, have a clear escape route behind you, and it is safe to do so; and prevent re-entry until emergency services declare the area safe. At the assembly point, take a roll call using up-to-date staff, visitor, and contractor lists, report clearance status and missing persons to the Chief Fire Warden or emergency coordinator, and pass critical information to emergency services.

Inclusive evacuation planning ensures everyone is safe. A buddy system can help colleagues with disabilities or mobility challenges. Support may involve using evacuation chairs, guiding visually impaired persons, or assisting those with temporary mobility issues. Important considerations: use evacuation chairs only if you are trained; ensure refuge areas have two-way communication and a clear handover to responders. The key is planning and practice—personalised evacuation plans (PEEPs or equivalent individualised plans) should be reviewed regularly, kept current and accessible, and colleagues should know how to help before an emergency occurs.

After any fire incident or drill, your first responsibility is to make the area safe—if possible and safe to do so, secure the scene and isolate any affected systems such as power or plant equipment, but don't reset alarms or suppression systems until authorised. Document the event in the workplace fire log, recording the time, location, actions taken, and outcome. Support the investigation by providing access to fire safety records, floor layouts, and if available, preserve CCTV footage and collect witness statements while memories are fresh. Review and update your fire risk assessment and evacuation procedures to reflect lessons learned. Participate in post-incident debriefs involving Fire Wardens, health and safety representatives, and department leads to discuss what went well, what could improve, and define action points. Track actions to closure with owners and due dates, and re-train or brief staff on any changed procedures. Depending on local regulations, you may also need to notify regulators, landlords, or insurers.

Only use a fire extinguisher on a small, contained fire if you are trained, have a clear escape route behind you, and it is safe to do so. Use the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). If in doubt, evacuate immediately. Your primary responsibility as a Fire Warden is to ensure safe evacuation—fighting fires is secondary and should only be attempted when conditions are safe and you are properly trained. Never put yourself at risk, and always prioritise getting everyone out of the building safely.

Fire drills should be coordinated at least annually, or more frequently if required by local law, insurer, or risk profile. Fire alarm testing should be supported at the frequency required by local code and manufacturer guidance (commonly weekly in some regions). All testing and drills must be documented with dates, times, and results. These records provide evidence of fire safety measures and support organisational accountability. Regular drills ensure that all personnel are familiar with evacuation procedures and that any issues with the process can be identified and corrected.

During an emergency, Fire Wardens are usually identifiable by a hi-visibility vest or jacket. When a fire alarm sounds, your first step should be to put on your hi-visibility identification before beginning the evacuation. This helps colleagues and visitors recognise you as someone they should follow for guidance and assistance. The high-visibility clothing ensures you stand out in smoky or chaotic conditions and signals your authority to direct the evacuation process.