Fire Marshal - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The American definition of a fire marshal should not be confused with that used in the United Kingdom. Fire marshals (sometimes known as "fire wardens") are civilians trained to assist in fire evacuation procedures at businesses and other organizations, usually employees.

There is no direct equivalent to a US fire marshal in the United Kingdom. The enforcement and Investigation role are carried out by two separate professionals known as Fire Investigators and Fire Inspectors.

Fire Investigators are highly trained and experienced firefighters or fire officers, who investigate cases of arson and other fire incidents where the cause of the fire is unclear or disputed. Fire investigations can also be carried out by Police Scenes of Crime Officers. Fire Investigators do not fulfill a direct law enforcement role, but instead act as expert witnesses in any prosecutions brought forward by the Police or Fire Service.

The enforcement of fire safety legislation is undertaken by Fire Safety Inspectors, or Fire Safety Officers as they are sometimes known.

UK Fire Officers do not have powers of arrests, but can place subjects under caution and prosecute anyone who has failed to comply with fire safety law. They also have the authority to close unsafe premises and investigate any actual perceived fire safety offence. They have substantial powers of entry. Most Fire Inspectors are experienced firefighters / fire officers, but there are also several civilian fire inspectors.