Cherry Hinton Baptist Church
Fire Marshal – Role Description
Latest version: May 2026
Designated Fire Marshals:
Nic Boyns, Jo Boyns, Alison Hallam, Casey Png, Tim Wylie, Ruth Woodgate, Stephen Hall
Role Summary
The Fire Marshals are collectively responsible for assisting with the safe and orderly evacuation of the church building in the event of a fire or other emergency during a service or church event. Fire Marshals act as key safety stewards, supporting the congregation and liaising with emergency services as needed.
Note: The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for the church’s Fire Risk Assessment and for ensuring fire safety systems are in place and maintained.
Responsibilities Before an Emergency
- Familiarise themselves with all fire exits, escape routes, extinguishers, and fire alarm points, including how to unlock or unbolt any relevant exits.
- Be aware of vulnerable individuals in the church family who may require assistance in the event of a fire.
Responsibilities During an Emergency
- Clearly raise the alarm by loudly calling “FIRE!” and instruct the congregation to evacuate immediately.
- Open both the glass doors and main entrance doors at the front of the church.
- In winter, move the sofa to clear access to the glass doors. Continue directing able-bodied individuals through alternative exits during this time.
- Open the fire exit doors at the rear of the church.
- Direct people calmly and assertively toward the nearest safe exit.
- Each Fire Marshal should check the area closest to where they are seated:
- Rear Marshal: Check the back room and rear toilet.
- Kitchen Marshal: Check the kitchen and adjacent toilet.
- Main Hall Marshals: Ensure central aisles and pews are clear.
- Ensure individuals with limited mobility or additional needs are receiving help. This may include:
- Asking someone to push those in a wheelchair to expedite evacuation.
- Ensuring someone brings a rollator (or other walking assistance devices) to those in need.
- Proactively check that known individuals with needs are supported.
- The first available marshal to exit the building should immediately dial 999 and report the fire.
- Direct evacuees safely across the road to the designated assembly point: by the bench on the green.
- Once there, organise people into a loose circle and encourage everyone to:
- Look around and identify who may be missing.
- Share names of anyone they know was in church but is not present.
- Await the arrival of the fire service and provide any necessary information.
Post-Evacuation Actions
- Notify the Health and Safety Officer of any issues or concerns during the evacuation.
- Record any known missing persons (and inform Fire Services) or safety breaches.
- Debrief briefly with other marshals if appropriate.
Safety First
- Fire Marshals must only perform the above tasks if it is safe to do so. No Fire Marshal is expected to endanger their own safety during an evacuation.
- If Fire Marshals are limited in number, they may request assistance from other able-bodied attendees to carry out checks or assist with individuals requiring support.