Fire safety is one of the most serious emergencies that security guards may face. As a security guard, your primary responsibility is to protect people and property, and fire can destroy both in seconds.

You are often the first person to detect a fire, so knowing how to react quickly, confidently, and safely is critical.

 Fire Hazards and Prevention

Your role includes monitoring fire hazards, identifying risks, and responding effectively. Fires can be triggered by several causes, and often, smoke inhalation causes more deaths than flames. Toxic gases spread quickly through buildings and can be fatal in minutes.

Key fire hazards include:

• Poor housekeeping – cluttered spaces, unattended materials
• Poor maintenance – faulty wiring, damaged equipment
• Improper usage – using appliances or chemicals incorrectly
• Arson – intentional fire setting
• Spontaneous combustion – buildup of heat in materials like oily rags or hay

Fire prevention tip: Always remain alert and report any unusual conditions. Prevention is the best way to handle a fire.

 Fire Triangle – 3 Essential Elements of Fire

Fire requires the following three elements:

1. Fuel – Combustible materials like paper, wood, petrol, etc.
2. Heat – An Ignition source that raises the material’s temperature
3. Oxygen (Air) – Fire needs oxygen to grow (present in the atmosphere)

Remove one of these, and the fire dies.

 Fire Classification

Understanding fire classes helps you choose the right extinguisher:

 Types of Fire Extinguishers & Their Uses

Security guards must be trained to use fire extinguishers safely and correctly.

Remember: Use the correct fire extinguisher for the fire type. Wrong usage can worsen the situation.

PASS Method – How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Always follow the PASS method:

• P – Pull the safety pin
• A – Aim at the base of the fire
• S – Squeeze the handle
• S – Sweep from side to side

Emergency Procedures & Fire Safety Plans

Every site must have an emergency response plan including:

• Evacuation routes
• Contact persons in emergencies
• Firefighting equipment locations

As a security guard, you should:

• Know the fire safety plan of your site
• Read and regularly review it
• Know your specific role during emergencies
• Inform supervisors if no plan exists
• Suggest improvements if you see risks

Tip: Don’t wait for a fire to happen to learn your responsibilities.

Fire Safety Equipment & Site Awareness

Familiarize yourself with:

• Fire doors – prevent fire spread
• Fire exits – clear escape routes
• Panic bars – quick door release during evacuation
• Fire blankets – for small fires or burning clothing
• Hose cabinets – water supply for firefighting
• Standpipe system – used by civil defense to support sprinklers

 Firefighting Techniques

• There are three main methods to extinguish fires:
• Cooling – Reduces heat (e.g., water)
• Smothering – Cuts off oxygen (e.g., fire blankets, foam)
• Starvation – Removes fuel (e.g., turning off gas valves)

Fire Prevention Tips for Security Guards

• Be alert to changes in surroundings
• Ensure fire exits are always accessible
• Report damaged or faulty equipment
• Never ignore a fire alarm—assume it’s real
• Support civil defense by knowing the building’s fire systems

Final Advice

Security guards are not firefighters, but your early response can save lives. A small fire can become a major disaster if not addressed quickly. Know your tools, your environment, and your role.