FIRE SAFETY TRAINING IN DEVON & THE SOUTH WEST

Practical fire extinguisher training with supervised live fire exercise

Practical Fire Warden training combining essential fire safety knowledge with hands-on extinguisher use on controlled live fires. Delivered at your workplace across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the South West.

FIRE WARDEN & PRACTICAL TRAINING

Fire Warden Training with Live Fire Extinguisher Practice

Our Fire Warden Training with Practical Fire Extinguisher Use combines essential workplace fire safety knowledge with supervised, hands-on experience using fire extinguishers on a controlled live fire.

Designed for appointed Fire Wardens, Fire Marshals, supervisors and other employees with fire safety responsibilities, this course develops an understanding of fire prevention, evacuation procedures and safe extinguisher operation.

Training can be arranged for workplace groups across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the South West, with practical arrangements agreed in advance to suit your premises and training requirements.

COURSE CONTENT

What You'll Learn

A combination of essential Fire Warden knowledge and practical extinguisher experience.

Understanding Fire

The fire triangle, how fires start and spread, common ignition sources, smoke hazards and the different classes of fire.

Fire Hazards & Prevention

Identifying workplace hazards, recognising unsafe practices and taking appropriate steps to reduce fire risks.

Fire Warden Responsibilities

The role of appointed Fire Wardens, routine safety checks, reporting hazards and supporting workplace fire procedures.

Emergency Evacuation

Raising the alarm, following evacuation procedures, supporting safe escape and communicating during an emergency.

Fire Extinguisher Selection

Understanding extinguisher types, their intended uses, limitations and when attempting to use an extinguisher would be unsafe.

Practical Live Fire Training

Supervised practice handling and operating suitable extinguishers on a controlled training fire, with safety briefings and instructor guidance.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Practical Fire Extinguisher Training

Knowing which extinguisher to use is one thing. Handling one safely under controlled conditions provides a different learning experience.

The practical element gives delegates an opportunity to become familiar with extinguisher handling, operation and safe-use principles under instructor supervision.

  • Pre-exercise safety briefing
  • Recognising when not to tackle a fire
  • Identifying suitable extinguishers
  • Correct handling and operating technique
  • Supervised controlled live-fire practice
  • Review and feedback after the exercise

SAFE TRAINING ARRANGEMENTS

Controlled Training at Your Workplace

Practical extinguisher exercises require a suitable training area, appropriate equipment and safe operating arrangements.

Before confirming your booking, we will discuss the proposed location, available outdoor space, delegate numbers and practical training requirements.

Important: Live-fire training is subject to a suitable site, risk assessment, equipment and instructor arrangements. Practical exercises are controlled training activities, not permission or encouragement to fight a real workplace fire.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Who Is This Course For?

For organisations that want to combine Fire Warden responsibilities with supervised practical extinguisher experience.

Appointed Fire Wardens

Staff responsible for supporting fire prevention and evacuation arrangements within their workplace.

Supervisors & Managers

Team leaders and managers who need a clearer understanding of fire safety responsibilities and equipment.

Workplace Teams

Businesses seeking additional practical fire safety experience for selected staff as part of their workplace training programme.

WORKPLACE RESPONSIBILITIES

Fire Safety Training & Your Legal Duties

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires responsible persons to provide appropriate fire safety information, instruction and training.

Training should reflect the workplace fire risk assessment, employee duties and emergency arrangements.

Practical extinguisher training may provide useful additional experience where appropriate, but it is not a universal legal requirement for every employee or Fire Warden.

LOCAL GROUP BOOKINGS

Practical Fire Training Across Devon

Optimal First Aid provides workplace training across Exeter, Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Torbay, Teignbridge, the South Hams and surrounding areas.

We can also discuss group bookings throughout Cornwall, Somerset and the wider South West.

For practical fire training, please include details of your premises and available outdoor space when making an enquiry.

OTHER FIRE SAFETY COURSES

Looking for Training Without Live Fire?

We also offer classroom-based fire safety courses for workplace groups.

Fire Warden Training

For appointed staff who need to understand their responsibilities, fire prevention and safe evacuation, without the additional live-fire exercise.

View Fire Warden Training →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Practical Fire Extinguisher Training FAQs

Common questions about Fire Warden training with live-fire extinguisher practice.

Does this course include live fire extinguisher practice?

Yes. The course is designed to combine Fire Warden training with supervised extinguisher practice on a controlled training fire, subject to suitable equipment and site arrangements.

Is practical extinguisher training included in your standard Fire Warden course?

No. Our standard Fire Warden course covers extinguisher awareness and safe-use principles. This additional course includes the practical live-fire training element.

Can the practical training take place at our premises?

Potentially, yes. We will need to confirm suitable space, access, safety arrangements and equipment before agreeing to onsite live-fire exercises.

Do delegates need previous experience?

No previous extinguisher experience is required. Delegates receive instruction and a safety briefing before taking part in supervised exercises.

How long does the course take?

The duration depends on the number of learners, course content and practical training arrangements. We will confirm the planned duration when preparing your quotation.

Will everyone get to use an extinguisher?

The course is intended to provide supervised practical experience. Individual participation will depend on the agreed exercise plan, safe conditions and instructor assessment. Please discuss your requirements before booking.

Does the course qualify staff to fight workplace fires?

No course removes the need to prioritise personal safety, raise the alarm and follow workplace evacuation procedures. Any workplace policy on extinguisher use must reflect its fire risk assessment and emergency arrangements.

Can training be tailored to our workplace?

Yes. We can discuss your industry, fire hazards, evacuation procedures and practical training objectives when arranging the course.

ARRANGE PRACTICAL FIRE TRAINING

Book Fire Warden Training with Practical Extinguisher Use

Tell us your location, approximate learner numbers, available outdoor space and preferred dates for a no-obligation quotation.

Request a Training Quote →
EXCELLENT
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Based on 306 reviews
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Martin Stronach profile picture
Martin Stronach
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Having recently completed my FREC 3 re-qualification with Toby Osbourne at Optimal First Aid; I can sincerely say. ​Three years ago, when I first completed FREC 3 with a different provider, the mindset was strictly transactional, it was treated as a box-ticking exercise just to secure the licence required for my field. ​Fast forward to today, and my perspective has completely shifted. FREC 3 isn't just about maintaining a licence to operate; it’s about honing a vital skill set. Toby and the team at Optimal First Aid reinforced this from day one. ​Within just two days of training, I felt more competent, confident, and current in my scope of practice than I have in the last three years. ​Same qualification, but a completely different level of delivery: ​Realistic Scenarios: The practical exercises are as close to real-life operations as it gets. ​Exceptional Instruction: The level of knowledge and teaching standard is truly commendable. ​Exceptional equipment: Fully operational, kit, required for first responders. ​Realistic Props: Immersive scenario setups, reinforceing the realities of operational environments. ​Toby and Optimal First Aid have completely transformed my approach. FREC 3 isn't a means to an end, when taught correctly, it ensures operators are mentally and physically prepared to handle real emergencies effectively. A massive thank you Toby, and I will definitely be back for subsequent training. I can wholeheartedly reccomend Toby, and Optimal First Aid to anyone looking to excel as a Responder.
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becky walker profile picture
becky walker
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I’ve done my FREC 3 course this week and wow! Absolutely amazing! Very impressed with delivery, equipment availability, knowledge of the instructor! Highly recommend! Thank you to the team @optimalfirstaid!
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Diako Serwd profile picture
Diako Serwd
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Absolutely amazing FREC 3 course . Toby kept us engaged throughout the whole course and had a lot of hands on training. This course ISNT PowerPoint death . Will definitely be back for my FREC 4
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J Stelfox profile picture
J Stelfox
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Fantastic experience on the 5 day FREC 3 course. Toby delivers the content in away that keep you constantly engaged and every practical scenario has something new and challenging to focus on. Very supportive environment with so much to learn. Thank you for the experience it has been very valuable!
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Joe Newton profile picture
Joe Newton
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Extremely well run FREC-3 course, very engaging and would highly recommend. Feel very confident following the course putting it all into practise
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Sophie Edwards profile picture
Sophie Edwards
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Really enjoyed completing my FREC 3 course with Optimal First Aid. The instructors were knowledgeable, friendly and made the whole course enjoyable while still keeping it professional and challenging. There was a good mix of theory and hands-on training, and everything was explained clearly with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practise the skills. I came away feeling much more confident in dealing with different situations. Would definitely recommend Optimal First Aid to anyone looking to complete their FREC 3.
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Lianne Evans profile picture
Lianne Evans
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Today I took part in a first aid course with optimal first aid limited. It was thorough, informative and engaging. Our trainer, Toby was friendly and professional.
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Suzy Crane profile picture
Suzy Crane
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Fantastic explanations given during this First Aid training in Devon. Best I’ve had.
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Ethan Paynter profile picture
Ethan Paynter
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Excellent day of First aid training. Toby came out to our work place and was very competent in his delivery. All content was very well taught. There was a real emphasis on being practical and hands on especially with the CPR training and AED training. Im confident I can apply what ive learnt today Would recommend
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Chloe Lee profile picture
Chloe Lee
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Great first aid training, informative, fun and hugely helpful.
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