Here at The Fire House Group, this is a common question that we answer.

For any business, fire drills are a vital part of ensuring the safety of staff, customers, and visitors. But how often should you conduct them—and are there legal requirements to consider?

We work with businesses across the UK to ensure their fire safety practices aren’t only compliant but also effective. A well-executed fire drill could make all the difference in a real emergency.

Why Fire Drills Matter

Fire drills help prepare your team to act quickly and safely in the event of a fire. They test your fire evacuation plan, highlighting any potential issues with exits, signage, or alarms, and ensure everyone understands their role in an emergency.

Importantly, they also ensure your fire safety procedures work in practice, and not just on paper. If you’ve never tested your evacuation route under pressure, how confident can you be that it works?

How Often Should Fire Drills Be Conducted?

UK guidance recommends at least one fire drill every 12 months. However, for many workplaces—especially those with high occupancy, public foot traffic, or more complex layouts—twice a year is considered best practice.

Some businesses, such as schools, hospitals, or care homes, may benefit from even more frequent drills due to the vulnerability of the people on-site.

If your business has recently:

• Moved premises

• Hired a significant number of new employees

• Changed your fire evacuation plan

• Installed new fire detection systems or fire doors

Then it’s a good idea to run a drill soon after to ensure everyone understands the new arrangements.

Who Should Take Part in Fire Drills?

Everyone.

Your entire team should be involved in fire drills, ideally without prior notice, to get a true measure of how people respond. Fire marshals and safety officers should have clear responsibilities, and you should always record the drill, including timings and any issues noted.

If you’re unsure whether your fire marshals are adequately trained or whether your emergency plan is up to date, explore our Fire Risk Assessments and training options to stay compliant and confident.

Fire Drill Best Practices

• Make it as realistic as possible (but ensure everyone knows it’s a drill)

• Time how long it takes for everyone to evacuate

• Check that fire exits, lighting, and alarms function properly

• Hold a debrief afterwards to address any concerns

• Keep a record of the drill for your fire safety log

Need Help With Fire Safety?

If you’re not sure whether your fire drills are effective—or even if your evacuation plan meets current standards—we can help. The Firehouse Group offers tailored fire safety services for businesses, including fire extinguisher servicing, fire alarm maintenance, and expert guidance.

Visit our Contact Page to speak with our team today.