What a security guard should do when they suspect a fire in a building.

What to do if you suspect a fire: a security guard’s quick guide for Ontario buildings

Imagine you’re on patrol, the hall lights buzz a little, and you catch a wisp of smoke curling from a doorway. Your training kicks in before your brain does. In that moment, there’s a clear, non-negotiable priority: people safety. No heroics, no second-guessing. Just calm, decisive action.

The immediate reaction that saves lives

When a security guard suspects a fire, the first move is to get people out and get help on the line. The correct sequence is simple and powerful: evacuate calmly and call the fire department. In Ontario, that means triggering the fire alarm if it hasn’t already been sounded and dialing 911 to report the situation. The fire department will deploy professionals who can control the spread, coordinate evacuations, and handle any hazards you can’t safely address on your own.

Why calm evacuation matters more than you might think

Panic can spread faster than smoke in a crowded building. If people feel rushed or confused, exits become clogged, aisles turn into bottlenecks, and you end up with injuries you didn’t need. You’re not just guiding people; you’re setting a tone of safety and order. A calm, orderly exit helps ensure everyone—employees, visitors, contractors—knows where to go, how to move, and when to stay put for further instructions.

But notice the emphasis: you don’t rush to conclusions or try to be a hero. You act, you alert, you clear the path, and you let the trained responders do their job.

Why not “investigate” the source right away?

Let me explain this plainly: entering a smoke-filled area is dangerous. Even a well-trained guard can be overwhelmed by heat, smoke inhalation, or sudden fire spread. The risk isn’t theoretical—unseen hazards can hide in stairwells, mechanical rooms, or behind doors. Investigating the source can put you, and others who depend on you, in immediate danger. Your job isn’t to confirm the fire; it’s to ensure everyone exits safely and professionals arrive promptly.

Establishing a solid evacuation plan on the fly

So, you’ve sounded alarms and alerted the fire department. What comes next? Here’s how to keep the evacuation orderly and effective:

• Direct occupants to the nearest safe exit. Point people away from the smoke and toward primary egress routes. If smoke is heavy in one corridor, guide them to the other.

• Use visible signals and clear language. Short, simple instructions work best: “This way to the stairs,” “Face the wall, stay low if there’s smoke,” “Keep moving.”

• Assist those who need help. People with mobility challenges or children may require a bit more guidance or a helping hand. Coordinate with floor wardens or staff to ensure everyone is accounted for.

• Close doors behind you if it’s safe. If you can do so without delaying people, closing doors can slow the fire’s progress and protect escapes.

• Do not use elevators. In many fires, elevators can fail or trap occupants. Direct everyone to stairwells and exterior exits instead.

• Keep exit routes clear. This isn’t the moment to stage a door-stuffing exercise; you want clear, safe pathways for every person.

• Make rapid headcounts at assembly points. Once outside, verify that everyone you’re responsible for is out. If someone is missing, relay the information to fire crews immediately.

What about the rest of the building’s safety plan?

In Ontario, many buildings have a Fire Safety Plan and designated roles like a fire warden or floor warden. Your job, if you’re assigned those duties, is to help execute that plan. That means knowing your building’s assembly point, knowing how to communicate with the fire department and building management, and understanding how to guide others to safety without creating new risks. If you’re a security professional, you should be familiar with your site’s emergency procedures, and you should train with your team so responses feel almost second nature.

After the smoke clears: what happens next

There’s a difference between getting people out and getting them back in safely. Once the fire department takes control, you’ll shift to a support role. This often includes:

• Providing accurate information to responders. Tell them where you saw smoke, the location of the fire, and who might be trapped. The more precise your intel, the faster they can act.

• Securing the perimeter. Keep curious bystanders away from the building and the danger zone. You don’t want a crowd blocking fire lanes or delaying access.

• Coordinating with management. Notify building leadership and, when appropriate, floor supervisors about the status of evacuees, any injuries, and the need for temporary shelter or relocation.

• Supporting accountability. If the site uses roll calls or sign-in sheets, help verify who’s accounted for and who isn’t.

• Waiting for the “all clear.” Re-entry isn’t permitted until fire officials announce it. Until then, don’t re-enter to grab personal items or check on a status update. Your safety and everyone else’s come first.

Training that pays off when it matters

Anyone can study a rulebook, but real readiness shows up in action. For Ontario security personnel, the best preparation includes:

• Regular drills with real-time feedback. Rehearsals of evacuation routes across different floors and shifts help you refine timing and communication.

• Clear understanding of exit routes and assembly points. Maps, signage, and pre-planned routes reduce hesitation.

• Familiarity with alarm and intercom systems. Knowing how to verify an alarm, why the room is designated as a “hot zone,” and how to communicate urgent messages matters.

• Basic life safety skills. While you’re not expected to fight a blaze, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher safely and when to evacuate can be useful in limited, controlled circumstances.

• Collaboration with local fire services. Establish a rapport with the fire department so lines of communication stay open during emergencies.

Common pitfalls to avoid

No one wants to make a misstep in a crisis, but slips happen. Here are a few to watch:

• Delaying evacuation while you “investigate.” Don’t delay life-saving actions for information you can’t safely verify on the spot.

• Giving mixed messages. If others hear conflicting instructions, confusion spreads fast. Keep your commands simple and consistent.

• Overlooking accessibility needs. Failing to assist people with disabilities or mobility limitations can cost lives.

• Re-entering the building too soon. The danger isn’t over when the smoke clears; the scene must be declared safe by professionals.

Real-world touches that make a difference

You’ve probably walked past a fire extinguisher or a sign pointing to an exit dozens of times. It’s one thing to know where they are; it’s another to understand when to use them. Fire extinguishers are for small, contained fires and only if you’ve been trained, and if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk. Beyond that, your primary role is getting people out and notifying the right responders as fast as possible.

You might also notice how a well-trained security team missed nothing during an evacuation drill. They know the building’s quirks—where smoke tends to pool, which doors sometimes jam, where the stairwells lead in different wings. Those little, practical details can save time and prevent chaos when a real alarm sounds.

A few practical reminders you can take with you

• Treat every alarm as real. Even if you’re unsure, act as if you’re facing a true emergency.

• Communicate with calm confidence. Short, clear phrases work best; nothing fancy needed.

• Keep your hands and eyes on the people, not on your phone. Information can wait until you’re safe and the line is clear.

• Learn your building’s layout. If you know the quickest routes to exit, you’ll move people more efficiently.

• Practice, not just read. Run through a guided drill with your team so reactions become automatic.

A quick takeaway for Ontario security professionals

If you suspect a fire, the right move is simple but powerful: evacuate calmly and call the fire department. That single decision protects lives, buys critical time for responders, and reduces the risk of injury or property damage. Everything else—verification, containment, and re-entry—comes after that.

The same logic applies whether you’re guarding a busy office tower, a university campus, or a hospital ward. In Ontario, where safety standards and emergency procedures are designed to protect people, your job is to keep those standards front and center when the heat is on. Stay composed, communicate clearly, and lean on your training and teams. In the end, that approach is what keeps everyone safe when minutes count.

If you’re part of a security team, take a moment to review your building’s evacuation plan, identify assembly points, and check that your radios or intercoms work across all zones. A little preparation beats a frantic scramble every time. And when you’re on patrol, you’ll sleep a little easier knowing you’re ready to act the moment danger appears.

In short: act, alert, and escort. The rest follows. You’ve got this.