Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Fire & Safety Supervisor Roles – 2025

As a fire & safety supervisor, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of individuals and properties in case of any fire emergencies. To assess your skills and experience, here are twenty interview questions and answers that cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. What sparked your interest in fire & safety?
  

  I have always been fascinated by the science behind fire and how it spreads. This interest led me to pursue a degree in fire science and eventually a career as a fire & safety supervisor.

• 2. What motivated you to apply for this position?
  

  I am drawn to this position because it allows me to use my skills and experience to ensure the safety of a wide range of individuals in a variety of settings. I am also intrigued by the opportunity to work with a diverse team and continuously learn and improve my skills.

• 3. How would you describe your leadership style?
  

  I believe in taking a lead-by-example approach. I am hands-on, approachable, and transparent in my communication and decision-making. I also focus on empowering team members and promoting a positive and efficient work environment.

• 4. How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment like a fire emergency?
  

  In high-pressure situations, I rely on my training and experience to assess the severity of the situation and determine the most urgent tasks. I also delegate tasks to my team based on their individual strengths and areas of expertise.

• 5. How do you handle conflicts and disagreements within a team?
  

  I believe in addressing conflicts and disagreements openly and calmly. I first listen to all sides of the issue and then work towards finding a compromise or resolution that is fair and beneficial for all involved.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What steps do you take to conduct a thorough fire risk assessment?
  

  I follow the standard six-step process, which includes identifying potential fire hazards, identifying people at risk, evaluating and removing or reducing risks, recording findings, creating an emergency plan, and reviewing and updating the assessment regularly.

• 7. How do you ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and protocols?
  

  I keep up-to-date with the latest regulations and procedures and ensure that my team is also trained and knowledgeable. Regular drills and inspections are also crucial in maintaining compliance and identifying any gaps that need to be addressed.

• 8. Can you walk us through a successful fire evacuation plan you have implemented in the past?
  

  In my previous role, I developed and implemented a fire evacuation plan for a large shopping mall. This plan included a designated evacuation route, clear signage, and regular drills to familiarize employees and customers with the procedures. We also had designated staff members trained in fire evacuation techniques and communication methods to ensure a smooth and efficient evacuation.

• 9. In your experience, what are some common causes of fires in the workplace?
  

  Some common causes of fires in the workplace include electrical malfunctions, human errors such as improper use of equipment or smoking in prohibited areas, and flammable materials not being properly stored or handled.

• 10. How do you conduct fire safety training for new employees?
  

  I conduct comprehensive fire safety training for all new employees, covering topics such as identifying fire hazards, operation of firefighting equipment, emergency evacuation procedures, and fire prevention best practices. I also provide refresher training to all employees on a regular basis.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult fire emergency?
  

  In my previous role, there was a fire in a chemical storage facility. I remained calm, followed protocol, and ensured the safe evacuation of all individuals before directing the fire brigade to the scene. I also communicated effectively with the authorities and provided them with all the necessary information to handle the situation effectively.

• 12. How do you handle high-stress situations as a fire & safety supervisor?
  

  I have developed the ability to remain calm and focused in high-stress situations through my training and experience. I prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and communicate effectively with my team to ensure the situation is managed efficiently. I also prefer to debrief and discuss any situation after the fact to identify areas for improvement.

• 13. Have you ever implemented a new safety protocol or procedure? How did it go?
  

  Yes, in my current role, I noticed a gap in our fire safety response protocol for disabled individuals. I worked with my team to develop a new procedure, including designated evacuation routes and specific roles for team members designated to assist disabled individuals. The new protocol has been successfully implemented and tested during drills.

• 14. How do you handle a team member who is not following fire safety procedures?
  

  I would first address the issue directly with the team member and remind them of the importance of following procedures for the safety of all individuals. If the behavior continues, I would escalate the issue to their supervisor or HR for further action, while also providing the team member with additional training or guidelines as needed.

• 15. Can you share an example of how you have improved the fire safety procedures in your current workplace?
  

  In my current role, I noticed that the fire extinguishers were not being properly inspected and maintained. I created a checklist for regular inspections and trained team members on proper maintenance techniques. As a result, the number of faulty extinguishers discovered during drills has significantly decreased.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a fire emergency in a crowded public space?
  

  In this situation, I would first remain calm and assess the situation. I would then quickly communicate with my team to initiate an evacuation and notify the fire department. I would also work with security and other staff members to maintain order and direct individuals to designated evacuation routes.

• 17. How would you manage a fire emergency in a building with limited exits?
  

  In this scenario, I would work with my team to identify alternative evacuation routes, such as windows or fire escapes. I would also utilize communication methods, such as intercom systems or alarms, to direct individuals to the safest exit route.

• 18. What would you do if you discovered a critical fire safety violation in the workplace?
  

  If I discovered a critical fire safety violation, I would address the issue with the necessary authorities and my superiors immediately. I would also work to rectify the issue as soon as possible to minimize risk and ensure compliance with regulations.

• 19. How would you handle a situation where you suspect a fire was intentionally started?
  

  If I suspect a fire was intentionally started, I would follow the necessary protocols and inform the authorities. I would also ensure that all individuals are safely evacuated and provide all necessary assistance to the fire department in their investigation.

• 20. How would you ensure that all employees receive necessary fire safety training and are familiar with emergency procedures?
  

  I would develop a comprehensive training program for all employees and conduct regular drills to ensure everyone is adequately trained and familiar with the procedures. I would also communicate the importance of fire safety regularly and provide refresher training as needed.