What Is a Fire Watch and When Do You Need One?
A fire watch is a trained person who patrols a building and looks for fire hazards when its sprinkler or alarm system is out of service, or while hot work such as welding is under way. The local fire marshal or authority having jurisdiction decides when one is required. Fire watch officers on XGuard typically cost $30 to $50 an hour.
What does a fire watch do?
A fire watch officer walks the building on a set schedule, looks for signs of fire, smoke or overheating, and raises the alarm and calls the fire department at the first sign of trouble. Their job is early detection while the normal protection is not working. They do not fight large fires. They keep clear access to exits and report hazards to the building manager.
When is a fire watch needed?
The common triggers are a sprinkler system that has been shut off for repair or maintenance, a fire alarm system that is out of service, and hot work such as welding, cutting or grinding that could start a fire. Fire watches are also used on some construction sites and after a fire, when the building may reignite. Fire watch for an impaired sprinkler or alarm system comes from National Fire Protection Association standard 25 and the International Fire Code. Hot work is covered by National Fire Protection Association standard 51B, and construction, alteration and demolition sites by standard 241. Local rules may add more.
Who decides that you need one?
The authority having jurisdiction decides. That is usually the local fire marshal or fire department, and it can also be a building official. Rules vary by city and state, and so do the details such as how long patrols must run and what training the person needs. When your system is impaired, call the fire marshal or fire department and ask what is required. Do not assume. A fire watch is often a condition of keeping a building occupied.
What must a fire watch record?
A fire watch keeps a log of each round: the date and time, the areas checked, anything found and what was done about it. Authorities often ask to see that log, and it shows that the watch was kept without gaps. The watch continues until the system has been restored and the authority releases the requirement. Make sure the person is dedicated to the task and not assigned other duties that distract them.
How do you hire one?
Describe the building, the hours and what the authority requires. On XGuard, fire watch officers are independent professionals who are identity-verified and license-checked before listing, and you see each person's rate first. Typical fire watch rates are $30 to $50 an hour, and since a watch may run around the clock, cost is the hourly rate times the hours until the system is restored. Short notice can add a premium. Payment is held until the work is complete.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The most common mistake is waiting. If a sprinkler system is shut down or an alarm panel fails, check with the local fire marshal that day to learn whether a fire watch is required, rather than discovering it during an inspection. A second mistake is using someone who has other duties. A fire watch needs to concentrate on patrols and the log, not answer phones or run a till.
A third is a gap in coverage. If the requirement is round the clock, plan the shifts so that one person is always on duty, and plan relief for breaks. A fourth is stopping too soon. The watch normally continues until the authority releases the requirement, even if the repair crew has gone home.
Finally, keep the paperwork. Store the log with your maintenance records and keep the name of the official who approved the end of the watch. If a question arises later, you will be able to show what was done.
Remember that a fire watch is a requirement of your local authority, not a favor. Treat the instructions you receive from the fire marshal as the final word, and keep the contact details of the official handy in case the situation changes.
Related questions
How long does a fire watch last?
Until the fire protection system is restored and the local authority releases the requirement. That can be hours or weeks.
Can a regular employee be the fire watch?
Sometimes, if the authority allows and the person is trained and dedicated to the task. Ask the fire marshal what applies.
Is a fire watch the same as a security guard?
Not exactly. A fire watch focuses on fire hazards, though many fire watch officers are also licensed guards.
Can I get a fire watch the same day?
That depends on who is available near you at the time. Booking early gives more choice.
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