What is a fire watch?
A fire watch is a temporary risk-control measure used when required by the applicable procedure or AHJ. It generally involves designated people actively observing an affected building or area so that fire hazards or signs of fire can be identified quickly, the alarm can be raised and emergency services can be notified.
A fire watch does not repair an impaired system and should not become a substitute for prompt restoration. Its purpose is to reduce risk during a defined temporary condition.
When might a fire watch be required?
Fire watches are commonly associated with impairments to fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe or other fire-protection systems, and may also be used for particular hazardous activities. The trigger, scope and duration vary by jurisdiction, building, system, occupancy and impairment.
How to organize a building fire watch
- Define the impairment. Identify exactly what is out of service, the affected area and when the impairment began.
- Confirm the required measures. Follow the building’s approved procedures and AHJ direction.
- Assign sufficient trained personnel. The number of people and patrol arrangement should match the size, layout and conditions of the affected area.
- Provide reliable communication. Fire-watch personnel need a clear way to raise the building alarm when applicable and contact emergency services without delay.
- Set the patrol route and expectations. Cover the affected areas as required, including spaces where fire or smoke could develop without being promptly detected.
- Control avoidable hazards. Limit ignition sources and other activities as directed during the impairment.
- Document the watch. Record personnel, times, areas checked, observations and actions.
- End only when authorized. Confirm the impaired system or condition has been restored and required notifications are complete.
The handbook puts fire watches in context with system impairments, alarm and sprinkler systems, records, contractor management, emergency procedures and restoration.
View the Fire Safety Handbook →Typical fire-watch duties
- Maintain the required surveillance of the assigned area.
- Watch for smoke, fire, unusual heat, burning odours and unsafe conditions.
- Keep exits and access routes available.
- Know how to raise the alarm and notify the fire department.
- Do not perform unrelated duties that interfere with the watch.
- Record patrols and report deficiencies or changing conditions promptly.
What should the fire-watch log contain?
A simple log should identify the building, affected system or condition, start time, assigned personnel, patrol times or continuous coverage records as required, areas checked, observations, actions taken and the time the watch ended. Keep the log with the building’s impairment and service documentation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting a watch without defining the affected area or duties.
- Using a person who cannot maintain the required surveillance because of other work.
- Failing to provide a reliable method to raise the alarm and call emergency services.
- Assuming a fire watch allows repair work to be delayed indefinitely.
- Stopping the watch before restoration is confirmed or the AHJ/approved procedure permits it.
- Keeping no written record of the watch.
Authoritative references and further reading
This guide is educational and intentionally jurisdiction-neutral. Always follow the requirements that apply to your building, including adopted codes and standards, approved procedures, manufacturer instructions and direction from the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).