Fire-Protection Systems
A fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe, fire pump or another required life-safety system is impaired or unavailable.
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Temporary Fire-Safety Protection
What Is a Fire Watch?
A Fire Watch is a temporary safety measure used when a building’s normal fire or life-safety protection has been reduced, interrupted or taken out of service.
A Fire Watch does not replace a working fire-protection system.
It provides temporary monitoring of the building while the affected equipment or condition is being repaired. The Fire Watch must remain in place until the required protection has been fully restored.
Why a Fire Watch May Be Required
A Fire Watch may be necessary whenever a condition reduces the normal level of protection provided to a building or its occupants.
Power or Water Supply
Normal or emergency power has been interrupted, or the water supply needed for firefighting systems has been reduced.
Exits and Emergency Access
Required exits, means of egress, fire lanes or emergency-access routes have been blocked, reduced or taken out of service.
Temporary Hazards
Hot work, repeated nuisance alarms or another activity or condition has temporarily increased the risk to the building or its occupants.
Start Immediately
What You Must Do
The building owner or designated representative must begin and maintain the Fire Watch until the affected protection has been restored.
1
Assign Personnel
Use qualified and trained personnel whose assigned duty is to conduct the Fire Watch.
2
Remain at the Building
Fire Watch personnel must remain in attendance while the program is active.
3
Conduct Patrols
Inspect the building or affected areas at the required patrol frequency.
4
Be Ready to Call 9-1-1
Keep a reliable method of direct communication available at all times.
5
Watch for Hazards
Identify hazards, report concerns and alert occupants if evacuation becomes necessary.
6
Maintain the Log
Record patrols and observations and keep the log available at the building.
Required Patrol Frequency
Patrol intervals are based on the building’s use.
Institutional
Every 15 minutes
at all times
Assembly
Every 15 minutes when occupied
Every 60 minutes when unoccupied
Residential / Sleeping
Every 15 minutes from 9 p.m.–8 a.m.
Every 30 minutes from 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Other Occupancies
Every 30 minutes when occupied
Every 60 minutes when unoccupied
Large or complex buildings may require two or more people to complete patrols at the required frequency.
Required Resources
Fire Watch Documents
Download the patrol package or submit the required documentation once the affected system has been repaired.
Fire Watch Program and Log
Download the patrol instructions, required log sheets and building notice. Begin a new log sheet every 24 hours.
Download Program and LogFire Watch Cancellation Form
Once repairs are complete, the servicing technician can submit documentation confirming the current condition of the affected system.
Open Cancellation Form