FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is fire watch?
Fire watch is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the fire safety of a property is monitored in the event that there becomes an increased risk to persons or property when fire protection systems are not functioning. The term "fire watch" is also used to describe personnel whose sole responsibility is to detectfires and other hazards within a building, specific area, or premises.
According to Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, fire watch is a, “temporary measure intended to ensure a continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or a portion thereof by one or more qualified individuals for the purpose of controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of unwanted fire, raising an alarm of fire, and notifying the fire department.”
What is the purpose of Fire Watch?
The purpose of fire watch is to provide temporary supervision of a property in order to identify and control any fire hazards, as well as to detect early signs of unwanted fire and initiate alarms or evacuation procedures.
When is a fire watch required?
A fire watch is required under any of the following circumstances:
- When the building’s fire protection system is scheduled to be out of service for four (4) or more hours within a 24-hour period.
- When the building's fire protection system is shutdown in whole or part (e.g. sprinkler system malfunction or fire alarm failure) due to an emergency impairment.
- When the Fire Marshal deems it is essential for public safety, such as in a place of gathering due to the number of persons or the nature of performance whether it be an exhibition, display, contest, or activity.
What are the duties of fire watch personnel?
Fire watch personnel are required to be alert to any hazardous activity that is taking place other than when the property is open to the public, and whenever any fire protection systems may be out of service. In addition to constantly monitoring the site, fire watch personnel are expected to correct any hazards found, such as removing obstructions to exits, contacting the fire department, extinguishing small fires, activating fire alarms, and assisting with emergency evacuation procedures of the public. Fire watch personnel are required to patrol their areas at 30-minute intervals (unless specified otherwise by the Fire Marshal) and submit a written log (ASAP FIREWATCH, LLC also provides a video log) that contains real-time status of the property.
How long can a fire watch remain in effect?
Generally, a fire watch is a temporary means to provide an extra level of safety or to substitute an out-of-service life safety system. It can range from a few days to a few weeks. A fire watch may not be used as a technique to avoid or delay the installation of a required fire sprinkler, fire alarm, or other life safety system. The Fire Marshal will assess the property and provide feedback with regards to expected length of a fire watch.
Who is responsible for the property?
The owner of the property is responsible to designate a representative when he or she is not present at the site if a property manager has not previously been assigned. The representative is required to notify the following individuals when a fire safety system is not functioning or hazards are present:
- Fire alarm monitoring company (if applicable)
- Local fire department
- Building’s property insurance carrier
- Local Fire Marshal