Fire alarms and sprinkler systems are designed to protect people and property around the clock. When those systems are impaired or taken offline, a building can be left without its usual early warning. A fire watch helps fill that gap.
This guide covers the general situations where fire watch coverage is used in British Columbia and how to arrange it.
What Is a Fire Watch?
A fire watch is a dedicated person, or team, assigned to look for signs of fire and raise the alarm if something goes wrong. Fire watch guards walk the property on a regular schedule, check higher-risk areas and make sure occupants and emergency services can be alerted quickly.
It is a temporary measure meant to keep a building protected until its fire safety systems are fully working again.
Common Situations That Call for a Fire Watch
Fire watch coverage is often arranged in situations such as:
- Sprinkler systems that are impaired, shut down or under repair
- Fire alarm systems that are offline or not monitoring properly
- Construction or renovation work, including hot work
- Planned maintenance on fire protection equipment
- Following a fire or other damage to the building
- Events or temporary uses that change how a space is occupied
Who Decides When a Fire Watch Is Needed?
Fire watch requirements are set by the local fire authority and by the building owner’s fire safety plan. The details can vary from one municipality and building to another, so property owners and managers should always confirm the specific requirements with their local fire department and refer to their own fire safety plan.
Once those requirements are clear, a security provider can help put the right coverage in place quickly. Having a plan ready before planned shutdowns or maintenance makes the process much smoother for everyone involved.
What Fire Watch Guards Do on Site
A professional fire watch guard stays alert and focused on fire risk throughout the shift. Duties typically include walking set routes, checking for smoke, heat or hazards, keeping exits and access routes clear, and recording each patrol in a detailed log.
If a fire or hazard is found, the guard alerts emergency services and occupants right away. For properties that also need broader protection, fire watch can be combined with patrol security services.
Arranging Fire Watch Coverage in BC
Trans World Security Services Ltd. has provided security services in British Columbia since 2003 under BC Security Business Licence B4204. Every guard holds a valid BC security worker licence, and our teams cover sites across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island.
Learn more about our fire watch security services and how we can support your building while its systems are offline.
Need fire watch coverage? Request a quote or call us at 778 855 3065 to discuss your site with our team.
Related services: Fire Watch Security, Residential Security, Security Risk Assessment.
