What Is a Fire Watch and Why It Matters

Introduction: Why fire watch is important

Fire watch is a temporary safety measure used when fire detection, alarm or suppression systems are impaired or during higher-risk activities such as hot work. Its relevance is practical and immediate: a reliable fire watch can reduce risk to life and property by ensuring rapid detection, reporting and initial response while systems are offline or building conditions change.

Main body: roles, requirements and common situations

When a fire watch is used

Organisations commonly implement a fire watch during maintenance, construction, system faults, or after a fire has damaged detection equipment. It is a recognised interim control while permanent systems are restored. In commercial and residential contexts, building managers, contractors and fire authorities may require a fire watch to meet safety obligations.

Typical duties of a fire watch

A fire watch involves vigilant patrolling of assigned areas, looking for signs of smoke, flame or unusual heat, and ensuring safe evacuation routes remain clear. Personnel conducting a fire watch are expected to:

• Patrol designated zones on a scheduled basis;
• Maintain communication with building management and emergency services;
• Record observations and any incidents in a log;
• Use basic firefighting equipment if safe and trained to do so;
• Advise occupants and assist with evacuation if needed.

Training, equipment and compliance

Effective fire watch requires clear procedures, communication tools (radios, phones), torches and written logs. Personnel should receive instruction on patrol routes, reporting protocols and when to escalate to emergency services. In Australia, guidance on building emergency planning and roles is available in standards and the National Construction Code; many organisations adopt protocols in line with those documents to demonstrate due diligence.

Conclusion: Significance and outlook for readers

A fire watch is a pragmatic, short-term control that protects people while permanent fire safety systems are impaired. For building owners, contractors and occupants, understanding when a fire watch is required and ensuring trained personnel and clear procedures are in place reduces legal and safety risks. As maintenance, refurbishment and extreme weather events continue to affect built assets, preparedness — including robust fire watch procedures — will remain an important element of everyday fire safety.