Fire watch security is a dedicated, documented patrol that substitutes for a building's fire protection systems when those systems cannot do their job. In BC, a fire watch is typically required in two situations: when fire protection systems (sprinklers or fire alarms) are impaired, shut down, or not yet operational, and during and after hot work such as welding, cutting, grinding, or torch-applied roofing. It continues until systems are restored and verified - and skipping it can void insurance and breach fire-safety requirements.
What a fire watch actually involves
A fire watch is not "a guard who happens to be on site." It is a defined duty with specific obligations:
- Continuous patrols of all affected areas - including stairwells, mechanical rooms, and tenant spaces - at set intervals (commonly every 30-60 minutes, and more frequently during higher-risk conditions)
- A written fire watch log recording each patrol, times, areas covered, and observations - this log is what your insurer and fire department will ask for
- Trained response capability - personnel must know how to use extinguishers, raise the alarm, evacuate occupants, and call the fire department immediately
- No competing duties - during the watch, this is the person's job, not a side task
When BC requires a fire watch
1. Fire protection system impairment
When sprinklers or fire alarms are shut down - for maintenance, repair, construction tie-ins, water supply issues, or damage - a fire watch is typically required until the system is fully restored, tested, and the fire department notified. For extended impairments this can mean a 24-hour watch. Your local fire department (the Authority Having Jurisdiction) sets the specific conditions; notify them of significant impairments.
2. Hot work
Welding, cutting, brazing, grinding, and torch roofing require a fire watch during the work and for a period after it ends (commonly 30-60 minutes or more, per your permit conditions) to catch smouldering ignition in hidden materials. Construction projects deal with this constantly - see When Does a Construction Site Need Security in BC?
3. Other triggers
Occupied buildings with malfunctioning alarms, special events in temporary structures, and post-fire scenes can also require watch coverage at the fire department's direction.
Who can perform fire watch in BC?
Fire watch personnel must be trained and capable - familiar with the site, extinguisher operation, notification procedures, and the log requirements. Using a licensed security provider adds accountability: guards are background-checked under the Security Services Act, supervised, and produce professional documentation. For overnight impairments, a security company can also cover general site protection in the same shift.
What it costs
Fire watch is typically billed at static-guard rates - in BC, roughly $30-$45 per hour depending on location and duration, with 24-hour impairment coverage priced as continuous shifts. Compare that with the cost of a fire loss while systems were down - or a denied claim because no watch was documented. Full pricing context: BC security cost guide.
The fire watch log: your paper trail
If there is one thing to get right, it is documentation. A proper log shows:
- Patrol times and routes: Proves continuous coverage at required intervals
- Areas inspected: Shows all affected zones were covered
- Observations and actions: Evidence of diligence for insurer and AHJ
- Watch start/end and system restoration: Bounds your liability window
Fireball provides time-stamped digital logs with photos - insurer-ready by default.
Need a fire watch fast?
System impairments rarely schedule themselves. Fireball Security deploys trained fire watch personnel across Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria, and BC - often within hours - with documented logs and $5M liability coverage. Request coverage now or call 250-899-6620.
Frequently asked questions
Is fire watch legally required in BC? Yes, in defined situations - primarily impaired fire protection systems and hot work - under BC fire-safety requirements as applied by your local fire authority. Confirm specific conditions with your AHJ and insurer.
How often must fire watch patrols occur? Commonly every 30-60 minutes across all affected areas, with tighter intervals in higher-risk conditions. Your permit or fire department direction governs.
How long does fire watch continue after hot work? Typically at least 30-60 minutes after work ends, per permit conditions, to catch smouldering ignition.
Can my own employee do fire watch? Only if properly trained, dedicated to the duty, and documenting correctly. Many operators use licensed security instead for accountability, coverage, and insurer-ready logs.
Fire watch requirements are applied by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction. Always confirm specific conditions with your fire department and insurer.
