Fire Watch Vs Fire Monitoring: How Do They Work

Confused between fire watch vs fire monitoring terms? Learn what they are and how they work to help achieve fire prevention and a safe environment.

We should all be concerned about fire safety because fire is one of the most damaging threats to any property or business.

But it’s sad that we never think about it until it’s too late.

According to OSHA reports, there are more than 200 workplace fires each day, and over 5,000 people get injured in workplace fires every year.

The US Fire Administration also recorded that there have been almost 1000 home fire losses in 2024.

These statistics are scary, so how do you stay safe?

When you think about it, you might think sprinklers, alarms, or even calling a local fire department.

But a major way of staying safe is through fire watch and fire monitoring.

But what exactly are they? How do they work? And why are they so important for fire safety?

In this blog post, you’ll learn the following:

• What is fire watch vs fire monitoring, and how do they work
• Why are they necessary

What Is a Fire Watch?

A fire watch is a safety step used when fire alarms or sprinkler systems aren’t working, or when there’s a bigger chance of fire during certain work.

The main goal is to keep a close watch and respond fast if there are any signs of fire.

Fire watch guards walk around and check certain areas to find anything that could cause a fire.

If they see smoke, sparks, or other danger, they act right away.

They may also need to warn the fire department and the people in the building if there’s an emergency.

In addition to watching, fire watch is about maintaining fire safety equipment and stopping fires before they happen, keeping people safe, and protecting buildings and the properties in them.

Fire watch guards also ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

This helps lower the risk of damage and keeps everyone safe.

Fire watch is an intelligent and careful way to be ahead of potential fire hazards and make sure that safety comes first, especially during risky times.

When Is a Fire Watch Necessary?

As we’ve been emphasizing, fire safety is important, and there are some situations where, once you notice, it’s important to immediately implement a fire watch.

Here they are:

1. Fire Protection Systems Out of Service: A fire watch must be present when fire alarms, sprinklers, or other fire protection systems are currently being maintained, repaired, or are broken down. Their presence will compensate for the lack of automatic fire safety equipment for detection and control.
2. High-Risk Activities: Hot work areas create a higher risk of fire and life safety dangers. During hot work activities, like welding, cutting, and others, that involve flames, sparks, or heat, fire watch personnel must be available to monitor the area to prevent accidental fires.
3. Building Evacuations: During and after evacuations of large or complex buildings, the fire watch guards have a responsibility to ensure that no fire hazards are ignored and that all safety protocols are followed.
4. Special Events: Events that draw large crowds or involve flammable materials have a high fire risk. These kinds of gatherings need a fire watch to help manage the potential of a fire outbreak. You’ll find this arrangement in places like concert venues, exhibition halls, or public gatherings.

What is Fire Monitoring?

Fire monitoring, or as it’s popularly called, fire alarm monitoring, is an important part of any complete fire safety plan that involves keeping people and buildings safe.

It uses special sensors and alarms that can tell when there’s smoke or fire.

These fire alarm systems are linked to a monitoring center that watches out for any fire trouble 24/7.

When the system spots danger, it sends a message to the center.

Then, the center quickly calls fire emergency services to come help. This fast action can save lives and stop fires from getting worse.

Fire monitoring makes sure help is on the way right when it’s needed the most.

What to know about fire alarm monitoring:

• It watches your building all day and night for signs of fire or smoke.
• It can spot both flames you can see and smoke you can’t.
• When it finds a fire, even if it’s just smoke, it sends a warning right away to a team that’s always watching.
• That team checks the alarm and quickly calls the fire department if it’s real.
• The system can also warn people inside the building so they can get out safely.

Fire alarm monitoring is the practical method of fire safety.

With this method, you’ll not need to worry because you’re aware that your property is always being monitored for potential fire threats.

How Is a Fire Watch Done?

As we mentioned earlier, a fire watch is a professional who monitors every area of a property.

Not just any area, but specifically areas with significantly high fire risks.

The fire guards continuously patrol the assigned area, looking out for any signs of fire or fire hazards and quickly managing any possible threats.

They are usually trained to identify even subtle signs of fire hazards, like blocked exits, accumulation of flammable materials, or faulty equipment.

Also, they maintain clear communication with fire safety teams and local fire authorities, which is vital.

Fire watch workers typically have direct lines of communication that allow them to report any incidents immediately.

The fire watch guard should be able to easily access good-working fire extinguishers to handle small fires before they get out of trouble. This makes their operation easier.

They also work with radios, mobile phones, and other reliable communication devices, which allow them to alert others without wasting time.

While a guard fire watch performs their duty, they need to wear the right protective gear, like helmets, and fire-resistant clothes. This is to get them protected while on duty.

Conclusion: Work With The Best Fire Watch Company In The US

At The Fast Fire Watch Company, we make sure your property or event is protected from the threat of fire.

You can trust us that our process doesn’t leave you feeling confused, ensuring fire safety.

At The Fast Fire Watch Company, we’ve improved how we do our fire watch security services. It’s now easy and stress-free.

We also offer both short and long-term contract options. This is one practical way we show our clients that we are committed to meeting their diverse needs of our clients.

If you’re interested in reaching out to use our fire watch services, get a quote today.