When must a fire watch be implemented?

A fire watch must be implemented when a building's fire protection system is temporarily out of service to ensure the safety of occupants and property. The fire watch consists of designated personnel who monitor the environment for signs of fire and are prepared to respond immediately in the event of an emergency. This is critical because fire protection systems, such as sprinklers or alarms, are fundamental in providing an early warning and suppressing fires. Without these systems functioning properly, the risk of a fire spreading increases significantly, making the presence of a fire watch essential.

While fire drills represent a necessary part of fire safety training, they do not require a fire watch, as the systems are operational during these exercises. High-rise buildings may have specific regulations, but the need for a fire watch is not limited to them; it applies to any structure with non-functional fire protection systems. Implementing a fire watch during an actual fire is also reactive and does not serve as a preventive measure—hence it is not the primary context for when a fire watch is required.