Fire Watch

This guide explains what a fire watch is and how to perform it when your building's fire protection system is not working.

What is a Fire Watch?

A fire watch means having a dedicated person on site whose sole duty is to actively look for 
fires. This is done to ensure safety when your building's fire alarm or other fire safety systems are temporarily out of order. 

Who needs to do it?

Check your fire safety plan!

If your building is an occupied multi-residential (apartments/condos), institutional (e.g., 
hospital, care home), or assembly (e.g., community hall, theatre) occupancy, and your fire alarm, sprinkler, or emergency power system is not operating, the building owner or authorized agent must establish a fire watch. See: Chilliwack Fire Prevention & Protection Bylaw. 

For other buildings with a fire alarm and/or sprinkler system (not listed above), please check your building's fire safety plan and confirm with your fire protection company. A fire watch may be required by your system's standards, even if not directly mandated by the Fire Department. 

How to conduct a Fire Watch: 

• Post Notices: Display clear signs at all entrances, exits, and elevators on each floor. These signs must state that a fire watch is in effect and its expected duration. 
• Emergency Instructions: Post clear instructions within the building on alternate actions to be taken in case of an emergency while the fire watch is in effect.
• Regular Checks: Conduct physical inspections by walking through all public areas normally covered by fire alarms or smoke detectors.
  • Buildings with sleeping accommodations (e.g., apartments, care homes):
    • Require frequent patrols during sleeping hours (9:00 PM to 8:00 AM), at least every 15 minutes. This can be extended to every 30 minutes during non-sleeping hours.
  • Buildings with no sleeping accommodations (e.g., community hall, theatre):
    • Require patrols at least every 30 minutes while occupied.
• Keep a Log: Maintain a logbook to record observations and activities, providing a continuous record of the fire watch.
• Stay Connected: Ensure you have a working communication device (e.g., cell phone) capable of calling 9-1-1 in an emergency at all times.
• Fire Extinguishers: Ensure portable fire extinguishers are readily available and accessible. 

A fire watch must continue until your building's fire protection system is fully functional again. 

You must notify the fire department when your systems are repaired. For any questions, contact our Fire Prevention Department at 604-792-8713 or email [email protected]