A fire watch is a temporary measure that involves having fire guards at a premises continuously monitoring a building or part of a building to identify and manage fire hazards. Fire guards possess an F-01 certificate of fitness for fire guard issued by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Monitoring a building includes detecting early signs of fire, raising an alarm in case of a fire, notifying the fire department, and performing other fire safety tasks as directed by the NYC Commissioner. A fire watch becomes necessary when the fire protection system is under any condition of impairment (such as a broken sprinkler system, standpipe/hose system, fire pump, fire protection water supplies, fire mains, fire alarm systems, etc.).
