Fire Watch Form
Fire Watch Form (It is important to read through the information and enter responses below.)
This form is for the following districts:
Dear Building Owner/Manager,
Your business/building has been placed on fire watch by the Fire Marshal or his/her designee because one or more fire protection systems are out of service.
You must read through the information below and submit the fire watch form. You will be contacted by a member of the Fire Marshal's Office to discuss your fire watch duration and documentation. You are responsible for providing the fire watch until the fire protection system(s) have been restored to a state of operational readiness.
Fire Watch Guidelines for Building Owners/Managers
A fire watch is a temporary safety measure required to ensure continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or its protected portion(s). It is conducted by one or more qualified individuals to mitigate fire hazards, detect early signs of fire, and notify occupants and the fire department as necessary. The fire watch is mandatory under specific conditions, as determined by the Fire Marshal or his/her designee.
When is a Fire Watch Required?
A fire watch may be necessary in the following scenarios:
- When an automatic fire protection system is impaired or out of service.
- When overcrowding is expected.
- When the nature of activities within the building increases fire risk.
- For any other reason deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal or Fire Code Official.
Owner/Management Responsibilities
Ensuring Fire Protection:
- The building owner or manager must ensure adequate fire protection measures are implemented during the fire watch.
- The fire watch must comply with the standards set by the current State of Georgia adopted International Fire Code (IFC) and Georgia State Amendments.
- IFC Section 901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shut down until the fire protection system has been returned to service. Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant tours of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.
Notifying Authorities:
- Notify the fire department and Fire Code Official immediately when a fire protection system is out of service.
- Follow instructions to evacuate the building or establish a fire watch as directed by the Fire Code Official.
Maintaining Records:
- Use the provided QR code to document fire watch tours.
- Submit all required information through the designated form after each tour.
Fire Watch Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Function:
- Detect fire, call 911 to report any fire or hazards, notify occupants, and assist in evacuation.
- Firefighting activities are NOT the primary responsibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Have the sole duty of conducting the fire watch.
- Post "Out of Service – Fire Watch" signage in public areas and notify occupants of the fire watch status. Here is signage you can use.
- Remain on-site to assist the fire department and maintain communication with the owner/manager during incidents.
- Be knowledgeable about fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers.
- Maintain at least one direct communication method with the 911 Emergency Communication Center.
- Conduct systematic tours of the protected area(s) based on the building’s occupancy type.
- Prevent obstructions in the means of egress and identify any life, fire, or property hazards.
- Notify occupants of the need to evacuate and, if functional, activate the building’s alarm system. If the alarm is not operational, use alternative methods such as verbal warnings, whistles, or horns.
Record Keeping Requirements
- Record each fire watch tour using the designated QR code and record the tour of duty using the fire watch log form here. Keep the fire watch log on site if fire inspector wants to review it.
- Select "Existing Fire Watch" for ongoing tours and complete all required fields in the form.
- Submit records promptly after each tour.
To Terminate Fire Watch
- Scan the QR Code and complete the fields.
- Choose Yes to Terminate Fire Watch.
- Submit the Form.
- A Fire Inspector will contact you to approve termination of the Fire Watch.
By adhering to these guidelines, building owners can ensure a safe and compliant fire watch, effectively minimizing risks during temporary fire protection impairments.
