Fire Watch
A fire watch involves regular physical patrols while a building's fire safety system is not working. It may be needed when a fire alarm, sprinkler system or emergency generator is out of service.
Who is responsible?
The building owner or their representative must arrange for a competent person to carry out the fire watch.
Carry out and record patrols
Conduct patrols every hour, 24 hours a day. Check:
- Common areas inside the building, including hallways, stairs, service rooms and chemical storage rooms, etc.
- The property exterior protected by the affected system, including attached structures and garages.
- Any other areas directed by the fire department.
Have procedures in place to warn occupants of a fire or other emergency while the system is out of service.
Complete a Fire Watch Record for each hourly patrol. Keep the records for review by Fire Prevention.
When can the fire watch end?
Continue the fire watch until both conditions are met:
- The affected system has been repaired or replaced, and
- Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services' Fire Prevention Bureau has received a certified contractor's letter confirming that the system is fully functioning with no deficiencies.
After-hours notification
Letters submitted after hours must be sent to fireprevention@lethbridge.ca with a follow up phone call to Dispatch (403) 329-1225 and the Fire Prevention Bureau administration line at (403) 320-3811.
Questions about a fire watch?
Call 403-320-3811 or email fireprevention@lethbridge.ca for questions about Fire Prevention services.
Call 9-1-1 for a fire or immediate danger.