Maze Security Insights · March 22, 2026
Fire Watch Requirements: When Your Building Needs Guards on Patrol
A failed alarm or sprinkler system doesn't just create risk — it creates a legal obligation. Understanding fire watch keeps buildings open and compliant.
When a fire watch is required
Provincial fire codes across Canada require a fire watch whenever a building's fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service for a significant period — during system repairs, renovations, hot work or after a failure. The authority having jurisdiction (usually the local fire department) can order one immediately.
What fire watch guards actually do
Fire watch guards patrol all affected areas continuously, watching for smoke, fire and hazards, with the means to alert occupants and call the fire department instantly. Every patrol round is logged with times and observations — that log is your proof of compliance.
Documentation protects you
If an incident occurs while your system is down, insurers and investigators will ask one question first: was a fire watch in place? Time-stamped logs from professional guards turn a potential liability into a documented, defensible response.