Has your building’s fire alarm system malfunctioned? Is your sprinkler system down for maintenance? If you’re a property manager or business owner in Orange County, these situations require immediate action to ensure the safety of your occupants and maintain legal compliance. This is where fire watch services become a critical and non-negotiable necessity.
Failing to implement a fire watch when required can lead to forced evacuations, business shutdowns, and significant fines from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). This guide explains everything you need to know about hiring a professional fire watch service in Orange County.
When is a Fire Watch Legally Required in Orange County?
According to local fire codes and OCFA regulations, a dedicated fire watch is mandatory whenever a building’s fire alarm or suppression systems are out of service. The most common triggers include:
- Malfunctioning or Inoperable Fire Alarm System: If your fire panel is down or sensors are not working.
- Sprinkler System Impairment: When the sprinkler system is shut down for repairs, maintenance, or has been damaged.
- Power Outages: During a prolonged loss of power that disables fire protection systems.
- Water Supply Issues: If the water supply to your fire suppression systems is interrupted.
- “Hot Work” Activities: Performing welding, grinding, cutting, or other spark-producing work often requires a dedicated fire watch as a condition of the permit.
- Direct Order from the Fire Marshal: An OCFA official may order a fire watch due to any perceived fire hazard or life safety risk.
The Duties and Responsibilities of a Fire Watch Guard
A professional fire watch guard does more than simply stand in a building. They perform specific, crucial duties to mitigate risk and ensure compliance:
- Patrol Designated Areas: Guards continuously patrol the entire property, including all rooms, corridors, and high-risk areas, as specified in the safety plan.
- Identify Fire Hazards: They are trained to spot potential hazards, such as blocked exits, improper storage of flammable materials, or electrical issues.
- Maintain a Detailed Fire Watch Log: This is a legal requirement. The guard maintains a logbook documenting patrol times, observations, and any incidents. This log must be available for inspection by the fire marshal at all times.
- Ensure Access to Fire Extinguishers: They confirm that fire extinguishers are accessible, charged, and ready for use.
- Immediate Emergency Notification: In the event of a fire, their primary duty is to immediately alert building occupants and contact the fire department by calling 911.
How to Choose a Reputable Fire Watch Provider in Orange County
Your choice of a security provider is critical. Not all security companies are equipped or properly trained to conduct a compliant fire watch. Look for these key qualifications:
- 24/7 Availability and Rapid Response: Fire watch needs are often emergencies. A reputable company can dispatch licensed guards to your location, often within an hour.
- Proper Training and Licensing: Guards must be licensed by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and have specific training in fire watch duties, hazard identification, and OCFA protocols.
- Experience and Local Knowledge: Choose a company with proven experience providing fire watch services in Orange County. They will be familiar with local fire codes and the expectations of the OCFA.
- Detailed Record-Keeping: The provider must supply official fire watch logs and ensure their guards maintain them meticulously.
- Clear and Transparent Pricing: Reputable companies provide a clear hourly rate for their services without hidden fees.
Companies Offering Fire Watch Services in Orange County
The following are established security providers that advertise fire watch services in the Orange County area.
Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement. You must conduct your own due diligence and verify the provider’s license, insurance, and training before hiring.
- American Global Security: A well-known provider in Orange County offering 24/7 emergency fire watch services for commercial and residential properties, emphasizing their quick deployment and compliance with fire marshal requirements.
- Safeguard On Demand: This company offers armed and unarmed guards specifically trained for fire watch duties across California, including Orange County. They highlight their detailed logging and communication procedures.
- Allied Nationwide Security: With extensive experience, they provide licensed fire watch guards for system malfunctions, hot work, and construction sites, ensuring adherence to local fire codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can my own employee conduct a fire watch? In some limited cases for “hot work,” an appropriately trained employee may be permitted. However, for an impaired fire alarm or sprinkler system, the OCFA almost always requires a third-party, licensed security provider to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure compliance.
Q2: How much do fire watch services cost in Orange County? The cost is billed at an hourly rate, which typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour depending on the provider, the location’s risk level, and whether the guard is armed or unarmed. Most companies have a 4-hour or 8-hour minimum billing period.
Q3: How long do I need to maintain the fire watch? The fire watch must be maintained continuously (24 hours a day) until your fire alarm or sprinkler system is fully repaired, tested, and certified as operational by a qualified technician.
Q4: What happens if I don’t implement a required fire watch? You risk immediate action from the Orange County Fire Authority, which can include shutting down your business, ordering a full evacuation of the building, and imposing substantial daily fines until the system is repaired and compliant.
Don’t take a chance with safety or legal compliance. If your fire protection systems are compromised, your first call should be to a professional fire watch service.
