Fire Watch Security Guard Requirements in Ontario: What Facility Managers Need to Know

When a building's fire alarm or sprinkler system goes offline for maintenance, repair, or damage, Ontario fire codes may require a fire watch. That means having trained personnel physically present to monitor for fire hazards and respond immediately. Here is what facility managers and property owners need to know about fire watch security guard requirements Ontario employers rely on—and how professional security guard companies fit into compliance.

What is a fire watch?

A fire watch is a temporary measure where a designated person continuously patrols a building or area to watch for fire hazards when normal fire protection systems are impaired or out of service. The person on fire watch must know the facility layout, the location of fire extinguishers and exits, and how to contact the fire department. Fire watches are not optional extras: they are required under the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) whenever fire protection systems are impaired beyond a defined time period, so your fire safety plan and impairment procedures should spell out how a watch is activated, staffed, and documented.

When is a fire watch required in Ontario?

Fire watch is typically required when:

• Fire alarm systems are shut down for maintenance or repair
• Sprinkler systems are partially or fully impaired
• Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) is being performed in areas without adequate suppression
• A fire department or fire marshal orders one after an inspection
• During construction phases where fire protection systems are not yet operational or are taken out of service during fit-up

The Ontario Fire Code requires building owners and operators to implement a fire safety plan that includes procedures for fire watch during system impairments. The duration and scope depend on the nature of the impairment, the building's occupancy type, and any conditions imposed by the authority having jurisdiction. Treat fire watch as part of operational risk management—not only a checkbox when the alarm contractor is on site.

What does a fire watch guard do?

A fire watch security guard's responsibilities usually include:

• Continuous patrol of the affected area at intervals specified by the fire safety plan (often every 15 to 30 minutes)
• Monitoring for smoke, fire, unusual odours, or heat sources
• Maintaining a written log of each patrol round with timestamps
• Knowing the location of all fire extinguishers, pull stations, and emergency exits
• Immediately contacting the fire department (911) if a fire or hazard is detected
• Alerting building occupants and initiating evacuation procedures if necessary
• Remaining on duty until the fire protection system is fully restored and confirmed operational

Fire watch guards do not perform repairs or maintenance on fire systems. Their role is observation, documentation, and immediate escalation—keeping people and property safe while systems are down.

Who can perform a fire watch in Ontario?

The Ontario Fire Code does not require fire watch personnel to hold a security guard licence in every scenario, but using PSISA-licensed security guards provides practical advantages. Those officers carry individual liability coverage aligned with professional guard work, are trained in emergency response and reporting, and can produce patrol logs that satisfy both code expectations and insurance auditors. Many insurers and property management firms specify that fire watch be performed by a licensed security provider rather than informal in-house coverage—especially overnight or across large footprints.

How to arrange fire watch coverage

When you need fire watch coverage—often alongside temporary security for outages or special projects—you should:

1. Notify your fire alarm or sprinkler contractor about the expected duration of the impairment
2. Contact a PSISA-licensed security guard company that can deploy trained personnel within 24 to 48 hours
3. Provide the guard company with your fire safety plan, building layout, and the specific areas affected
4. Ensure the guard has access to fire extinguishers, communication equipment, and emergency contact numbers
5. Maintain the fire watch until the impaired system is fully restored and tested

DW Security Services provides fire watch guard coverage across Ontario, including the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara, Kitchener–Waterloo, Guelph, and London. Our guards arrive with clear documentation and follow your facility's fire safety plan and site instructions.

Documentation and compliance

Every fire watch shift should produce a written log showing patrol times, areas checked, and any observations. Those logs are your proof of compliance if the fire marshal, your insurer, or a municipal inspector asks for evidence that a proper watch was maintained. DW Security guards provide timestamp photo patrol logs and written shift reports as standard on fire watch assignments, so facility and risk teams retain an audit-ready record from handover to system restoration.

If your fire protection system is going offline and you need fire watch coverage, contact DW Security Services. We deploy PSISA-licensed guards across Ontario within 24 to 48 hours with full documentation and compliance support.