As spring construction ramps up across North America in 2026, project managers and contractors are already thinking about how to keep jobsites safe and on schedule. One critical—yet often overlooked—piece of that planning puzzle is fire watch, particularly when projects intersect with extreme weather, power outages, and heightened fire marshal safety obligations. Lessons from weather events in 2025 show why integrating fire watch into spring schedules isn’t optional; it’s essential for protecting workers, equipment, and timelines.
Extreme Weather and Outages Impacting Construction in 2025
In the spring of 2025, a series of power outages and severe weather eventsaffected communities and infrastructure, including construction zones. One powerful spring storm on March 30, 2025 knocked out electricity for more than a million homes and businesses as strong winds and heavy rain downed power lines and damaged poles. Over 34,000 North American customers remained powerless more than a week later, and crews worked around the clock to restore service amidst challenging weather conditions. These outages also slowed repair and restoration efforts because crews couldn’t safely work without stable power.
For construction crews, these disruptions were more than inconveniences; they underscored how vulnerable projects are to sudden power loss and harsh conditions. When grid power fails, essential safety systems (lighting, communication, temporary heat) go offline, increasing risks that safety officers and project managers must mitigate.
The Role of Fire Watch in Construction Safety
In construction, fire watch is a safety practice in which trained personnel monitor areas for fire hazards when normal protective systems (like alarms or sprinklers) are offline or unreliable. Fire watch duties are typically required:
- When a project’s electrical or fire suppression systems are offline (e.g., during outages or before systems are commissioned)
- When extreme weather increases the risk of ignition (high winds, lightning, heavy storms)
- When construction activities create additional ignition sources or block egress routes
Fire watch personnel are responsible for continuous observation of designated zones and quick reporting if a fire starts or conditions worsen. In many jurisdictions, the fire marshal can mandate fire watch coverage anytime systems are disabled, or risk levels spike—especially during outages or disaster responses.
For a project manager, planning for fire watch means scheduling and staffing these duties in advance, not as an afterthought. Whether it’s a winter storm delaying power activation or a spring thunderstorm knocking out a site’s electrical service, fire watch helps ensure risks are monitored and emergencies are detected early.
When Fire Watch Becomes Critical During Spring Projects
Spring construction often encounters unpredictable conditions, including hail, high winds, late snowstorms, thunderstorms, and ice. These weather patterns pose fire risks by:
- Disrupting temporary electrical systems and generators
- Damaging equipment and causing sparks
- Overloading backup systems when power returns
These conditions can also strain fire detection systems that haven’t yet been fully activated or that rely on temporary power sources. In such scenarios, a formal fire watch plan ensures that human observers are ready and vigilant until permanent systems are fully operational.
Below is a quick spring fire watch preparedness checklist for construction sites:
- Assess hazard zones where fire risk is elevated due to weather or outage conditions
- Assign trained fire watch personnel whenever fire alarm/suppression systems are offline
- Coordinate with the fire marshal for approvals and documentation of fire watch protocols
- Ensure communication tools (radios, phones) have backup power during outages
- Inspect temporary electrical equipment daily, especially after storms or loss of power
Balancing Safety, Schedules, and Compliance
For project managers, fire watch planning intersects with compliance, safety, and efficiency. Local fire codes and the authority of the fire marshal may require fire watch during outages or when critical systems are offline—especially on large or complex spring projects like high‑rises, hospitals, or multi‑use developments. Failures to provide fire watch when required can result in fines, stop‑work orders, or worse: catastrophic fire losses.
Yet fire watch is more than a compliance checkbox; it’s a proactive form of risk management that protects workers, equipment, and project momentum. Just as spring storms and outages in 2025 affected timelines and safety on sites, forward‑looking fire watch planning for 2026 mitigates risks before they manifest.
Integrating Fire Watch Into Spring Construction Plans
To make fire watch part of your project DNA in 2026:
- Include fire watch considerations in early project planning, not just during build‑out phases
- Train staff on fire watch duties and reporting protocols
- Monitor weather forecasts continuously during spring and adjust staffing as needed
- Link fire watch plans to contingency plans for outages and extreme weather
Spring construction is a busy season—and 2025’s weather patterns remind us that extreme conditions and outages aren’t just possible; they’re probable. By understanding where fire watch fits into your safety and project management plans, you can reduce risk, satisfy fire marshal requirements, and keep your sites moving forward responsibly and safely.
Contact National Firewatch
National Firewatch is a proud member of The Guard Alliance, deploying fire watch guards in communities across the United States. We provide licensed and experienced fire watch personnel, and can deploy within hours in most major cities. If your team is reviewing vendors for 2026 or needs immediate fire watch assistance, please contact us right away.