Fire watch guards are the go-to solution for job site supervisors who need trained sets of eyes to observe and report on fire risks. This need could arise because “hot work” such as welding or plasma cutting is being conducted on site, or because an existing fire safety system is experiencing an outage. Employers can face complex liabilities or even forced evacuations if fire safety requirements are not met – fire watch guards are the state-recommended option to cover gaps and keep operations running smoothly.
The past decade has seen an increased risk of fire damage across the Pacific Northwest, and legislation is being introduced that aims to raise the standard of safety and hold job site operators accountable for violations that put communities at risk. Employers almost always prefer flexible, cost-effective solutions – especially when time is a factor. This means that the demand for fire watch guards has never been higher, and folks considering becoming fire watch guards in Washington State have many opportunities for gainful employment.
To become a fire watch guard in Washington, you’ll be required to complete a Fire Watch Guard Certification Course, meet a few basic requirements:
- Be over 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a background check
- Have the ability to read and write in English
- Be legally able to work in Washington State
Fire Watch Courses: The Basics
Washington’s increased fire risk has driven demand for fire watch guards statewide. As a result, there is no shortage of courses and certifications for aspiring guards. The quality and depth of these courses varies, but in general the more topics that are covered, the more qualified you will be when you start your first shift. Pay close attention to the topics covered in your course of choice, and make sure that the program includes the following:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code
- OSHA 1910 General Industry Standards
- Fire Codes and Fire Watch Regulations in Your City
- Ex. Seattle enforces its own regulations for both Fire Code and Fire Watch
As a professional fire watch guard, you will not be fighting fires. Your basic responsibilities will be to observe and report on any violations of fire safety regulations. As such, comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws is a prerequisite. You can improve your capabilities at the job site, and increase your employment prospects by supplementing basic fire watch training with additional courses the focus on:
- Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans
- Fire Alarm Systems Training
- Fire Extinguisher Service
- Fire Safety
- First Aid
National Firewatch: The Best Jobs for the Best Guards
Founded on the West Coast and deploying guards nationwide for over a decade, National Firewatch has earned a reputation for fielding the most reliable and qualified fire watch guards in Washington State. We pride ourselves on quick response time – deploying guards in major centers like Seattle within hours of contact.
To keep up with demand, we are always on the lookout for certified fire watch professionals in the Evergreen State. Guard certification is a prerequisite, so be sure to complete your guard course before contacting us for opportunities. National Firewatch prefers to hire top talent, and we highly recommend going above and beyond the basic requirements for certification – if you’ve received additional training in first aid and fire systems maintenance, we’d love to connect with you right away!