When planning an event, safety is always top of mind—and for good reason. Whether you’re organizing a festival, concert, corporate gathering, or wedding, ensuring the safety of your guests and property is non-negotiable. One critical, and sometimes overlooked, aspect of event safety is fire watch services. Understanding the costs and their significance can help event planners make informed decisions and ensure compliance with local fire codes and regulations.
Event venues often have preexisting relationships with vendors who assist them in navigating fire code requirements. If you’re renting a venue, check with the facility manager to see if a fire watch solution has been used in the past. Often, security companies provide fire watch services in conjunction with traditional guards. If fire code compliance becomes your responsibility, you’ll need to understand the basics of fire watch so you can connect with a vendor and ensure the safety of your event.
What Is Fire Watch and Why Does Your Event Need It?
Fire watch involves trained guards who monitor a location for potential fire hazards, especially when standard fire protection systems, such as alarms or sprinklers, are unavailable, impaired, or undergoing maintenance. During events, fire watch services are not only a precautionary measure but often a requirement under local fire codes.
For events held in temporary structures, outdoor venues, or older buildings without modern fire suppression systems, hiring fire watch personnel ensures rapid response to fire risks, compliance with fire codes, and minimized liability.
Cost Components of Fire Watch Services
Understanding what contributes to the overall cost of fire watch services helps event planners budget effectively. Here are the key factors:
1. Number of Guards Needed
The size and layout of your event venue directly influence the number of fire watch guards required. Larger venues or those with multiple access points may need several guards to maintain proper surveillance.
2. Duration of Service
Most fire watch providers charge hourly rates per guard. Events that last several hours or span multiple days will naturally incur higher costs. Minimum hour requirements may apply, especially for nighttime or high-risk events.
3. Location and Scheduling
Event location affects cost due to travel, local regulations, and the availability of licensed personnel. Rates may also rise for services required during holidays, weekends, or overnight shifts.
4. Licensing and Compliance Requirements
Some municipalities have stringent fire code requirements for public gatherings. In San Francisco, for example, City Hall event fees include charges for mandatory fire watch personnel when necessary. Compliance ensures you’re protected from fines or shutdowns.
Why Fire Watch Is a Worthwhile Investment
Hiring fire watch services isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about preventing disaster. Guards are trained to detect and react to hazards before they escalate. This not only protects lives but also helps event organizers avoid costly property damage and legal liability.
Top fire watch companies help you document fire watch protocols in advance, provide clear standards for everyone on-site, and access log sheets from the guards themselves. This level of diligence reassures guests, staff, and local officials alike.
Contact National Firewatch
While the cost of fire watch services varies, it should be viewed as an essential line item in your event budget when fire codes recommend guards on-site. Remember that OSHA and NFPA regulations do not allow other staff or security guards to act as fire watch; the job must be done by trained, dedicated personnel. That’s why it’s always best to plan to ensure you have the number of guards you’ll need from the moment your event starts.
Of course, there may be folks reading this who are surprised by fire watch requirements with an event days away. National Firewatch was founded to assist in moments like this. We have built a responsive, nationwide network of fire watch guards who can deploy within hours in most major US cities. Contact us immediately if you need same-day fire watch service for your event.