Property managers in 2026 are navigating a more stringent fire safety landscape than ever before. With evolving building codes, heightened enforcement, and ongoing emphasis on tenant protection, effective fire watch implementation is essential, especially for those overseeing residential complexes and apartment buildings. Whether you are managing a new build, a major renovation, or just routine maintenance, your local fire marshal can order a fire watch with minimal lead time.
Recent news highlights how serious these issues have become: in St. Petersburg, Florida, residents were initially ordered to vacate their apartments due to fire alarm failures and lapses in fire watch coverage, prompting officials to mandate full‑time fire watch services to keep tenants safe while repairs are made.
This article walks you through what fire watch is, why it matters for property managers in 2026, and the concrete steps you need to stay compliant — including a complete checklist you can use today.
What Is Fire Watch, and When Is It Required?
A fire watch is a temporary safety measure implemented when a building’s automatic fire protection systems (like alarms or sprinklers) are impaired, malfunctioning, or taken out of service. Fire watch guards may also be required if “Hot Work” such as welding or brazing is performed on-site and your fire marshal determines supervision is needed. In rare cases, fire watch guards are also needed during periods of heightened fire risk, such as wildfires.
During a fire watch, trained personnel patrol the premises at regular intervals to:
- detect signs of fire,
- quickly raise the alarm in case of an emergency,
- and assist in evacuation or emergency response until systems are restored.
Local fire authorities typically require a fire watch whenever safety systems are offline long enough to pose a risk. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but the overarching principle remains the same: fire watch is intended to fill the safety gap when automated systems can’t perform their job.
Why Fire Watch Matters for Property Managers in 2026
For property managers, particularly those responsible for residential complexes and apartment buildings, fire watch isn’t optional. It’s a legal and safety imperative. Here’s why:
- Life Safety Comes First: A fire watch protects residents if alarms or sprinklers fail.
- Regulatory Compliance: Violations can result in mandatory evacuations, fines, or court enforcement actions, as seen in cases where property owners were held in contempt for failing to comply with ordered fire watches.
- Insurance Requirements: Insurers often require proof of fire watch during system outages to avoid coverage issues.
- Reputation Protection: Transparent, proactive fire safety practices build tenant trust and strengthen your brand.
Additionally, jurisdictions are increasingly proposing measures to improve fire safety transparency, including requirements that landlords disclose fire protection features before lease signing
Key Fire Watch Tips for Property Managers
Here are practical strategies to stay compliant and maintain tenant safety:
- Know When It’s Required
A fire watch is triggered when automatic systems are out of service, malfunctioning, declared unsafe by fire officials, or deemed inadequate for heightened fire risks, such as hot work or wildfires. Consult local codes and the fire marshal’s office to verify thresholds and reporting requirements. - Train Qualified Personnel
Only individuals with appropriate fire safety training should conduct a fire watch. This can be internal staff who are trained and reassigned, or third‑party professionals with certifications. - Establish a Formal Fire Watch Plan
A compliance plan should include patrol frequency, reporting procedures, communication protocols, and escalation steps in case of fire. - Maintain Accurate Logs
Detailed logs are critical for audits and inspections. Logs should include times of patrols, areas checked, issues observed, and actions taken. - Communicate With Tenants
Notify tenants when a fire watch begins — including why it’s necessary, what it entails, and how long it’s expected to last. - Notify Fire Authorities Promptly
Local fire departments often require notice when fire protection systems fail and when fire watch begins and ends.
Compliance Checklist for Fire Watch
Use this actionable checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks:
- Confirm system impairment (alarms/sprinklers out of service)
- Notify your fire department and local authorities
- Inform tenants and occupants in writing
- Deploy trained fire watch personnel
- Ensure patrols occur at regular intervals (as defined by local code)
- Maintain detailed patrol logs (time, location, observations)
- Verify communication access for fire watch staff (e.g., radios, phones)
- Ensure fire extinguishers and emergency devices are accessible
- Review and update your fire watch plan regularly
- Confirm systems are restored before ending fire watch
Looking Ahead: Fire Safety and Compliance Trends in 2026
Fire safety practices continue evolving. Regulatory attention is shifting toward broader transparency and tenant awareness about fire protection systems. Additionally, some companies are integrating advanced technologies, including AI, to streamline fire watch operations and improve compliance documentation.
For property managers of residential complexes and apartment buildings, understanding and implementing fire watch isn’t just responsible; it’s part of staying compliant and protecting human life. With the right plan, training, and documentation, you can turn fire watch requirements into a proactive safety advantage in 2026.
Contact National Firewatch
Since 2010, our fire watch guards have been proud to safeguard residential buildings across the USA. National Firewatch began as a division of our parent company, The Guard Alliance, and is quickly growing to become one of America’s largest dispatchers of dedicated fire watch guards. If you are a property manager reviewing vendors for 2026, or if you need emergency fire watch services immediately, please contact us today. Our guards arrive within hours in most major cities.