- A Rising Threat: Fires on Construction Sites
- The Financial Toll of Construction Fires
- What Is a Fire Watch?
- When Is a Fire Watch Required?
- Fire Watch: A Smart Investment for Construction Companies
- Connect with a Reliable Fire Watch Provider
Construction sites are the backbone of urban growth—but they’re also hotbeds for fire hazards. With open electrical systems, flammable materials, and unattended areas, construction zones are vulnerable to both accidents and deliberate arson. Recently, in Georgia and across the country, fire incidents at construction sites have increased in frequency and severity, resulting in significant damages, project delays, and increased legal liability for companies.
This troubling trend highlights a crucial truth: investing in a reliable fire watch partner isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
A Rising Threat: Fires on Construction Sites
In May 2025, a construction site in northwest Atlanta went up in flames in the early morning hours, drawing the attention of arson investigators. The incident highlights a broader trend: in 2024, a similar blaze broke out at a site near Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Georgia. That fire, also suspected to be arson, caused significant structural damage before it could be contained.
These are not isolated incidents, and the overall trend is not limited to Georgia. Less than a month ago in Philadelphia, a four-alarm blaze tore through a vacant building being worked on, later ruled arson by fire marshals. Across California, wildfire incidents and accidental construction fires are regularly tracked by CAL FIRE’s incident database.
Construction companies across the country are realizing the true cost of being unprepared—and it goes far beyond the immediate damage.
The Financial Toll of Construction Fires
The consequences of a construction site fire are far-reaching:
Property damage:
Fire can destroy months of progress in minutes. Materials, equipment, and partially completed structures are rarely salvageable.
Delays and lost revenue:
When a site is shut down, timelines collapse. This affects contractors, investors, and future occupants alike.
Insurance complications:
Fires—especially those caused by negligence or lack of required safety measures—can complicate insurance claims or even void coverage.
Legal liability:
If local fire code mandates are not followed, companies may be liable for regulatory fines or civil lawsuits.
Avoiding these risks starts with proactive protection, and that’s where a fire watch comes in.
What Is a Fire Watch?
Fire watch guards are trained personnel who monitor properties for signs of fire when systems like sprinklers or alarms are non-functional, or when fire risk is elevated, such as on construction sites.
During a fire watch, guards are required to perform routine patrols, document conditions, and alert emergency services at the first sign of danger. Their presence serves as both a deterrent to arson and a critical early warning system for accidental fires.
Whether mandated by the fire marshal or deployed voluntarily by site managers, a professional fire watch can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophic loss.
When Is a Fire Watch Required?
In most jurisdictions, fire watch is required when:
- Fire alarm or suppression systems are offline for repair or installation.
- Hot work (welding, cutting, or grinding) is being performed.
- Fire hazards are elevated due to site conditions.
- A local fire marshal issues a directive based on code enforcement.
Most states—especially those dealing with wildfires—take fire prevention on construction sites seriously. Fire marshals can order fire watch coverage when code violations are found or when a site is deemed high risk. Failure to act may result in the fire marshal ordering a complete site shutdown.
Companies that ignore these mandates risk severe penalties and could be held responsible for any resulting damage.
Fire Watch: A Smart Investment for Construction Companies
Fire watch is a cost-saving, risk-reducing investment. For the price of a few extra labor hours, businesses protect millions in property, maintain compliance, and preserve their timelines.
At National Firewatch, we specialize in providing highly trained fire watch guards for construction environments of all sizes. Whether you’re managing a high-rise in Atlanta or a suburban development in California, our team ensures that your site remains protected and compliant 24/7. For teams facing an urgent need, we offer Emergency Fire Watch services with rapid deployment nationwide.
Connect with a Reliable Fire Watch Provider
Construction fires don’t just cause delays—they destroy projects, reputations, and financial futures. With arson on the rise and fire hazards built into nearly every construction zone, fire safety cannot be an afterthought.
A fire watch is more than a regulatory checkbox. It’s a layer of accountability, vigilance, and peace of mind that every construction site needs. Whether required by law or chosen as a preventative measure, Fire watch coverage sends a clear message: This site is protected; this company is prepared.
If your site needs coverage or you’re unsure whether a fire watch is required, reach out to us for a fast, free consultation. Contact us today to protect your project, people, and property.