“That Won’t Catch Fire” … Famous Last Words

Why Fire Watch Services Are the After-Hours Safety Net You Didn’t Know You Needed

It’s 9:12 p.m. on a Thursday.

The office lights are off. Tenants have gone home. Cleaning crews are finishing up. You’re the last one out of your commercial building when your phone buzzes:

“Heads up—the fire alarm system is down. Sprinklers, too.”

You glance at the dark hallways behind you. Empty desks, breakroom microwaves still plugged in, a questionable extension cord powering someone’s personal space heater, and an overloaded storage room that hasn’t been sorted since 2006.

You suddenly realize:
Just because no one’s here… doesn’t mean nothing can go wrong.

Welcome to the world of Fire Watch Services—the safety solution that quietly guards your building when your fire protection systems can’t.

So, What Is Fire Watch?

Fire Watch is exactly what it sounds like: trained personnel who “watch for fire.” But we’re not talking about a casual stroll through your building. These professionals:

• Patrol your property at set intervals
• Watch for any signs of smoke, heat, or fire hazards
• Maintain detailed logs (which help meet fire marshal requirements)
• Respond immediately if something sparks—whether that’s notifying the fire department or using an extinguisher on the spot

In short: they act as a temporary replacement for your fire detection systems, and a very human one at that.

Why It Matters—Especially After Hours

After-hours might seem like downtime, but it’s actually when your building is most vulnerable:

• No one’s around to notice warning signs like the smell of smoke or overheating equipment
• Cleaning crews are using electrical tools and chemicals that can increase fire risk
• HVAC systems may cycle down, affecting airflow and increasing the chance of smoldering hotspots
• Sprinklers and alarms can’t alert anyone if they’re offline

Even the smallest issue—an overworked power strip, a faulty charger, or a forgotten appliance—can go unnoticed and escalate into something serious.

Fire doesn’t take nights off. Your fire protection shouldn’t either.

When Is Fire Watch Required?

It’s not just best practice—it’s often required by law when:

• Fire alarm systems are offline for repairs or maintenance
• Sprinklers are disabled or not functioning
• There’s hot work like welding, soldering, or grinding
• You’re in a building that stores hazardous or flammable materials
• There’s a planned event or construction project that creates temporary fire risk

Local fire codes and OSHA regulations often mandate fire watch under these conditions. Failure to comply can result in fines, stop-work orders, and liability if an incident occurs.

What A-Tech’s Fire Watch Service Looks Like

When you work with A-Tech, you’re not just getting someone to walk in circles with a flashlight. Our fire watch professionals are:

• Trained and certified in emergency protocols and hazard detection
• Thorough in documentation and reporting
• Quick to respond in emergencies
• Reliable – whether it’s a one-night need or multi-day coverage

We tailor our services to your building’s layout and risk profile. Whether it’s one floor or twenty, a quiet office park or a busy mixed-use facility, we make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Real Talk: Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

Let’s break it down:

• If your systems are down and a fire starts, you’re liable
• If the fire marshal shows up and you don’t have fire watch in place, you’re cited
• If something happens and you didn’t take precautions, your insurance may not cover damages

Compare that to the peace of mind—and actual legal coverage—provided by having a trained professional keeping watch. The choice is easy.

We Keep Watch So You Can Rest

A-Tech’s Fire Watch Services are fast, dependable, and available day or night. Whether it’s an unexpected outage or planned maintenance, we step in to make sure your property, people, and peace of mind are protected.

Don’t wait for the “what if.”

Schedule a consultation or learn more about our Fire Watch Services here and keep your building safe—even when no one’s watching.