Fire watch security is the legally required continuous patrol of a property when its automatic fire-detection or suppression systems are temporarily inoperable, when hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) is in progress, or when a local fire marshal mandates it. 247 Private Security provides BSIS-certified officers conducting LAFD-compliant fire watch patrols across Los Angeles — documented checkpoint cycles, written logs accepted by the LA Fire Department, and 24/7 coverage with backup roster.
When fire watch is required
Fire watch is mandated under Section 901.7 of the California Fire Code and LAFD’s local enforcement when:
- Fire alarm system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period
- Sprinkler system is out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period
- Hot work permit is issued for welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, or torch operations
- Standpipe / fire pump is offline during repairs or testing
- Fire marshal order following an inspection that identifies a deficiency
- Construction or renovation phase before final certificate-of-occupancy fire-system signoff
- Post-fire investigation when systems must remain offline pending insurance / forensic review
What 247 Private Security fire watch includes
- LAFD-compliant patrol cycle — typically every 15, 30, or 60 minutes depending on the fire marshal’s order or hot-work permit
- BSIS-certified officer trained on fire-watch protocols, evacuation procedures, and fire extinguisher operation
- Written fire-watch log with timestamped checkpoint completion at every designated location — accepted by LAFD inspectors
- Direct line to LAFD via 911 with immediate notification protocol if smoke / fire / smell is detected
- Building evacuation coordination — officer trained to direct occupants to designated assembly areas
- Hot-work supervision — when work is in progress, officer maintains direct line of sight on the work area + the surrounding 35-foot fire-watch zone
- Continuous shifts with backup roster — coverage continues without gap until fire system is restored or work is complete
- 24/7 dispatch supervision — every officer in radio contact with a duty supervisor at all times
Who needs fire watch coverage
- Property managers when fire panel is down for repair or annual inspection
- Construction sites during renovation, especially before fire-system commissioning
- Industrial sites during welding, cutting, grinding, or hot-work projects
- Schools, hospitals, hotels facing temporary fire-system outages with high life-safety stakes
- Buildings under fire-marshal compliance orders
- Properties post-fire with damaged systems still under repair
- Film + production sets involving pyrotechnics, special effects, or stunt work requiring on-site fire watch
Pricing
Fire watch rates depend on patrol frequency, shift length, and total duration. Standard ranges:
- 30-minute patrol cycle, single-shift coverage: $32–42/hour
- 15-minute patrol cycle (high-risk hot work): $38–50/hour
- 24/7 continuous fire watch: ~$22,000–$30,000 per month equivalent
- Emergency deployment (same-day mobilization for unexpected system outage): $48–65/hour for the first 24 hours, then standard rate
Set up fire watch coverage in Los Angeles
247 Private Security is licensed under PPO #120440 through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Fire watch coverage available within 90 minutes of call across Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ventura County. For LAFD permits + compliance details, see the LA Fire Department. Need same-day fire watch right now? Call 818-805-4342 — a supervisor will dispatch within 90 minutes. For ongoing coverage, request a written quote.