Key Points:
- What are DFPC-compliant firewatchers.
- When to dispatch fire guards.
- Who can complete fire monitoring.
If a contractor notifies you that the work they’re completing requires you to provide DFPC-compliant fire watch, you need to know who to call. You also need to know who to call if circumstances other than maintenance or repair require a firewatcher. Here’s how to respond when your building, business, facility, rental property, or special event require compliant monitoring.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is a branch of the Department of Public Safety. The DFPC works in conjunction with city fire departments to set forth fire safety regulations, standards, and protocols. The state complies with IFC International Fire Code (IFC) and other relevant standards, including NFPA.
What Is Fire Watch?
A firewatcher is someone who invests in specialty training for fire prevention, detection, and response. They’re a proactive approach when fire risk rises, but there isn’t an immediate need for evacuation.
Schedule compliant monitoring when:
- The fire alarm or fire sprinkler system is malfunctioning or undergoing repair.
- The water in the building is out, or plumbing repairs require turning the water off.
- The electricity is out, and there isn’t a backup generator for the fire safety system.
- You need to schedule on-site welding or hot work that produces high heat, smoke, sparks, or flame.
- City Fire code mandates the need for fire monitoring during daily operations or one-off activities and events.
What if Your Systems Are Only Down for an Hour or Two?
Water goes out unexpectedly, and plumbing, electrical, and fire alarm and suppression system repairs and maintenance are inevitable. If your water is out for less than 4 hours in a 24 hour period, or your fire prevention system is down for less than 4 hours in a 24 hour period, you don’t have to dispatch or log patrol. However, many businesses dispatch monitoring ASAP as a proactive approach.
In Denver, if your water or systems are down for 10 hours in a 24 hour period, you must obtain a Firewatch Permit and submit daily logs until you provide proof of resolution.
Read More:
- Fire Watch Patrol Frequency in Denver and The Springs
- How to Keep Compliant Fire Watch Logs
- Server Room Fire Watch
- When to Hire Fire Watch Services For Your Colorado Property
- 4 Times to Dispatch Daily Fire Watch
Are Firewatchers Firefighters?
No. Firefighting is not the primary job duty. Yes, suppressing small ignitions is part of the job, but their primary role is preventing, monitoring, and responding. Response includes using extinguishers and fire blankets, implementing evacuation, and communicating with emergency responders. Patrols and all activity are recorded in a DFPC-compliant fire watch log.
Can Your Repair Technician Serve as Firewatch?
No. The person you dispatch must be 100% focused on monitoring and patrol. Patrols are required every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the building and business type. In some instances, every 60 minutes if the risk is low and the building is unoccupied. During hot work, continuous monitoring of the “hot” area and patrol are required, along with post-hot-work monitoring for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Hiring DFPC-Compliant Fire Watch in Denver and The Springs
Scout Security dispatches prescheduled and 24/7 emergency fire watch during outages, maintenance, repairs, special events, or any time DFPC-compliant fire monitoring is required. If your event requires both security guards and fire guards, we have you covered.
At the very least, add Scout Security to your emergency contact list so you know who to call!
