Fire Watch Course for Security Guards 2026
This course is for security guards who may be posted on a fire watch while a fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service, or during hot work. It covers when a fire watch is needed, patrol rounds, the log, and what to do if you find fire or smoke.
Quick answer
This free course has about 30 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain when a fire watch is needed and why it is temporary
- Prepare the right equipment and building information
- Patrol at the required frequency and spot fire hazards
- Keep an accurate fire watch log
- Respond safely if you find fire or smoke
- Apply hot work fire watch rules
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: D. When a fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service or impaired
A fire watch is an alternative safety measure used while a fire protection system, such as the alarm or sprinklers, is shut down or impaired.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: C. A short-term measure until the fire protection system is repaired
Fire departments describe a fire watch as temporary. The owner must still arrange repairs so the system returns to service.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: D. Alternative measures must be taken, such as a fire watch
Fire codes based on the National Fire Code require alternative measures while a system is shut down. A fire watch is the most common one.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: C. No, it varies; for example Vancouver uses more than 4 hours and Medicine Hat more than 2 hours
Notification rules are set locally. Vancouver's order uses 4 hours in 24, while Medicine Hat asks for a call if detection is out more than 2 hours.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: D. The monitoring station that watches the fire alarm
The central station that monitors the alarm must know when the system is out of service and when it is returned to service.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. An air horn or whistle to alert occupants
Fire watch staff carry a way to alert people, such as an air horn or whistle, plus a radio or phone, flashlight, keys and the log sheet.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: C. So every area can be checked on each round
A fire watch must cover all affected areas. Without keys or codes, locked rooms would go unchecked.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: D. Where they are and how to use them
Fire watch staff need to know where extinguishers are and be trained to use them, in case a small fire can be fought safely.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. Usually no; the fire watch should be their only duty unless it is approved
Fire watch procedures, such as Queen's University's, say watchers must not have other duties unless approved, so the rounds are not missed.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. At least every 30 minutes
Vancouver's order sets 30 minutes in business hours and 60 minutes at other times for non-residential buildings.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: A. At least every 15 minutes
People who are asleep may not notice a fire, so rounds are more frequent in buildings with sleeping accommodation: every 15 minutes overnight.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: C. Tour the entire building each hour
Both documents say fire watch personnel must tour the entire building each hour. Always follow the frequency your fire department or site sets.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: A. That they open properly and are not blocked
Exits must stay clear and readily openable on both sides, so people can escape if a fire starts.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: B. Right after each round is completed
Each round is recorded immediately on the log sheet with the time and your initials or signature.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: A. The time of the round, the areas checked, observations and your initials
Logs record the date, time, area, observations and the watcher's signature or initials, in time order.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: D. So responders know who needs help to evacuate and where they are
Knowing the names and locations of people who need help lets staff and firefighters reach them quickly.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. Alert the occupants with your air horn or other approved signal
With the alarm out of service, you are the alarm. Warn occupants right away, then call 911 from a safe place.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: A. From a safe area away from the fire
Call 911 from a safe area so you are not trapped by smoke or flames while you talk to the dispatcher.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: A. Only if it is small and safe to do so, and they are trained
Fire watch duties allow fighting a fire only if it is safe. If it is not safe, evacuate and let the fire department handle it.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: A. Only when the fire department says it is safe
Do not re-enter without the fire department's permission. Wait at a safe spot and guide responders to the scene.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: B. At least 60 minutes
Sparks and hot metal can start a hidden fire after work stops, so the fire watch continues for at least 60 minutes after completion.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. 4 hours after completion
A final inspection 4 hours after hot work helps catch smouldering fires that the fire watch may have missed.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: D. Within 15 m of the work
Combustibles within 15 m that cannot be moved must be protected, for example covered or wetted down.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: A. At least one portable fire extinguisher
Hot work rules require at least one portable fire extinguisher in the area, and the fire watch must know how to use it.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. After the system is confirmed fully working and the fire department and monitoring station are told
Cancel the watch only after the alarm and sprinklers are confirmed fully operational, then notify the fire department and any monitoring station.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Fire codes require alternative measures, such as a fire watch, when part of a fire protection system is shut down.
- Patrol frequency is set locally. Windsor and Medicine Hat ask for a tour of the entire building every hour.
- Vancouver requires patrols every 15 minutes overnight in buildings where people sleep.
- A hot work fire watch continues for at least 60 minutes after the work ends, with a final check 4 hours after.
- If you find fire, alert occupants, call 911 from a safe area and fight the fire only if it is safe.
Frequently asked questions
What does a fire watch guard do?
They patrol the affected building on a set schedule, look for fire and hazards, keep a log, and warn occupants and call 911 if they find fire or smoke.
How often do I patrol on a fire watch?
It depends on your fire department and site. Some cities ask for a full tour every hour; Vancouver asks for every 15 to 60 minutes depending on the building and the time of day.
Can I do other tasks during a fire watch?
Usually not. Many procedures say the fire watch should be your only duty unless it is approved, so no rounds are missed.
How long does a fire watch after welding last?
Fire codes such as Manitoba's require it during the hot work and for at least 60 minutes after, with a final inspection 4 hours after the work ends.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.