Courses / Fire Watch
Free online course · Certificate of completion
Free Online Fire Watch Course: Fire Watch Basics
What a fire watch is, when fire codes require one (hot work, or a sprinkler or alarm system out of service), what the officer actually does on patrol, and how to keep the log. Five short lessons, a 15-question quiz and a free certificate of completion.
This course is general information about the fire watch role. It is not a certification, not legal advice, and not a substitute for your employer's post orders or the requirements your local fire marshal (the authority having jurisdiction) sets for a specific site.
- 1What a fire watch is and when it's required 3 min
- 2When a system is out of service 3 min
- 3Hot work: welding, cutting and grinding 3 min
- 4Duties on patrol and the fire watch log 3 min
- 5On the job as a fire watch officer 3 min
You've completed this course. Your next steps:
Resources and next steps: official links for licensing, training, jobs and more, with what each one is for.
Built on OSHA and NFPA
Based on OSHA's hot work rules and the NFPA fire code guidance for systems out of service.
The fire marshal has the final say
Your local authority having jurisdiction and your employer's post orders set the exact rules. This course is the background.
Free certificate
Pass the 15-question quiz (80% or better) and download a certificate of completion as a PDF.
Who it's for
- Security officers assigned to a fire watch post
- Property managers, GCs and site supervisors who have to post one
- Workers covering hot work or a system repair on their site
- Anyone who wants to understand when a fire watch is required
What you'll learn
- Know when a fire watch is required
- Patrol your area on a set route and schedule
- Watch for fire, smoke and heat; keep exits clear
- Alert sound the alarm, call 911, write the log
The certificate you'll receive
About the certificate
The certificate shows you completed the course and passed its quiz: something to show employers you took the time to learn. It is not a license or state-approved training, so to work as a security officer you will still complete your state's required training and licensing.
Common questions
When is a fire watch required?
Most often during hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) and when a building's sprinkler or fire alarm system is out of service. Fire codes such as OSHA 1910.252 and NFPA 25 set common triggers, but your local fire marshal has the final say.
How long does a fire watch stay after hot work ends?
OSHA requires the watch to stay at least 30 minutes after the work stops, to catch smoldering fires that sparks and hot slag can start after the torch is off. Many jurisdictions follow NFPA 51B and ask for longer, up to 60 minutes or more. Follow your permit and your fire marshal.
What does a fire watch officer actually do?
Patrol the assigned area on a set route, watch and listen for fire, smoke and heat, keep a written log, and be ready to warn people, sound the alarm and call 911. It is a dedicated job with no other duties.
Does this course certify me or meet my state's requirements?
No. It is free awareness training with a certificate of completion, not a license or a legal qualification. Your employer and your local fire marshal set the real requirements.