Jan 27, 2026
A Waking Watch is a temporary fire safety measure that provides continuous on-site monitoring in residential buildings and other high-risk premises where fire safety concerns are elevated. It plays a vital role in protecting residents and property, particularly when a fire alarm system, fire detection systems, or other fire safety systems cannot be fully relied upon.
In this guide, we explain when a Waking Watch is required, why it’s important for building safety, and the types of buildings and situations that may need this interim level of fire protection.
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Understanding the Need for a Waking Watch
A Waking Watch is typically introduced when a building’s existing fire safety measures are insufficient. This may be due to a faulty or absent fire alarm, defects within an alarm system, or serious fire safety issues such as combustible cladding systems or compromised fire doors.
High-profile incidents, including the Grenfell Tower fire, exposed critical weaknesses in building safety standards, particularly within high-rise residential buildings. These events reshaped national guidance and highlighted the importance of interim fire safety measures when permanent systems fail.
Under UK fire legislation, including the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022, building owners and the designated responsible person must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and act promptly where fire hazards or fire safety defects are identified.
Where a fire safety system is incomplete, unreliable, or temporarily out of service, a Waking Watch may be required to mitigate fire risks until permanent solutions are installed.
24/7 Waking Watch & Fire Safety Support
Protect your building and residents with professional Waking Watch and evacuation strategy services from our fire safety experts at Fire & Evacuation Services. Our experienced teams, many with backgrounds as serving or former firefighters, deliver reliable, on-site vigilance to keep high-risk buildings safe at all times.
By choosing our Waking Watch service, you gain:
✓ Firefighter-Led Expertise – Real emergency experience on every deployment
✓ Proven Performance in Complex Buildings – Effective oversight in challenging environments
✓ NFCC-Aligned Protocols & Reporting – Compliant, accountable, and professional
✓ Immediate Response – Rapid action in the event of fire or hazard
✓ Flexible Across Building Types – High-rises, residential, care, or commercial properties
✓ Resident-Focused Safety – Prioritising occupant protection and reassurance
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Situations When a Waking Watch Is Typically Required
Waking Watches are deployed in buildings where standard fire safety systems cannot be relied upon. Common situations include:
Faulty or Inadequate Fire Alarm Systems - A Waking Watch is an incredibly efficient solution when fire alarm systems are insufficient, undergoing maintenance, or haven’t been put in place. As a result, a Waking Watch provides human oversight needed to detect fire hazards early.
High-Rise Buildings with Unsafe Cladding or Structural Risks - If a property has combustible cladding issues or dangerous structural risks, a Waking Watch provides a temporary interim whilst the unsafe cladding is fixed.
‘Stay-Put’ Strategy No Longer Safe - If fire-stopping or compartmentation is breached, the traditional stay-put evacuation approach may no longer be appropriate. A Waking Watch ensures rapid alerting and guidance for a simultaneous evacuation system when necessary.
Buildings Undergoing Remediation or System Upgrades - During works that temporarily reduce fire protection, such as fire-stopping repairs or alarm system upgrades, Waking Watches maintain continuous safety until permanent solutions are in place.
Large or Complex Buildings - Sites with extended corridors, multiple escape routes, or complicated layouts may require extra vigilance to ensure occupants can evacuate safely in an emergency.
How a Waking Watch Provides Safety
A Waking Watch ensures continuous, on-site protection for buildings where fire safety systems cannot be fully relied upon. Trained fire marshal officers perform active monitoring and are ready to respond immediately if a risk is detected. Key roles and responsibilities include:
24/7 Patrols - Waking Watch officers conduct regular patrols of every floor, escape route, and the building’s external perimeter, identifying potential hazards before they escalate.
Early Fire Detection - Officers remain vigilant for signs of smoke, heat, flames, or unusual smells, allowing risks to be spotted long before technical alarms might trigger.
Raising the Alarm - If a fire is suspected or detected, personnel immediately alert residents and notify emergency services to ensure a swift response.
Evacuation Management - Waking Watch teams support safe and efficient evacuation, guiding residents along safe routes and helping to coordinate assembly points during an emergency.
Record Keeping & Compliance - Detailed patrol logs, incident reports, and hazard records are maintained to provide accountability and support compliance with UK fire safety obligations.
Benefits of Deploying a Waking Watch
A Waking Watch provides immediate, human-led protection when a building’s fire risk is elevated. Key benefits include:
✓ Early Detection & Rapid Response - Human patrols can identify smoke, heat, flames, or unusual signs of danger faster than compromised or offline alarm systems, allowing swift action to prevent incidents from escalating.
✓ 24/7 Reassurance for Occupants - The constant presence of trained personnel gives residents peace of mind, knowing someone is actively monitoring the building around the clock.
✓ Interim Protection During Remediation - While permanent fire safety solutions are being installed or remedial works are carried out, a Waking Watch ensures the building remains protected at all times.
✓ Evacuation Support - In an emergency, Waking Watch officers guide residents safely along evacuation routes, manage assembly points, and provide extra support in large or complex buildings.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Under UK fire safety law, building owners and the designated responsible person have a legal duty to assess and manage fire risks continuously. This includes ensuring that fire protection measures are adequate and that any elevated risks are addressed promptly.
When standard fire systems are faulty, unreliable, or temporarily out of service, Waking Watches are often mandated as an additional safety measure. They provide the human oversight required to protect residents and property until permanent fire safety solutions are fully operational.
Waking Watch deployments align with guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and comply with relevant UK fire safety legislation, helping building owners demonstrate due diligence and fulfil their legal responsibilities.
Is a Waking Watch Necessary for Your Building?
Deciding whether a Waking Watch is required starts with assessing your building’s current fire safety systems. Building owners, managers, and landlords should evaluate whether alarms, fire doors, compartmentation, and evacuation routes are fully operational and compliant with UK fire safety regulations.
If any systems are compromised, temporarily offline, or undergoing remedial works, human oversight through a Waking Watch may be necessary to maintain safety for residents and occupants. It’s important to remember that a Waking Watch is an interim measure, not a replacement for permanent fire protection systems. Its purpose is to manage elevated risks until permanent solutions are in place.
For expert guidance and professional Waking Watch services, contact Fire & Evacuation Services today. Our trained teams provide continuous, on-site monitoring and structured evacuation support to ensure your building and residents remain protected at all times.