A Walking Watch is a fire safety measure where trained fire marshals continuously patrol a building to detect early signs of fire and raise the alarm. It’s often used in high-risk residential buildings until permanent fire protection measures are installed.
Purpose and Function
A Walking Watch ensures:
Immediate identification of smoke, fire, or unusual heat.
Rapid evacuation of residents.
Additional reassurance for occupants living in buildings awaiting fire-safety upgrades.
Continuous monitoring during both daytime and nighttime hours.
British Standards & Best Practice Guidance
While Walking Watch is not a standalone British Standard, it must operate in alignment with UK fire-safety frameworks, including:
1. BS 5839-1:2017 – Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems
Although this standard primarily covers permanent fire-alarm systems, Walking Watch is often recommended as a temporary measure until a BS 5839-compliant automatic alarm is installed. Guidance notes often reference BS 5839 when setting performance expectations for alarm-raising procedures.
2. BS 9991:2015 – Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Residential Buildings
This standard outlines general fire-safety management responsibilities in residential buildings, including maintaining adequate means of escape and temporary precautions during periods of increased risk. Walking Watch is viewed as one such temporary precaution.
You may require a Walking Watch if:
This service is especially relevant for high-rise residential blocks, HMOs, student accommodations, and sheltered housing schemes.
Our marshals are trained in fire detection, emergency evacuation, and building-specific procedures. We work closely with building managers and Responsible Persons to tailor coverage to the unique needs of your property. We follow official guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and ensure all services align with the latest fire safety regulations. Our marshals are SIA-licensed, fully insured, and operate under strict protocols for health, safety, and professionalism
Don’t take risks with fire safety. Our Walking Watch Fire Marshal service provides immediate protection for your building while you work on permanent solutions. We offer short- and long-term contracts across the UK, with rapid deployment available.
We provide fully trained, SIA-licensed fire marshals for walking watch duties:
From £16/hour
24/7 coverage available nationwide for residential and commercial buildings.
£5 Parking Charges are applicable in case of paid parking.
£15 Congestion Charge applicable in case the property is in congestion charge zone
You may need a Walking Watch if your building has serious fire safety concerns, such as:
While not always legally mandatory, a Walking Watch may be recommended by local fire authorities or required to comply with fire safety legislation until permanent solutions are in place.
Professional fire safety companies, like [Your Company Name], provide trained and accredited fire marshals. Our team operates 24/7 to ensure complete coverage and compliance.
It remains active until the building’s fire safety defects are resolved—such as cladding removal, alarm system installation, or fire door repairs. The duration depends on the complexity and timeline of the remediation work.
Our marshals:
We offer rapid deployment, often within 24 hours of your request, depending on location and building size.
Yes. Our service complies with guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and UK fire safety laws. All marshals are SIA-licensed and trained in evacuation procedures.
Costs vary based on the number of marshals required, building size, and duration of service. We offer competitive rates and tailored quotes to suit your needs.
