Urgent Security & Fire Watch offers reliable fire watch services 24/7 for Columbia Heights and the broader D.C. region. We protect multi-family buildings, retail centers, community facilities, and commercial spaces whenever fire alarm systems need maintenance. Whether your property is near the Columbia Heights Metro, along 14th Street, or around Park Road, our officers uphold all D.C. Fire Marshal requirements and NFPA codes.
• 24/7 fire watch response throughout Columbia Heights, DC, including evenings and weekends.
• We use GPS tracking along with manual logs to ensure consistent and reliable service.
• Specialists in short-term and emergency fire watch capable of quick deployment.
We are the reliable fire watch company you have been looking for.
Fire Watch Security Guards Available 24/7
We Specialize in Fire Watch and Short Term Security
Quick deployment is how we operate. We send professional guards to your Columbia Heights property, deliver clear assignment guidelines, and track their performance to verify adequate protection. Your account manager coordinates scheduling, inspects patrol work, and handles fire marshal dialogue while you address system repairs.
Our management team has overseen over
500 fire watch projects
We know Columbia Heights. Our team provides fire watch services tailored to this busy neighborhood's diverse needs, maintaining safety without disrupting the flow of daily business.
Enterprise Level Service and Oversight for Short Term Fire Watch Projects
Getting officers on site
We arrange dispatch so officers arrive ready to work. Each officer gets a full briefing about your location and requirements.
Regulations & Compliance
We use our experience to coordinate your project ensuring your fire watch project complies with the fire watch regulations.
Ensuring quality service
We track officer performance and address any concerns right away.
We handle every step to make sure you get reliable fire watch service
Rudo and his team responded quickly and maintained clear communication throughout our collaboration. I was very impressed by how organized and professional each interaction was. I will definitely be recommending this company to other communities!
Amy Parada★★★★★
Professional fire watch services at your location. Fast!
enterprise level support & oversight for short term fire watch projects
01
Clear Communication
Officers receive a detailed briefing about your property and your needs. This helps avoid confusion and keeps everything on track.
02
Consistent Patrols
We monitor patrols activity to spot any issues early. This keeps your property safe and secure.
03
Verified On-Site Presence
GPS check-ins confirm that officers are present and working as scheduled. You never have to worry about missed shifts or errors in billing.
04
Effortless Compliance
We keep detailed patrol reports that meet all Arlington fire watch rules. These records are always ready for fire marshal review.
Need it schedule service for a future date?
Columbia Heights fire watch rules are different than VA and MD
Washington DC has different protocols than other DMV area jurisdictions. Only licensed security agencies can deliver fire watch services in Washington DC. Washington DC is also unique in requiring properties to submit a fire watch plan. Any time your property is put on fire watch, a plan must be turned in right away. The fire watch plan requires a copy of your contract with the security company delivering the fire watch security personnel.
The fire watch doesn't reach compliant status until DC Fire and EMS completes review and approval of both the plan and contract. Skipping this requirement or filing late can lead to fines, so it's important to address it as soon as fire watch begins.
This plan shall be emailed to Office of the Fire Marshal fems.fireprevention@dc.gov
• One fire watch security guard for every two floors
• One officer posted at the front reception desk, alarm monitoring system, or any centralized location with a hard-wired phone
• One extra officer for every six fire watch team members to handle break times and schedule rotations
• A fire watch must always have at least two officers present at all times, never just one
Patrols Are Required Whenever People Are Present
• Fire watch coverage is required whenever people are present in the building.
• This includes regular hours, nighttime activities, and moments when workers, service teams, or occupants are on the premises.
• Residential properties are classified as occupied around the clock.
Patrol Protocols
• Trained fire watch officers must persistently monitor all impacted areas.
• Patrols must happen every 30 to 60 minutes.
• Officers need to stay inside the affected zones during breaks.
• Top-tier fire watch companies patrol every 30 minutes for enhanced safety.
How to Finish a Fire Watch
• Fire watches in Washington, DC must remain active until formally released by the Fire Marshal.
• A Fire Inspector will usually perform an evaluation to verify the system works completely before approval.
• This standard applies to every case — including voluntarily reported fire watches.
• Once restoration is finished, notify the Fire Marshal's Office to start the clearance procedure.
Fire Marshal Email: fems.fireprevention@dc.gov
Here is what is necessary to end fire watch
• Send an email to the fire marshal confirming the system is 100% back in service.
Fire Marshal Contact: fems.fireprevention@dc.gov
• Submit records from the repair company demonstrating the repairs were completed.
• Call to confirm receipt: 202-727-1614
• If after hours call: DC Fire and EMS Department Fire Liaison Officer at 202-373-3712
• Maintain fire watch guards on site until the fire marshal grants termination.
Want more in-depth info about your local fire watch requirements?
Visit our DMV Area Fire Watch Guide
We know what it takes to comply with the Fire Marshals Requirements.
We Stay Involved From Start to Finish
We stay involved to help make sure officers are doing their job, so you do not have to rely on hope.
On-site GPS check-ins
Officers must be physically present at your location to clock in
Pre-shift orientations
Officers are briefed on your property details and fire marshal requirements
Continuous activity oversight
Patrol logs and digital tools track officer movements and actions
Are you considering using your own staff for fire watch?
Here is a video that will help you weigh your options.
We know what it takes to comply with the Fire Marshals Requirements.
How We Handle Challenges
One Hourly Rate. No Extra Charges
You pay one flat hourly rate that covers everything. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges. The security company pays us a small part of their hourly rate for management and quality control. You pay the same rate you would if you hired the security company without us.
Columbia Heights DC Security Guard Services FAQ
When is fire watch required?
Required in Columbia Heights, DC when fire alarms, sprinklers, standpipes, suppression out of service or hot work occurs; continuous patrols mandated by DC Fire Code NFPA 1 §16.11, FEMS Fire Marshal.
How often do fire watch patrols occur?
Every 30 minutes in occupied buildings, hourly when vacant; full premises checked each patrol cycle per FEMS.
What equipment must fire watch guards carry?
Guards must carry two-way radios/cell phones for 911 calls, flashlights, refglective vests, megaphone and logbooks as required by DC Fire Code.
How does Urgent Security & Fire Watch ensure complete fire watch oversight?
In Columbia Heights, DC, Urgent Security & Fire Watch delivers full oversight using GPS route tracking, frequent patrols, and instant electronic documentation.
Are your security services available after hours and weekends?
Columbia Heights, DC locations can call on Urgent Security & Fire Watch any time, with fire watch teams available 24/7.
What fire watch documentation will I require?
Fire watch logs must show timing, personnel, inspections, findings, actions. Columbia Heights, DC sites receive Urgent Security & Fire Watch's complete FEMS-ready records.
How quickly can fire watch guards reach my location?
In Columbia Heights, DC, Urgent Security & Fire Watch maintains complete written and electronic records of each fire watch round, so you have documentation to support code compliance.
what are the penalties for non-compliant fire watch?
Property owners in DC risk $10,000+ fines, operational halts via stop-work notices, and building closures ordered by the FEMS Fire Prevention Division when fire watch fails.
How do I schedule fire watch services immediately?
Dial Urgent Security & Fire Watch dispatch with site specifics for fast, FEMS-approved fire watch.
How do I know when I have to have fire watch?
Trigger after 4 hours downtime or threats; dial FEMS 202-673-3333 for assessment.
Do I have to notify the fire marshal if my alarm is not functioning?
Yes, alert DC FEMS immediately at 202-673-3333 for alarm failure.
How long does my system need to be out of service before I need to have fire watch?
Needed following 4 hours system downtime within 24-hour timeframe DC FEMS.
Do I have to get permission to terminate fire watch?
Yes, repair verification needs written FEMS Fire Marshal approval to terminate.
What’s the process for ending fire watch?
Deliver repair proof to FEMS, pass inspection process, receive written authorization to end.
Can I use my own staff for a fire watch?
Yes, but only for the short term until fire watch personnel arrive.
OUR Fire watch SERVICE AREAS
List of Services
-
Montgomery County Fire WatchList Item 1
Our Montgomery County fire watch team responds 24/7 across Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Germantown. Urgent Security & Fire Watch provides trained officers for apartments, construction sites, and businesses, ensuring fire code compliance and reliable coverage when systems fail.
-
PG County Fire Watch ServicesList Item 2
Our PG County fire watch officers serve Bowie, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, College Park and beyond. Urgent Security & Fire Watch delivers fast, compliant fire watch protection for residential, commercial, and public properties whenever alarms are down or repairs are in progress.
List of Services
-
Alexandria, VA Fire Watch
When fire alarms or sprinklers malfunction, Urgent Security & Fire Watch deploys certified officers across Old Town, Del Ray, and every other area in Alexandra, VA. Our 24/7 fire watch services keep businesses, hotels, and residential buildings safe and compliant. Trust our local team for rapid response and reliable protection throughout Alexandria, VA.
-
Arlington County, VA Fire WatchList Item 2
Our Arlington County fire watch officers protect properties across Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, and other areas across Arlington County, VA. Urgent Security & Fire Watch provides round-the-clock coverage for residential and commercial properties. We ensure quick deployment and fire code compliance throughout Arlington, VA.
-
Fairfax County, VA Fire WatchList Item 1
Urgent Security & Fire Watch provides 24/7 fire watch protection across Fairfax County, including Reston, Tysons, Herndon, Fairfax City and more. Our trained officers respond fast when alarms fail or systems are down, delivering compliant, reliable coverage for construction sites, apartments, and businesses throughout Northern Virginia.
-
Falls Church, VA Fire Watch Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
-
Fairfax City, VA Fire Watch Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
-
Prince William County Fire WatchList Item 4
When alarms or sprinklers go offline, our Prince William County fire watch team responds immediately. Urgent Security & Fire Watch serves Manassas, Woodbridge, Dumfries, and other areas across Prince William County, VA. We provide fire watch officers patrolling commercial and residential properties. Service is available 24/7.