FIRE WATCH SERVICE IN SHAW DC

Urgent Security & Fire Watch is a trusted fire watch company serving Shaw and the greater downtown D.C. area. Our dedicated fire watch security guards protect apartment buildings, restaurants, entertainment venues, and offices when fire systems are down. Whether your property is near Howard Theatre, 9th Street, or the Convention Center, we ensure full compliance with NFPA and D.C. Fire Marshal regulations. To guarantee quality assurance, we actively monitor officer activity, audit reports for compliance accuracy, and provide complete oversight from start to finish. Choose Urgent Security & Fire Watch, the fire watch company Shaw property owners rely on for professional and compliant protection.

Fire Watch Security Guards Available 24/7

Washington DC is unique compared to other jurisdictions in the DMV area. Only licensed security agencies can provide fire watch services in Washington DC. Washington Dc is also the only area that requires properties to submit a fire watch plan. Any time your building is placed on fire watch, a plan has to be submitted right away. The fire watch plan must be accompanies by a copy of your contract with the security company providing the fire watch security guards.
The fire watch doesn’t count as compliant until the plan and contract is reviewed and approved by DC Fire and EMS.
Skipping this step or turning it in late can lead to fines, so it’s best to get it done as soon as the fire watch begins.

This plan shall be emailed to Office of the Fire Marshal fems.fireprevention@dc.gov

Patrols Are Required Whenever the Building Is Occupied
• Fire watch coverage is required whenever the building is occupied.
• This includes business hours, after-hours activities, and times when employees, cleaning crews, or residents are on-site.
• Residential buildings are considered occupied 24/7.

Patrol Intervals
• Trained fire watch personnel must continuously monitor all affected areas.
• Patrols must occur every 30 to 60 minutes.
• Officers should remain within the impacted zones between rounds.
• The best fire watch companies patrol every 30 minutes for maximum coverage.

How to End a Fire Watch
• Fire watches in Washington, DC must remain active until officially cleared by the Fire Marshal.
• A Fire Inspector will typically visit to confirm the system is fully functional before approval.
• This rule applies to all cases — even self-reported fire watches.
• Once repairs are complete, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office to start the clearance process.
Fire Marshal Email: fems.fireprevention@dc.gov


Here is what is required to end fire watch

• Send an email to the fire marshal reporting the system is 100% back in service.
Fire Marshal Contact: fems.fireprevention@dc.gov
• Include documentation from the repair company proving 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
• Keep fire watch on site until the fire marshal approves termination.