What patrol interval keeps my fire watch compliant in VA, MD, and DC?

Follow the local AHJ’s order. Typical standards: 30-minute rounds for high-risk or occupied sites (high-rises, hospitals) and up to 60 minutes for lower-risk areas like warehouses or garages. When in doubt, use 30-minute intervals—it is universally accepted and avoids shutdowns.

How long does a fire watch last?

Until the impaired system is restored, tested, and cleared by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Many events last 1–5 days, but any outage over 4 hours in a 24-hour period can trigger immediate fire watch under NFPA 72/101 and local code.

What must be included in a compliant fire watch log?

Time-stamped start and end of each round, the officer’s printed name and signature, routes and areas checked (stairs, corridors, MEP rooms, roofs), hazards found and corrected, and any escalations to 911 or site management. Keep logs available for inspectors.

Can my building staff perform fire watch instead of a vendor?

Only if local rules allow and staff are trained, dedicated solely to fire watch (no other duties), and can maintain continuous patrols and logging. In DC, use of trained dedicated personnel is expected; many properties hire licensed fire watch providers to reduce liability and ensure 24/7 coverage.

Do logs have to be paper, or will digital logs pass inspection?

Either is acceptable when time-stamped, complete, and retrievable. Digital logs are ideal for audit trails; paper logs are fine if legible and signed. Retain records according to your AHJ or insurer’s requirements.

Who do I notify when an alarm, sprinkler, or radio system is impaired?

Report any fire immediately via 911. For impairments, notify your local Fire Prevention Division or AHJ as required by code—especially if the outage exceeds four hours. Maintain continuous patrols and escalation procedures until the system is restored and cleared.

Can you respond urgently if my system fails after hours?

Yes. Firewatch DMV provides ASAP and urgent firewatch with rapid dispatch for DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Call +1-800-644-9113 for immediate coverage while repairs are completed.

What patrol interval keeps my fire watch compliant in VA, MD, and DC?

Follow the local AHJ’s order. Typical standards: 30‑minute rounds for high‑risk or occupied sites (high‑rises, hospitals) and up to 60 minutes for lower‑risk areas like warehouses or garages. When in doubt, use 30‑minute intervals to avoid shutdowns.

How long does a fire watch last?

Until the impaired system is restored, tested, and cleared by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Many events last 1–5 days, but any outage over four hours in a 24‑hour period can trigger immediate fire watch under NFPA 72/101 and local code.

What must be included in a compliant fire watch log?

Time‑stamped start and end of each round, the officer’s printed name and signature, routes and areas checked (stairs, corridors, MEP rooms, roofs), hazards found and corrected, and any escalations to 911 or site management. Keep logs ready for inspectors.

Can building staff perform fire watch instead of a vendor?

Only if local rules allow and staff are trained, dedicated solely to fire watch (no other duties), and can maintain continuous patrols and logging. In DC, use of trained dedicated personnel is expected; many properties hire licensed providers to reduce liability and ensure 24/7 coverage.

Do logs have to be paper, or will digital logs pass inspection?

Either is acceptable when time‑stamped, complete, and retrievable. Digital logs are ideal for audit trails; paper logs are fine if legible and signed. Retain records per your AHJ or insurer’s requirements.

Who do I notify when an alarm, sprinkler, or radio system is impaired?

Report any fire via 911. For impairments, notify your local Fire Prevention Division or AHJ—especially if the outage exceeds four hours. Maintain continuous patrols and escalation procedures until the system is restored and cleared.

Can you respond urgently if my system fails after hours?

Yes. Firewatch DMV provides ASAP and urgent firewatch with rapid dispatch for DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Call +1‑800‑644‑9113 for immediate coverage while repairs are completed.

How to Maintain Patrol Intervals and Logs for Fire Watch Compliance in VA, MD & DC

Firewatch DMV, Inc.
Aug 8
2 min read

Updated: Aug 15

When your building’s fire alarm, sprinkler system, or emergency communication system goes down the fire marshal doesn’t give you a grace period. They give you a Fire Watch Order. That means you must have trained personnel on site immediately to monitor every inch of the property until repairs are complete.

But here’s the part that trips up a lot of building owners and managers: patrol intervals.

Why Patrol Intervals Matter

Fire watch patrol intervals aren’t just a suggestion — they’re a compliance mandate. Miss them, and you could face:

Immediate shutdown of the property
Fines from the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
Increased liability if a fire occurs during a lapse in patrols

Think of intervals as the heartbeat of your fire watch program. If the “pulse” stops, you’re out of compliance.

Standard Patrol Interval Rules

While each jurisdiction can vary, these are common AHJ-approved standards for Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.:

High-risk properties (hospitals, high-rise apartments, nursing homes):

Patrol every 30 minutes — no exceptions.

Low-risk properties (warehouses, parking garages, storage facilities):

Patrol every 60 minutes — but always confirm with your local fire marshal.

Mixed-use or large complexes:

When in doubt, follow the shorter interval.

Best Practices for Patrol Logs

Keeping a clear, time-stamped patrol log is critical. Here’s what a compliant fire watch log should include:

Exact patrol start & end times
Full name and signature of the fire watch personnel
Areas covered during each round
Any hazards observed (blocked exits, flammable materials, etc.)
Immediate incident reporting to management and AHJ if a fire risk is found

Remember: AHJ inspectors can — and will — request your logs without warning.

Local Fire Marshal Variations in VA, MD, and DC

Virginia: Many counties default to the 30-minute rule for any occupied building.
Maryland: Some municipalities allow 60 minutes for low-risk, but require dual coverage in large facilities.
Washington, D.C.: Strict enforcement — most orders require 30-minute rounds regardless of property type.

Failing to follow local patrol intervals isn’t just a fine — in DC especially, it can mean an immediate cease-operations order.

Pro Tip for Staying in Compliance

If your alarm or sprinkler system is out for more than four hours in a 24-hour period, NFPA 101 and NFPA 72 standards require a fire watch. Don’t wait for the fire marshal to tell you — starting immediately can save you from shutdown and penalties.

Need Emergency Fire Watch Service in Virginia, Maryland, or DC?

Firewatch DMV provides rapid-response, trained fire watch personnel for: