Fire watch differs from other fire safety measures like fire alarms and sprinkler systems in several key ways: Purpose: Fire watch involves the manual monitoring of a property by trained personnel to identify and respond to fire hazards, particularly in situations where the normal fire protection systems are temporarily impaired or unavailable. Fire alarms, on the other hand, are automated detection systems that sound an alert when smoke or fire is detected, signaling occupants to evacuate. Sprinkler systems automatically release water to extinguish or control fires once triggered by heat. Human Intervention: Fire watch relies on human intervention, where trained fire watch personnel physically patrol the premises, visually inspecting for signs of fire, smoke, or other hazards. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems operate autonomously without direct human involvement, activating based on predetermined thresholds or triggers. Temporary vs. Permanent: Fire watch is typically a temporary measure implemented during specific circumstances, such as during construction, maintenance work, or when fire protection systems are offline for repairs. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems are permanent fixtures installed in buildings to provide continuous fire detection and suppression capabilities. Response Capability: Fire watch personnel are trained to respond to fire-related emergencies by initiating evacuation procedures, notifying emergency services, and implementing interim fire suppression measures using portable firefighting equipment. Fire alarms serve as an early warning system to alert occupants to evacuate, while sprinkler systems automatically activate to suppress fires, limiting their spread until firefighters arrive. Compliance Requirements: Fire watch may be required by local regulations or authorities during specific situations where fire protection systems are compromised, and additional measures are needed to ensure safety. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems are mandated by building codes and regulations as primary fire protection measures in most commercial and residential buildings. While fire watch, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems all play vital roles in fire safety, they serve different functions and complement each other to provide comprehensive protection against fire hazards in buildings and facilities.