What fire watch means
A fire watch is a person whose only job during welding or cutting is to look for fires started by sparks and slag, put out small ones with an extinguisher at hand and raise the alarm for anything bigger.
Also called hot work fire watch, fire watcher.
Where it matters on a welding job
On site repairs inside buildings, near stored goods or in a customer's barn, a second person may be needed just to watch. That is real labor, so put it on the quote, and check whether the customer or their insurer requires a hot work permit first.
The numbers, with sources
- OSHA requires fire watchers when welding or cutting happens with appreciable combustible material closer than 35 feet to the work. (29 CFR 1910.252)
- The fire watch stays on for at least a half hour after welding or cutting is finished. (29 CFR 1910.252)
Work it out
- Free calculator: Welding shop rate calculator
- Tools, templates and guides: Free welding resources
Sources: 29 CFR 1910.252, Welding, cutting and brazing: general requirements (eCFR). Checked October 10, 2026.
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