When is a fire watch legally required?
Fire watches are required in several scenarios: hot work in fire-hazardous areas (DGUV 205-001), alarm system outages as substitute detection, theatre and assembly performances under state assembly regulations (VStättVO), and major events with elevated fire load or open pyrotechnics. We advise on the legal requirement free of charge.
What does a fire watch cost per hour?
Fire watches typically run €28–€42 per hour, depending on region, tariff (BDSW), shift times (night/weekend premiums) and minimum duration. Emergency deployments under four hours' notice carry an express surcharge. Long-term assignments (e.g. multi-week alarm-outage watches during construction) reduce hourly rates by 10–20%.
What qualification does a fire watch hold?
Fire safety watches hold the supplementary qualification per DGUV 205-001 — a 16-hour course from the works fire brigade or an approved provider, supplemented by annual refresher training. Sekuris staff additionally hold §34a IHK certification, advanced first aid and, where required, ATEX training for explosion-protected areas or GxP awareness for pharma sites. Certificates are presented before every assignment.
How quickly can you deploy a fire watch?
Around Erfurt, Munich, Mannheim, Stuttgart and Braunschweig we typically deploy within 2–6 hours, nationwide 6–12 hours. For planned assignments (scheduled hot work, alarm maintenance) we recommend 24–72 hours' notice. Emergency assignments (alarm outage, ad-hoc hot work) are accepted on the spot — the service centre is reachable 24/7.
Do you also handle theatre and assembly fire watches?
Yes. Event and theatre fire watches under VStättVO are standard — for theatres, concert halls, exhibition halls and city festivals with pyrotechnics. We coordinate directly with the local fire service and the event approval authority. Event-specific watches with a defined timeframe (e.g. premiere with pyrotechnics) are economically more attractive for organisers than continuous security service retainer.
How does a fire watch differ from a works fire brigade?
A works fire brigade is a standalone fire-fighting organisation on a plant site, ready at all times — analogous to a municipal fire service, with engines, station and 24/7 standby. A fire watch is a time-limited security service for detection and initial response that alerts the responsible fire service in case of fire. Sekuris provides fire watches — not works fire brigades. We do work closely with on-site fire brigades on industrial sites.
