What is the purpose of a Fire Watch?

The purpose of a Fire Watch is to monitor fire hazards when a building lacks operational fire protection. This is crucial in scenarios where fire protection systems, such as sprinklers or alarms, are temporarily out of service due to maintenance, testing, or repair. During a Fire Watch, assigned personnel remain vigilant, watching for any signs of fire and being prepared to respond quickly to prevent any potential incidents. This proactive measure ensures safety and minimizes the risk of fire-related emergencies in environments where protective systems are not functioning.

The other options, while related to fire safety, do not capture the primary function of a Fire Watch. Ensuring fire hydrants are functional pertains more to maintaining water supply systems rather than direct monitoring of fire risks in buildings. Overseeing fire drills focuses on preparedness and training rather than real-time hazard monitoring. Managing fire department personnel relates to organizational duties rather than specific safety measures in non-functional fire protection situations.