Skipping Fire Watch Services?
Contents
3 NYC Horror Stories
Think skipping fire watch saves money? Think again. These true NYC stories prove that cutting corners on fire safety costs more than your entire security budget. And unlike a bad bodega sandwich, these mistakes keep hurting for years.
1. The $2.3 Million Dollar Elevator Shutdown (Midtown, 2022)
What happened.
- Class A office tower saved $8,000 by not hiring fire watch during sprinkler work
- Small electrical fire spread through 12 floors via elevator shafts
- Result. 6-month elevator outage, 40% tenant turnover
The kicker? Their insurance denied the claim because they violated FDNY directives.
2. The Wedding That Never Was (DUMBO Waterfront, 2021)
Event details.
- Venue assured planners they had fire safety covered
- FDNY shut down the event during cocktail hour
- 175 guests sent home, $86K in non-refundable deposits lost
Why? Their in-house guard had an expired F-01 certificate from 2018.
3. The Construction Site That Became a Crime Scene (LIC, 2023)
Timeline of disaster.
- Day 1. GC decided fire watch was unnecessary overhead
- Day 14. Arsonist entered unlocked site (caught on camera)
- Day 15. $4.7M in damages, 9-month project delay
The worst part? Proper fire watch would’ve cost less than the temporary fencing they installed after.
The Math Never Lies
Compare these costs.
| Scenario | Fire Watch Cost | Consequence Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Proper high-rise coverage | $1,200/week | $0 (no incidents) |
| No coverage (typical violation) | $0 | $28,000 average fine + repairs |
Why Smart Properties Choose Us
We prevent disasters before they happen with.
- 24/7 availability. Because fires don’t respect business hours.
- Guards trained specifically for your property type
- Documentation that satisfies even the toughest FDNY inspectors
Don’t become our next cautionary tale. Get protected today.
