firewatching
Firewatching refers to the practice of monitoring for and responding to fire hazards, particularly in environments where uncontrolled fires pose significant risks. Historically, firewatching became a critical activity during World War II, especially in the United Kingdom, as a precaution against enemy bombing campaigns that could ignite widespread urban fires. The Blitz, a sustained bombing campaign by the German Luftwaffe, led to devastating fires in cities like London, prompting authorities to implement organized firewatching measures.
Firewatchers were typically volunteers or conscripted civilians trained to patrol designated areas, often at night, to
Beyond wartime, firewatching remains relevant in modern contexts, such as in industrial settings, high-rise buildings, or
While firewatching has evolved with advancements in technology—such as automated fire detection systems—its core principle of