Buildings across the UK are paying £500+ per night for waking watch patrols. Many have been paying for years. There are cheaper, better alternatives — but most building managers don't know about them.. The Waking Watch Scandal A waking watch is a fire patrol — one or more people continuously walking the building to detect fire in the absence of a functioning fire alarm system or where the building's fire safety arrangements are so deficient that additional measures are needed. The cost is staggering: Average waking watch cost: £500 £1,200 per night Annual cost: £180,000 £438,000 Average duration buildings are on waking watch: 2.3 years Total cost per building over duration: £414,000 £1,007,400 Number of UK buildings currently on waking watch: 780+ These costs are passed directly to residents through service charges. For a building with 100 flats, that's £1,500 £4,380 per flat per year — on top of existing service charges, insurance increases, and mortgage stress. The Alternatives 1. Common Fire Alarm System — The Best Alternative Installing a BS 5839 1 compliant fire detection and alarm system throughout common parts: Cost: £30,000 £80,000 (one off) vs. Waking watch: Pays for itself in 3 6 months Government funding: Waking Watch Replacement Fund available 2. Wireless Fire Alarm Systems For buildings where conventional wiring is impractical: Cost: £20,000 £50,000 Advantages: Faster installation, minimal disruption Standards: Must comply with BS 5839 1 3. Interim Safety Measures Combination approach pending full remediation: Enhanced detection in common parts + periodic patrols Typically 50 70% cheaper than continuous waking watch Must be supported by a fire risk assessment The Waking Watch Replacement Fund The government's £35 million fund helps building owners replace waking watches with alarm systems. Key facts: Available for buildings over 18m with unsafe cladding Covers installation of common parts fire alarm systems Apply through the local authority or directly to DLUHC Average grant: £35,000 £60,000 63% of eligible buildings have NOT applied — are you one of them? Magnus Opifex helps buildings transition from waking watch to permanent fire safety solutions. Contact us.