In New York City, fire safety is non-negotiable. Every high-rise, commercial building, residential tower, or event venue must have trained professionals ready to respond in emergencies. That’s why hiring a Fire Life Safety Director (FSD) is not just smart—it’s legally required for many NYC properties.
At Metro Fire Safety NY, our FDNY-certified Fire Life Safety Directors provide comprehensive staffing and compliance services across all five boroughs. From Manhattan skyscrapers to Brooklyn residential complexes, we ensure your building is protected, compliant, and ready for any emergency.
What Is a Fire Life Safety Director?
A Fire Life Safety Director (FSD)—also referred to as an F85 or F89 Fire Safety Director—is a licensed professional responsible for supervising fire safety operations in a building.
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and maintaining Fire and Life Safety Plans
Conducting fire drills and evacuation training
Monitoring fire alarm and emergency systems
Coordinating with the FDNY during emergencies
Essentially, the FSD is the first line of defense between an emergency and a safe, orderly evacuation. Buildings without a licensed FSD risk non-compliance fines and, more importantly, endanger the safety of tenants, employees, and visitors.
Fire Life Safety Director Responsibilities
Metro Fire Safety’s Fire Life Safety Directors handle day-to-day safety operations, including:
Command center monitoring: Ensuring all alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency controls are functional.
Fire drills & evacuation training: Preparing occupants for safe, efficient exits during emergencies.
Compliance oversight: Maintaining FDNY-approved documentation and Local Law 5 compliance.
Staff supervision: Overseeing Fire Guards and Fire Watch personnel to guarantee 24/7 coverage.
Emergency coordination: Acting as the central point of contact during fires, medical emergencies, or evacuations.
By providing hands-on, professional oversight, our FSDs ensure your building meets NYC fire safety regulations while giving occupants peace of mind.
Who Needs a Fire Life Safety Director in NYC?
According to the NYC Fire Code and FDNY regulations, buildings and sites that require an FSD include:
Commercial buildings over 75 feet in height
Hotels, hospitals, and high-occupancy residential buildings
Schools, event venues, and assembly spaces
Construction or renovation sites with temporary Fire Watch needs
If you manage any of these property types, you’re legally obligated to employ a certified Fire Life Safety Director to oversee safety operations.
F89 Fire Life Safety Director Certification
Metro Fire Safety employs FDNY-certified Fire Life Safety Directors holding F89 and F85 certifications, ensuring compliance across all NYC properties.
F85 vs. F89: The F89 is the current FDNY-approved certification for Fire Life Safety Directors, replacing the older F85 program. It includes updated training on emergency planning, non-fire emergencies, and building safety protocols.
Certification process: FSD candidates undergo rigorous training and testing administered by the FDNY to ensure readiness for emergency management and building compliance.
Renewal requirements: All FSDs must complete ongoing requalification courses to maintain their certification.
Why Choose Metro Fire Safety NY?
Metro Fire Safety has been serving NYC since 1987. Our Fire Life Safety Directors are trusted by building managers, property owners, and developers citywide.
Here’s what sets us apart:
FDNY-Certified Professionals – FSDs with current F85/F89 credentials
24/7 Coverage Across All Boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island
Experience Across Property Types – High-rises, schools, hospitals, event venues, and construction sites
Complete Fire Safety Solutions – Fire Life Safety Directors, Fire Guards, Fire Watch staffing, and emergency planning support
Compliance Assurance – FDNY-approved documentation and full regulatory adherence
How to Hire a Fire Life Safety Director in NYC
Metro Fire Safety makes hiring a certified Fire Life Safety Director simple and reliable.
Contact us today if you need:
Full-time FSD coverage for your building
Temporary staffing for construction or renovations
FDNY-compliant Fire Watch and F01/F85 staffing
We provide same-day service, ensuring your property meets all FDNY and NYC compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: The F89 Fire Life Safety Director certification replaced the F85, offering expanded emergency preparedness training for NYC buildings.
A: Not every building, but all high-rise commercial buildings, assembly spaces, and hotels over 75 feet are required by the FDNY to have a certified FSD.
A: Yes — we offer full-time and emergency coverage for all five boroughs, ensuring continuous compliance and protection.
A: We provide Fire Guards (F01/F85), Fire Watch staffing, fire drills, emergency action planning, and FDNY compliance support.
HIGHLY TRAINED & LICENSED PROFESSIONALS
Metro Fire Safety employs over 250 New York City and New Jersey Certified Fire Safety Directors/ Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Directors and Fire Life Safety Guards. We are currently servicing some of the most prestigious firms, Universities, Hospitals and Fortune 500 companies.
We are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any Fire Life Safety emergency that may occur at your facility in order to keep the building operational as per Local Laws.
