Fire Safety Inspections 

Inspection Services is finding ways to improve our fire inspection efficiency. We would like to provide information to business owners/managers who desire to prepare for their fire inspection. This is a proactive approach that would reduce violations and improve our fire inspection/reinspection efficiency. The majority of violations are found in the categories of egress, electrical safety, storage and housekeeping, fire sprinklers/alarm/extinguishers.

Please click here for information that will help prepare you for your next fire safety inspection.

You may also click here for a guidebook - "A Business Leader's Resource: Strategies for Cost-Effective Fire Code Compliance."

Information Notices 

Notice 2025-01 - ITM Requirements for Harsh Environments (Fire Sprinklers)

Notice 2026-01 - Safe Disposal of Products Capable of Spontaneous Combustion

Notice 2026-02 - Minimum Contractor Qualifications for Required Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance (ITM) of Fire Protection Systems

Get to Know your Fire Inspector

In the Map below - enter your address in the red search bar, to find your inspector.  

COMMON CODE DEFICIENCIES

Street address must be clearly marked (in contrasting color) and visible from the street.

Exit doors must open easily from the inside. Locks shall not require special knowledge or keys. the only exception is a main storefront door with a sign above that reads, "THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING IS OCCUPIED".

Aisles, walkways, stairways and paths leading to exits must be clear of storage and obstructions.

Emergency lights and exit signs must work properly, be lit at all times and provide a minimum of 90 minutes of illumination when in backup bower mode.

Electrical outlets, junction boxes, and circuit breaker panels must be covered and outlets and junction boxes must have the appropriate cover plates. Panels must have clearance access at ALL times.

Electrical extension cords cannot be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. These are only approved for 'temporary use" (for example: operating a power tool or vacuum for a short period). Multi-outlet power strips with build-in circuit breakers may be used in some applications. 

Fire extinguishers must be visible, readily accessible, and serviced every 12 months.

Fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems must be serviced and tested every 12 months by a licensed fire protection contractor.

Fire suppression systems for commercial cooking (hood systems) must be serviced and tested every 6 months by a licensed fire protection contractor.