We use a variety of ways to engage the community about fire prevention steps everyone can take to stay safe. We go to schools, community centers, and businesses to provide public education about fire safety and make a number of fire prevention publications available to the public.
Look for our information booths at special events around town, where you will find informative free resources and giveaways.
We’d also like to invite you to stop by our annual Open House. Be sure to meet Sparky, our Dalmatian dog. Sparky helps at community functions and at schools where we teach how to "stop, drop and roll" and "learn not to burn" and is an important member of the firefighting team.
What types of plans can be reviewed over-the-counter?
We can help you with over-the-counter plan checks for most projects, including:
Architectural Tenant Improvement
B Occupancy plans with remodels up to 10,000 sq. ft. in total construction area
A-3 occupancy plans with remodels up to 3,000 square feet
F and H occupancy tenant improvement plans must be submitted for plan review and may not be reviewed over-the-counter
Fences
Gates that obstruct a fire department access road/lane
Fire Alarm Systems
Plans are limited to the addition and/or relocation of five initiating devices and the addition and/or relocation of notification appliances for tenant improvement work up to 5,000 sq. ft.
Any new fire alarm control panels and/or power supplies must be submitted for plan review and may not be reviewed over-the-counter.
Fire Sprinkler Water Flow Monitoring
Plans are limited to water flow monitoring only, to include a fire alarm control panel, one remote annunciator panel, one manual pull station, one smoke detector, one water flow device, two supervisory devices and one horn/strobe.
Fire Sprinkler Tenant Improvement
Plans are limited to addition or relocation of up to 10 new and/or 50 relocated fire sprinkler heads due to tenant improvement work.
Emergency Repairs to Private Fire Main Systems
Plans are limited to a repair of an existing underground private fire service main that is placed out of service due to a break.
What is involved in plan check for fire prevention?
Contractors submit building plans to the City. We use fire protection codes and regulations to check the plans to ensure the safety of the people who will occupy the building or area. We look for things such as how people in the building can get out easily and safely without being locked in or confused. We also have certain protection systems built into the structure such as fire sprinklers and suppression systems that will work properly when they are needed.
How often should my business/home be inspected?
Inspections are conducted annually on apartment buildings five units and above and all businesses. For more information about residential/multi-family or call the Fire Prevention Division at 310-524-2234.
What do you look for during a fire inspection?
We look for any potential hazards and verify that the fire codes and regulations are being followed. To ensure life safety on new construction, we make sure that the plans that were presented and approved have been properly followed and that all installations are done correctly.
With an annual inspection, we look for any potential safety hazards that can be abated before they become a problem. If we identify a hazard, or an area of concern, we’ll do our best to communicate that it’s in everyone's best interest to make the area as safe as possible. Our objectives are ensuring safety, code compliance and mutual cooperation.
Why do so many firefighters come to do the annual inspections?
Engine and truck companies need to stay together in case they need to respond to an emergency. It permits them to respond faster when all company members are already together.
Where can I read a copy of the International Fire Code?
The International Fire Code is available for review in the Fire Prevention Office at 314 Main Street during our regular office hours, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
