Fire Inspections

Who is responsible for Fire Inspections?

The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (SPS), and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), both recognize and authorize the Fire Chief to be held responsible for fire inspections within their response area.

SPS 314.01(13)(b)1.`General.’ The chief of the fire department shall be responsible for having all public buildings and places of employment within the territory of the fire department inspected for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, or any violations of any law or ordinance relating to fire hazards or to the prevention of fires.

Who actually conducts the Fire Inspections?

The State of Wisconsin appoints the Fire Chief as an “Authorized deputy of the department” and the Chief may appoint others on their department to assist with inspections, also known as Fire Inspectors. NFPA 1 – 1.7.6.6 states “Persons authorized to enter and inspect buildings, structures, marine vessels, vehicles and premises as herein set forth shall be identified by credentials issued by the governing authority.” Within the Sauk Fire District, the Fire Chief appoints a member or members of the department with adequate training to act on his/her behalf to conduct Fire Inspections.

SPS 314.01(13)(b)9. `Inspectors.’ Fire safety inspections shall be conducted by the department or deputy or an authorized representative of the deputy.

What types of buildings require Fire Inspections?

All commercial buildings within the Sauk Fire District as well as mixed use(Commercial/Residential), and 3 unit + residential structures with common areas are subject to Fire Inspections. (Single Family homes and duplexes are exempt)

SPS 314.01(13)(b)2.`Determining the buildings that are to be inspected.’ The fire chief shall be responsible for determining those public buildings and places of employment that are to be inspected, for each municipality for which the fire department has responsibility.

NFPA-1, 1.7.6.3. To the full extent permitted by law, any AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction, aka, The Fire Department) engaged in fire prevention and inspection work shall be authorized at all reasonable times to enter and examine any building, structure, marine vessel, vehicle or premises for the purpose of making fire safety inspections.

What areas of the building are you allowed to inspect?

Most buildings get a full inspection of any and all rooms. Certain building such as apartment buildings and mixed use buildings with both commercial and residential areas, only the “common” or public areas are inspected. This means a fire inspector will not go into your private apartment or living space. They will inspect hallways and stairwells as well as common laundry rooms, and basements and storage areas etc.

How often are inspections done?

SPS 314.01(13)(b)5. `General exception for other municipalities.’ Within the territory of each fire department, in each municipality other than first class cities, the following types of occupancies shall be inspected at least once per calendar year, provided the interval between those inspections does not exceed 15 months.

When can Fire Inspections be conducted?

NFPA states inspections may be completed at “all reasonable times”. This means during hours of business unless other arrangements are made. Fire Inspections do not require an appointment, however for some businesses one will be made to allow staff to give access to locked or secure areas of the building.

NFPA 1, 1.7.6.1. The AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) shall be authorized to inspect, at all reasonable times, any building or premises for dangerous or hazardous conditions or material as set for in this Code.

What codes do you refer to when conducting a Fire Inspection?

Currently, under SPS 314.001(1)(a), The State of Wisconsin uses NFPA-1,Fire Code- 2012, as the code used to conduct inspections.

What are you looking for when you conduct a Fire Inspection?

During a Fire Inspection, We look for anything that may cause a fire or anything that might delay a person from quickly escaping a fire situation. Common items we look for are blocked or obstructed exit paths, we also make sure that the exits are properly marked and the exit signs are lit. We will look for electrical hazards or overloaded circuits. A couple common violations are power strips hooked together and electrical chords used as permanent wiring. We also make sure that fire extinguishers and Cooking fire suppression systems have been tested and maintained annually and they are accessible and in working order.

What happens if you find a violation?

The Sauk City Fire Department strives to keep our community safe through public interaction and education. With that in mind, if a violation is found, We will work with the tenant or building owner to promptly and accurately correct it. Many of the violations can be corrected on the spot, if it cannot, the inspector will give between 1 and 90 days to correct the violation. 98% of violations can, and are, corrected within this time frame. In extreme and rare cases, further action, to include legal action, can be taken if violations are not corrected.

Below is our Occupancy Data worksheet. We use this information in the event there is an emergency at your building or business and we need to get in contact with someone. You can fill this out if there has been a change to your building/business or contact information. The Fire Inspector will also go over this with at your annual inspection to make sure everything is up to date. There is both a fillable form and a printable version available. Please email saukfireinspector@gmail.com, or fax to 608-643-3221 the competed form. Your information will not be shared with anyone and will only be used by the Fire Department in the even of an emergency.

Resources:

Wisconsin SPS 314

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

National Fire Protection Agency