Inspection Program

Fire suppression is not the only way to combat fires. A well-planned and executed fire prevention and inspection program is a less expensive and more effective way to accomplish the goal of the fire service. The goal is to minimize the risk of life and property loss from fire by observing, making recommendations, and subsequently controlling or eliminating hazardous conditions. The inspection program can make major strides toward accomplishing this goal before a fire occurs. The inspection program also helps educate occupants in ways to control hazards, in proper methods of evacuation, and in overall fire safety practices.

Fire prevention inspections are the single, most important non-firefighting activity performed by the Fire Department. Often the most important decisions and actions performed by fire suppression forces occur before a fire breaks out. These actions are preplanning, developing standard operating procedures, training, maintaining equipment in readiness, and are critical if the Fire Department is to perform efficiently and effectively at the fire scene.

Human behavior during a fire, although sometimes erratic and irrational, is predictable. This behavior is a logical attempt to deal with a complex, rapidly changing situation in which minimal information for action is available. Behavior during a fire follows a predictable sequence.

Step 1: Detection of the fire

Step 2: Definition of the situation

Step 3: Coping behavior

Despite the highly stressful situation, most individuals involved in a fire respond in a relatively rational manner. They might notify others, search for the source of the fire, or start to combat the fire. Unfortunately, they can be misled by ambiguous fire clues. Their limited knowledge about the rapidly changing environment around them further complicates their chance for survival. It is vitally important that the inspection program keep this likely behavior in mind during an inspection. In this way the inspectors can help to ensure that an occupancy is as safe as possible.

Establishing a favorable atmosphere plays an important role in conducting inspections. The inspector's attitude toward the inspection itself also plays a part in establishing a favorable atmosphere. A positive attitude will usually encourage a positive reaction from the occupant. This will help to promote a high degree of cooperation and compliance from the occupant. Scheduling the inspection also helps the inspector make a good initial impression.

When the initial inspection is complete, the fire inspector discusses the results with the person in authority for the property. The purpose of this closing interview is to note good conditions as well as discuss the conditions that need correcting. The inspectors discuss violations in general terms, indicating that specific details will be outlined in a written report, which will be sent to the property owner. In the closing interview the inspectors express thanks for any courtesies extended, and should another inspection be necessary, the owner of the property is informed at that time.

Some general fire safety matters that are noted during a fire inspection which apply to all occupancies are ensuring good housekeeping practices, regulating smoking, controlling the use of flammable decorations, controlling electrical hazards, regulating open burning, and maintaining access for fire equipment and personnel.

Although the fire inspection program up to this point has been a success, we continue to access it to improve it. With continued work, the program will be expanded to include residential dwellings in the near future.

If you would like to view an inspection report used by the Fire Department during an inspection of your home or business, it is available by clicking inspection report on the home page for the Fire Department.