Life Safety Inspections

If you know where to look, you can see the Ohio Fire Code is written from tragedy. Search the Cocoanut Grove fire in Boston, which left nearly 500 dead. Or The Station Nightclub fire, where 100 people died in 2003. Or, just six years ago, the Ghost Ship warehouse fire — a converted space that led to the death of nearly 40 people.

Learn from the past; prevent the next tragedy. As your fire department, it’s our job to think of the worst-case scenario. We plan for it each and every day. That’s why, under the authority of the Ohio Fire Code, we will be visiting your business to look for issues you may not even consider, but we know have led to tragedy before.

We’ll work with you to make your business safer for your visitors and employees. You’ll get a complete report with information on how to correct any violations. Even if it doesn’t save a life, preventing a fire could save your livelihood.

Safety, together. That’s the goal. We look forward to working with you.

Is the Portage Fire District responsible your inspecting your home or business?

Search your address here to find out!

Voluntary Residential Inspection

Voluntary inspections of resident occupancies are provided to home owners at no cost to District residents. Often, a requirement is set for foster homes to have a health and safety inspection completed by the location jurisdiction having authority. Other times, the home owner has questions or concerns. Please email us at questions@portagefiredistrict.org to arrange a voluntary residential inspection.

Commercial Building Inspection

Chapter 1301 of the Ohio Fire Code, Version 2017 establishes rules and regulations pertaining to the enforcement of the Ohio Fire Code for commercial buildings within the District. The purpose of the Ohio Fire Code and the responsibility of the Fire Prevention Unit is to ensure that health and life safety along with compliance to the Ohio Fire Code.

Inspection Fees

Currently, there is no charge for life safety inspections. This matter is under consideration of the Fire Board of Trustees.

Self-Inspection Form

Download here. (Currently for informational use only.)

Most Common Violations

  • Extension cords and multi-plug devices are prohibited in commercial occupancies. Using fused outlet strips that plug directly into the wall outlet are acceptable.

  • An address number, four inches high with a ½ inch stroke, must be provided for the front of the building. If the business has a back door it must be labeled on the outside with the business name or address.

  • Holes in walls or ceilings must be repaired. All ceiling tiles in suspended ceilings must be in place and fit snugly around any penetrations.

  • Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected and tagged by a State of Ohio licensed technician every 12 months; replaced when missing or stolen; recharged when units have been discharged; and accessible at all times. Do not allow any company to remove your extinguisher from your business without leaving you an extinguisher for your premises.

  • Emergency egress lighting systems are to be maintained so that they work. These units should be momentarily tested for correct operations every month and load tested for at least 30 minutes every year. Missing or burnt out light bulbs within "EXIT" signs or lights must be replaced so that they are internally illuminated during hours of business. Apartments must have their "EXIT" signs or lights illuminated at all times.

  • The fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems must be inspected every 6 to 12 months by a State of Ohio licensed technician, complete with a report forwarded to the Fire Prevention Unit.

  • There must be a clearance access of at least 30 inches around electrical panels. We suggest marking the floor with yellow paint or tape.

    Fire alarm panels, fire sprinklers and standpipe connections as well as fire sprinkler valves must be accessible at all times. There shall be no storage of materials in these areas.

    Outside Fire Department sprinkler connections and Fire Lanes must be kept free of obstructions. Examples include shopping carts, pallets, cardboard bales, delivery vehicles and merchandise.

  • Storage of combustibles is prohibited within 24 inches of the ceiling or within 18 inches of a sprinkler head. Combustible storage must be kept out of the boiler, electrical, furnace, mechanical, elevator and laundry rooms. Propane cylinders larger than one pound may not be stored inside a building.

  • Damaged doors and their hardware must be repaired, replaced and maintained when they are part of a required fire separation. Examples include: doors in stairwells, doors between offices and their warehouses or shops, storage, electrical, mechanical, and laundry room doors. These doors are to close automatically from the full open position and latch in the closed position. These doors may only be held open with an approved magnetic hold open device attached to the building’s fire alarm system. These doors cannot be wedged in the open position.

  • Exit hallways, stairwells and doors must be kept free of obstructions. These areas must remain free of combustible storage such as furniture, cardboard boxes, paper and lumber.