Fire Inspections
Building Plans Examination & On-site Fire Inspections
Request an Inspection
Fire Inspectors are trained and certified through national certification processes to determine code violations and offer remedies to those violations. They use codes and ordinances to ensure that public buildings are safe when occupied, and that, should an emergency occur, occupants can safely escape without injury or death.
The Bureau was established November 2014. Since then it has focused on newly constructed buildings and new tenants moving in to an existing structure. The Bureau began inspect all buildings and structures in the District in 2017.
Our main focus when performing these inspections is Life Safety. Review WJFD Inspection Items (PDF) located in the Document Center on this page for an overview of items that should be addressed prior to the inspection, with an opportunity to correct any deficiencies that may exist. The checklist is not all inclusive as some businesses will require other items above and beyond what is on the list.
Uniformed firefighters with specialized training. They have expertise in preventing fires, enforcing the codes, and know first-hand how fires endanger lives and property. They sometimes ask other specialists, such as Building or Electrical Inspectors to assist them on some matters.
The goal of the Bureau is to inspect all public and commercial buildings annually in order to provide a high level of fire and life safety to the public. If a suspected fire or life safety hazard is reported to the Bureau, then an inspection could come sooner.
It depends on several factors such as building size and uses. The inspection fee is based on the following two factors: square footage and the occupancy classification. If violations are found and cannot be immediately corrected, a re-inspection of the premises would be in order. There is no fee for the first re-inspection. However, if violations are not corrected a second re-inspection of the premises will be required and the inspection fee will be billed again. For more information review the WJFD Schedule of Fees. We accept checks, money orders, or online credit card. No cash.
The Fire Board of the West Jackson Fire District elected to charge fees rather than raise taxes. The costs of the inspections are benchmarked with other Georgia Cities. These fees offset the cost to operate the Bureau.
Each year the Chief of the Fire Department and Fire Inspectors review the fees. They make recommendations and suggest changes in the fee structure. These adjustments are presented to the Fire Board, who make the final decision.
The State law requires the use of the building to be inspected; therefore, we bill the business we inspect. You may have a lease that makes the building owner responsible for certain items. This is a matter left up to you and the owner.
We try to give all businesses the same re-inspection time span of a couple of weeks. We realize some things cannot be done in that time frame, and we will come by to just check on your progress as a reminder and see if you need any technical assistance.
We will try to see if you just didn’t understand what was required and try to help you. However, fire code violations endanger you, your business, and the public. Violations have significant repercussions when left uncorrected. Georgia State law also provides for both civil monetary penalties and possible criminal charges. We would prefer to work with you, so that these actions are not needed.
We inspect public and commercial businesses only. We do not inspect home-based businesses and residential properties.
Fire Inspections FAQs
Inspection Items
Below is a list of items that will be inspected upon the request of a Fire and Life Safety Inspection. This list is used for both new tenants and annual inspections. Not all items pertain to every occupancy. This is a general list to assist/guide you in preparation for a fire inspection. There may be additional items not listed that may pertain to your specific occupancy classification.
Exit/Egress
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Door/aisles are free of obstructions.
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Illuminated exits signs maintained and in working order.
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Proper lock/hardware on exit doors (no flush bolts, hasps, etc.).
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Means of egress shall be kept clear of obstructions.
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Emergency lights maintained and in working order.
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Exit doors open easily and close after opening.
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Doors with panic hardware shall have no other locking devices.
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Sign over main entrance “This door is to remain unlocked during business hours.” (If the door is a double keyed deadbolt.)
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Maximum occupancy signage shall be posted in a conspicuous location near the main entrance (where applicable).
Fire Protection Equipment
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A minimum of one 2A10BC extinguisher installed.
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Fire extinguishers serviced with the past year and have a new service tag attached.
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Extinguishers are securely mounted or in an approved cabinet.
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Extinguishers are not obstructed and are in plain view.
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Extinguisher top shall be placed between 36” and 50” from the floor.
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Fire alarm system in proper working order AND tested annually with appropriate documentation.
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18” clearance between storage and sprinkler heads.
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Sprinkler system shall be maintained AND be tested annually with appropriate documentation.
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Kitchen fire protection systems shall be maintained AND tested semi-annually with
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appropriate documentation.
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Maintain access to fire hydrants and connections for sprinkler and standpipe systems.
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Fire and smoke walls shall be maintained with no openings, other than those allowed by code.
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If no other fire protection system is in place, a minimum of 1 smoke detector installed in an approved location.
Electrical
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NO extension cords in use in place of permanent wiring. (Power strips with breaker buttons are acceptable.)
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Electrical panel is not overloaded or obstructed.
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36” clearance maintained in front of electrical panel.
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NO multi-plug adapters in use, other than approved power strips.
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NO spliced or frayed cords or wires.
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Spacer/blanks installed in electrical panel gap(s).
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Circuit breaks correctly labeled.
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No broken, faulty, or missing switches, or outlets.
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No missing covers for switches, outlets, junction boxes, electrical panels, etc.
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Electrical cords do not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, or above/under doors or floor coverings.
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No exposed wiring or conduit.
Storage/Combustable/Material/Housekeeping
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Flammable liquids are properly stored.
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No accumulation of combustible materials.
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Oil rags stored in non-combustible container with lid.
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Compressed gas cylinders secured regardless if full, in-use, or empty.
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‘No Smoking’ signs installed where combustible material is stored (where required).
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Maintain storage 24” below ceiling without a sprinkler system.
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Maintain 36” clearance around items such as furnaces and hot water tanks and any other ignition sources.
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NO storage shall be kept in exit stairways.
Appliances/Mechanical Devices
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All appliances are properly wired, connected, and vented. (Where allowed by code.)
Miscellaneous
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Fire Access Lanes shall be approved by the Fire District.
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Fire Access Lane shall be properly identified and maintained.
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Charcoal grills, propane grills and/or other open-flame cooking devices shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10’ of combustible construction (where allowed).
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Address number shall be posted in contrasting colors on front and rear doors and shall be a minimum of 4” in height.
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Knox boxes shall be properly installed and in approved locations by the Fire District.
Inspection Notes
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Inspections should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
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Inspection fees vary by occupancy classification and square footage.
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Digital Plans may be emailed to Lt. Martin. Please allow 7-10 days for turnaround.
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Ship or drop off physical copies of plans at our address
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Review general list of inspection items for more information
Contact the Fire Marshal
If you are ready for your inspection, call, email, or use the Online Inspection Request Form.
Lt. Martin, Fire Marshal
69 W Jackson Road,
Braselton, GA 30517
706-654-2500 ext. 1