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Fire Marshal

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1. What is a fire inspection?

The best way to prevent a fire is to prevent them from occurring. Routine fire inspections are one of the most effective ways to do that. The purpose of the inspections is multifold:
1. Identify and correct fire code violations.
2. Educate business and property owners about the fire code and general fire safety.

2. How can I prepare for the inspection?

The Deer Park Fire Marshal's Office has prepared an informational brochure, "Are You Up To Code" (Coming Soon), which will outline the most common fire code violations. This brochure is design to address the majority of the questions regarding an inspection. A copy of the brochure will be available by contacting our office and a Fire Inspector will deliver the brochure and go over any questions you may have.

3. What is the International Fire Code 2012?

The Fire Code is a group of fire safety requirements that are developed to protect a specific type of operation, to protect the occupants of a building from fire, and to reduce the potential for a fire to start. These requirements are developed based on information gathered from around the country where fires have been in the past. A significant amount of investigation and research is conducted to determine the actual cause of fire before an item becomes a part of the Fire Code. Once the Fire Code has been adopted by a city, it becomes the City Ordinance that regulates fire safety. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in citations and fines.

The Fire Code used by the City of Deer Park is part of a series of Codes that are designed to do two specific things: (1) to protect the lives of the people who enter, work, visit, or otherwise occupy a building, and (2) to ensure that all aspects of the construction of a building, fire protection systems and the operations or functions performed within a building are done in a fire safe manner.

4. How often will my business or property be inspected?

We strive to inspect businesses on an annual basis.

Schools, Daycares and other Licensed Facilities we strive to inspect your facility on a semi-annual basis.

5. What if I have a question about the inspection and fire code violations?

In order for Fire Marshal’s Department staff to perform accurate research, and therefore provide the most accurate answers, all questions must be accompanied by a business name and address. If the question is general in nature, and not attached to a business or address, please state that specifically.

For the mutual protection of the City of Deer Park Marshal’s Office, and the person asking the question, this is the only method by which questions will be addressed. Staff will make every effort to respond to all questions within 1 business day.

firemarshal@deerparktx.org

6. Why does the city conduct Fire Inspections?

There are two general reasons why fire/safety inspections are conducted.

(1) To ensure that any building in which the general public enters for business, entertainment, social, religious, or other purposes is maintained in a fire safe status.

(2) Fire safety inspections provide the owner/occupant of the building an indication of fire/safety hazards so they may correct the hazards to reduce their liability and potential for loss due to a fire.

7. A Fire Inspector found a violation of the Fire Code in my building, what must I do?

If a violation is found that is a maintenance related problem, the Fire Inspector will provide a date (generally 30 days) to correct the violation. If the violation can be corrected during the inspection, it will be noted on the inspection form that the correction has already taken place.

If a violation is found that will require the alteration or installation of new equipment or safety features, the Fire Inspector will indicate this on the report, and provide a date to submit a written proposal to the Fire Marshal's Office that will include an anticipated date that you can make the necessary corrections. Each written request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of repair/installation that is needed. If the request is within a reasonable time limit, and a reasonable level of safety can be maintained, an extension to comply will generally be granted.

8. How long do I have to correct the fire code violations noted on an inspection?

Once a Fire Inspector notifies you of a fire code violation, they will notify you and issue an inspection report requiring the conditions are corrected immediately. A re-inspection will be scheduled to verify compliance based upon the schedule of the Fire Inspector. This is typically is 30 days.

9. If I fail to make corrections to a fire code violation, what happens?

Initially, the Fire Inspector will issue a Notice of Violation. The Notice will indicate a date that the violation must be corrected by. The Fire Marshal's Office will make every effort to work with the building owner/occupant to bring the building into compliance without having to take further legal action. However, if the building owner/occupant continues to resist efforts to correct a fire hazard, the owner/occupant is subject to receiving a citation.

10. The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?

A re-inspection becomes necessary when a violation is found that cannot be corrected at the time of the inspection. The reason for the re-inspection is to produce the documentation showing the violation has been corrected, and that the building is then in compliance with all applicable codes and laws.

11. Can I schedule a Courtesy Inspection or Fire Code Consultation?

Yes. As a property or business owner, who may have fire safety concerns about your business? Contact our office at (281) 478-7291 and ask for a Courtesy Inspection. We will schedule a convenient time to stop by and address any concerns you may have.

12. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Alarm System?

The requirements to install a fire alarm system are based on several factors that are found in current buildings (as well as buildings being built). These factors include the type of building classification, the number of people that can be in the building (based on maximum number of people), and size of the building.

A fire alarm system is considered a life safety system. It is designed to operate automatically when either a manual pull station is activated or when smoke is detected by a smoke detector. Upon activation, it will notify the building occupants by flashing lights and a loud sound to evacuate the building.

A fire alarm system is also one of the two most important fire protection systems that can be installed in a building to protect the contents, inventories, stock, merchandise, tools and equipment, and the lives of those people who work in the building and those who visit the building.

13. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Sprinkler System?

The requirements to install a fire sprinkler system are based on several factors that are found in current buildings (as well as buildings being built). These factors include the type of building classification, size of the building, and the contents of the building.

A fire sprinkler system is considered a life safety system. It is designed to operate automatically when a certain amount of heat at the ceiling level activates a sprinkler head and causes water to flow. This water flow will either completely extinguish a fire or hold the fire from progressing further until the fire department can arrive. National Fire Protection Association statistics indicate that in almost all cases, only one or two sprinkler heads activate when a fire actually occurs.

A fire sprinkler system is also one of the two most important fire protection systems that can be installed in a building to protect the contents, inventories, stock, merchandise, tools and equipment, and the lives of those people who work or reside in the building and those who visit the building.

Contrary to the popular TV version of fire sprinklers, the activation of one sprinkler head does not cause all heads to go off and flood a building!

14. Is my building is "Grandfathered" from having to meet current codes?

This is a misconception or myth. There are no provisions in the International Fire Codes that allows a building to exist in an unsafe condition.

15. How is the occupant load for my building calculated?

The occupant load for a building is based on the number of people that can be in a specific area of a building. It uses the actual square foot of a room or area multiplied by a factor indicated in the Fire Code for that type of room use. The total occupant load for a building is calculated by adding all of the various room/area occupant loads together.

Certain types of rooms are exempt from calculation, such as a bathroom, because the bathroom would normally be occupied by someone from one of the other calculated rooms.

The occupant load indicator listed in the Fire Code is different for different types of room uses; for example, an area used for an office does not need as much room as a room where manufacturing equipment is used. The seating area of a church with fixed pews is different from the seating area of a restaurant.

I just started a business and moved into a new building, what do I have to do?
You must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or a change in occupancy. In order to get this certificate, you must call the Fire Marshal's Office and schedule a Fire Inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy.

An inspection is required because buildings are built based on the contents or operations to be performed inside the building. When the occupancy changes, the Fire Inspector has to check to make sure the fire protection related constructions features of the building are consistent with the new occupancy and it contents and operations. You will be advised at the time if additional fire protection systems or fire resistive construction must be added based on your operations. If the building is found to meet the fire code for your occupancy requirements, the Certificate of Occupancy will be granted. If the building does not meet the specific Fire Code requirements, the Inspector will provide you with information on how to proceed from that point, and who to contact.

16. When do I need a permit?

The Fire Marshal's Office issues two different types of permits; Operational Permits and Construction Permits.

A Construction Permit allows the applicant to install or modify a specific fire protection system, storage tank or other system outlined in the fire code. A comprehensive list of permits issued can be obtained by contacting our office.

17. How do I get a permit application?

You may contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (281) 478-7291 and request an application be emailed, mailed or faxed to you. You may also download an application from our website. See "Fire Code Questions"

18. The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?

A re-inspection becomes necessary when a violation is found that cannot be corrected at the time of the inspection. The reason for the re-inspection is to produce the documentation showing the violation has been corrected, and that the building is then in compliance with all applicable codes and laws.

19. There is a leaking fire hydrant on my street. Who is responsible for repairing it?

Fire hydrant maintenance is the responsibility of City of Deer Park. Please contact them via Public Works Department 281-478-7237.

20. Why does the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department make so much noise when they respond to a call?

State law requires that vehicles responding to an emergency must use both red lights and sirens.

21. SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!!

Most fire fatalities occur between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. - when most people are sleeping. Smoke from a residential fire can quickly kill the occupants. A smoke detector can save those lives.

22. Is one smoke detector enough?

Generally, several detectors are required to provide full protection. Smoke detectors should be installed on every living level of the home, inside each bedroom, and in the main corridor outside each bedroom area.

23. Where should I install smoke detectors?

Install a minimum of two detectors even in single level homes. Install a smoke detector in each bedroom as well as the main corridor outside of the bedroom area. Install a smoke detector above stairwells.

Mount smoke detectors in the middle of the ceiling, if possible. If not, mount detectors on the wall, at least three feet from a corner and 4-6 inches from the ceiling. Keep detectors away from fans or air ducts. Avoid placing the detector too close to kitchen stoves and bathroom showers.

24. What type of smoke detectors are there?

There are two basic types of smoke detectors: ionization and photo-electric. Both are effective at detecting fire, yet each has a unique detecting system. Each type of detector comes as AC- operated smoke detectors or battery- powered smoke detectors. Some AC detectors come with a battery back-up system.

25. How do I maintain my smoke detectors?

• Test your detectors once a week.
• Replace the battery in each smoke detector twice a year - use the slogan - "change your clock-change your battery" as a reminder. Never remove the battery unless you are changing batteries.
• Clean the detectors at least once a year.

26. What should I do if I hear a smoke detector's alarm sound?

• Never ignore the sound.
• Have an escape plan
• Feel if the door is hot.
• Crawl on the floor.
• Meet at a pre-arranged spot outside the home.
• Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
• Never go back inside a burning building.

27. My smoke detector is "chirping". What should I do?

Generally, a chirping sound means that the battery in your detector needs to be changed.

28. Who do I call to complain about tall weeds, fire hazards or abandoned autos?

Call Code Enforcement at 281-478-7237

29. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department thinks pessimistically when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response.

A computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The Fire Department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. In preparation for the worse-case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well. The first unit on the scene may not be an advanced life support unit (a unit with paramedics). Therefore, such a unit also will be responding.

There may be four Fire Department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can, prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

30. How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go "Code 3" (lights and siren) through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were going on.

31. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie version of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic, and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

32. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?

Check the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers.

33. How can I become a member of the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department?

Service God, Country, and Man is a great honor; but to serve as a Deer Park Volunteer Firefighter is a privilege.

Your time is a precious commodity and as a Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department member you will be afforded the opportunity to serve your community as a firefighter or as an Emergency Medical Provider.

As a firefighter you will be placed in an intensive 14-week fire academy where you will experience classroom, hands on fire training, and comradeship opportunities with fellow firefighters. After the academy you will be allowed to join the prestigious ranks of the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department where you will undergo a six-month probationary period to further your firefighting experience.

As a member of the EMS group you will be placed with a mentor for six months to demonstrate skills and learn department protocol.

The City of Deer Park offers its volunteers opportunities to expand their EMS and fire training through area colleges, fire training schools, and the prestigious Texas A&M Fire training school in College Station, Texas.

The City of Deer Park is a member of the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, which provides pension, disability, and survivor benefits for the firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel who volunteer their time. After 15 years of pension credit you will be allowed to receive these retirement benefits.

Qualifications required for EMS application:
Between 19 and 55 years of age
Pass DOT physical
Current Texas EMS Certification
Pass physical agility test
Pass a criminal background check
Complete academy training

Qualifications required for FIRE application:
Between 21 and 55 years of age
Pass DOT physical
Pass physical agility test
Pass a criminal background check
Complete academy training

If you meet the listed qualifications and are interested in becoming a member please download an application. Go to the www.dpvfd.org

34. How do I get a copy of a fire incident report from the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department?

Call the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department at 281-478-7291 between 8am and 5pm Monday Through Friday.

There is no charge for the fire incident report however; you must fill out a 'Request for Open Records' form prior to receiving your report.

35. Where is Deer Park Fire Marshal's Office located?

We are located at 2211 East X Street, Deer Park, Texas. We are in Deer Park Fire Department Station 3.