Fire Code Enforcement & Inspections

The North Carolina Fire Prevention Code was created to provide minimum fire and life safety standards for commercial businesses. North Carolina Law charges Fire Departments with the task of enforcing these standards. The Fire Prevention Bureau strives to fairly and consistently enforce the Fire Code. This ensures that there is a level playing field for everyone.

North Carolina Law requires all businesses, churches, educational institutions and multi-family residences to have regular fire inspections. Firms with hazardous materials, institutions, and multi-family residences are inspected annually. Industries and educational facilities (except public & private schools) are every two years while businesses; storage facilities, mercantile, and churches are inspected every three years.

There is no charge for a fire inspection. However, if there are violations of the fire code a fee or fine may be accessed if the items are not corrected within a certain time period. For example, if an exit sign has a bulb that is burnt out. The inspector can give the facility 30 days to repair and replace the sign. A 2nd inspection will be scheduled to make sure the repair has been made. The inspector will continue to follow-up with the facility to make sure everything is corrected and a fine will be issued if it is not done within 60 days.

If the violation of the fire code is extreme the fire inspector during his/her first inspection may issue a fine. An example of this is when a fire inspector finds a locked or blocked exit door at the time of the inspection a $150 fine can be accessed.

Whenever routine maintenance is performed on your properties, keep fire safety in mind by taking a few minutes to verify that these simple, but important items are addressed. It will make a difference not only in your fire inspection but more importantly, it will help to ensure the safety of your employees and customers

The top ten Fire Code violations commonly found during Fire Inspections are:

1. Fire extinguishers in the businesses failing to have annual inspections by a qualified extinguisher company.

2. Improper Storage of combustibles too close to heat sources or ceilings and the improper storage and use of flammable liquids/ hazardous materials

3. Extension cords used as a substitute for permanent wiring and cords used in the path of travel (Cords can be damaged by walking on them).

4. Exit problems such as; blocked aisles, blocked/locked doors, and blocked open fire doors.

5. Inoperative Exit Signs and Emergency Lights due to burned out bulbs and bad batteries for backup in case of electrical power failure.

6. Bad housekeeping without regular trash removal.

7. Broken or defective electrical fixtures (broken, missing outlet or switch plate covers and electrical light fixtures).

8. Blocked Electrical Circuit Breaker Panels (A minimum clearance of 30” is required in front and to the sides of panels).

9. Fire Alarm, Fire Extinguishing and Sprinkler Systems failing to have routine servicing/testing by a qualified company.

10. Street address numbers not displayed or proper size.

If you need more information or have questions concerning a Fire Inspection, Fire Marshal can be reached at 910-692-2720.

Inspectors are involved with every aspect of construction, from blueprint plan review to final acceptance testing of all fire protection equipment. Residents must contact the Fire and Life Safety Division to inquire about burning permits, blasting permits, and underground tank removal permits. Inspections are divided up into districts and specialty areas to provide consistent and knowledgeable guidance to all residents and business owners.

• Review construction plans for commercial and public accessible buildings and multi-family dwellings to make sure construction materials and methods meet the minimum fire and life safety requirements of the 2012 NC Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and amendments to the fire code as adopted by the Town Code of Ordinances.

• Issue certificates of occupancy