The Township Fire Marshal performs the task of educating building owners/occupants on how to prevent fires or accidents. The Fire Marshal works with businesses to provide a safe place for its employees and customers. However, it is also the responsibility of the Fire Marshal to swiftly and strictly enforce any violation which may endanger lives and property. The Fire Marshal is therefore sworn to enforce various laws and ordinances adopted to preserve life and property.

Some of the many items that the Fire Marshal will look for are:

Early warning systems have saved thousands of lives. It is important that these systems are also properly installed and maintained.  The Fire Marshal will check the buildings alarm system and maintenance records. Smoke, heat and water flow alarms are just some of the systems that are present in many businesses in the Township.

Studies show that over seventy percent of businesses that are stricken by fire do not re-open. Many of those that do are unable to recover the customer base it enjoyed prior to the fire.  It is our mission to prevent these tragedies and assist our local businesses in any way possible to avoid fires.

The Fire Marshal and Fire Chief are available for consultation at any stage of plan development. If there are any questions prior to site plan development, you may call for an appointment. The following requirements are set forth in the 1997 Uniform Fire Code, as adopted on November 30, 1999 as Ordinance No. 189 by the Charter Township of Texas.

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Fire/Rescue Department is responsible for the review and approval of plans for fire protection systems and equipment required by the Fire Code. These fire protection systems include sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm systems, cooking appliances and hood and duct extinguishing systems and other special fire extinguishing systems such as Halon systems used in computer rooms. Fire protection systems plans SHALL BE SUBMITTED FOR PLAN REVIEW PRIOR TO ANY WORK BEING STARTED!

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
The Fire Code requires that fire extinguishers be located in all buildings and hazardous areas. The type, number and location of extinguishers are dependent on the occupancy of the building. Contact the Fire/Rescue Department for information on the specific requirements. See 1997 UFC sec 1002.

ACCESS AND WATER SUPPLY
The Fire/Rescue Department will review all site plans to insure access is suitable for our large fire apparatus. These vehicles are heavy, long and high and require suitable roadways that we can drive and turn around on. In addition, fire fighting water supply adequacy will be reviewed for the building. This includes public fire hydrants as well as private water supplies and tanker supplied water from Fire Department apparatus.

OTHER ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Before anyone can occupy a new building (other than one and two-family residential), a final inspection must be completed by a Department inspector. To coordinate this effort, we ask that you schedule your inspection at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance and have all work items completed. Should you allow occupancy prior to the required inspection you could be liable for code compliance citation, so please be aware of this condition.

ALL OCCUPANCIES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

The Plan review process will address all of these aspects as well as life safety items.

Should you have any questions at all about what may be required, please make an appointment for plan review consultation.

It is our purpose and pleasure to provide you with the needed fire code information to assist your construction project.

Thank You,

Michael A. Corfman, Chief
James Williams, Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal
Charter Township of Texas, Fire & Rescue Dept.