Fire Inspections
Fire Prevention Inspectors perform inspections based on request, complaint, safety concern and routine basis. Utilizing authorities, powers, duties, and responsibilities set out under provincial legislation, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA), Fire Inspectors enforce the Ontario Fire Code.
You can request a general fire safety inspection or a fire inspection for the purchase or sale of a property. Fees apply to request inspections and start at $150.00 (plus HST) for single or 2 unit residential properties. Property File Search cost is $75.00 plus HST, total is $84.75. Please make all cheques payable to the "City of Woodstock". Written authorization from the landlord is required prior to releasing any records.
If you have a Fire Safety Concern, you can request a complaint inspection. All personal information will remain confidential.
In addition, Fire Inspectors also complete regular inspections in buildings considered high risk. The Ontario Fire Code requires annual mandatory inspections of Vulnerable Occupancies which includes the following buildings:
- Care and treatment occupancies such as nursing homes and hospitals
- Retirement homes
- Group homes
Fire Inspectors are also required to observe an annual fire evacuation drill carried out by supervisory staff in all Vulnerable Occupancies. This is to ensure the evacuation of all residents (with or without physical and/or cognitive limitations) is performed in a timely manner that meets compliance requirements.
Fire inspections are also completed to meet licensing requirements for:
- Liquor licensing
- Business and fireworks licensing
- Refreshment vehicles
During an inspection, the Fire Prevention Inspector will look for compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. Here is a short list of potential items an inspector will look for:
- Blocked / obstructed exits
- Damaged fire separations
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, where required
- Records of tests for fire safety equipment
- Improper storage of flammable liquids or gasses
- Unsafe accumulations of combustible materials
- Electrical issues
- Fire safety plans
