The following violations are commonly found during Fire inspections.  The associated corrections are provided in an effort to serve the Victorville business community in order to prevent fire hazards and maintain compliance with adopted fire codes.  The information presented is general fire prevention information and not intended to represent compliance needs for every occupancy.

Should you have any additional questions, our Fire Inspectors are available to help.  You may email us at fireprevention@victorvilleca.gov or call our office at (760) 955-5227 to speak with a Fire Inspector.

ADDRESSES

Numbers should be clearly visible from the street or access fronting the property.  Address numbers should be at least 12" tall with contrasting background for commercial and industrial buildings as well as multi-family housing.  Single family homes require 4" high numbers.  Addresses not visible may make it difficult for responding emergency units to find your location. 

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire extinguishers require annual inspections and display of tags to verify inspections.  Most businesses require a minim of 2A-10BC size/type one extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet or portion thereof, and placed every 75 feet (for example, a 2,800 square foot occupancy requires one extinguisher, and a 3,200 square foot occupancy requires two extinguishers).  Specific hazard areas may require different types of extinguishers.  Extinguishers should be mounted three to five feet off the floor in a visible and accessible location.  Extinguishers shall have a wall-mounted sign to identify locations.

EXIT SIGNS

Exit signs identify the safest routes out of a building.  Exit lights should be lit for visibility in smoky or low light conditions.  Battery backup activation in exit lights should be checked monthly. 

EXIT DOORS

Exit doors are one of the most important building safety features.  Exit corridors should be kept clear at all times.  Exit door hardware is designed to ensure one action opening.  Exit doors should never be wedged open.  This helps to isolate fire and smoke from other areas of the building in the event of a fire.  Display racks, excess stock and furniture should never be placed in a exist path. 

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Sprinkler systems shall be annually tested with a maintenance log placed on the system.  Access to the sprinkler riser and Fire Department Connection should be maintained.  A sprinkler head cabinet should be installed near the rise with a sprinkler head wrench and a minimum of six spare heads.

FIRE ALARMS

A fire alarm system is intended to alert building occupants that a fire is present.  Fire alarm systems are required to be tested annually by qualified service personnel.  Records of testing must be maintained on the premises. 

COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

Combustibles should be stored at least 18" below ceilings and sprinkler heads.  Combustibles should be stored 24" below ceilings in buildings without sprinklers.  Combustibles should never be stored under unprotected stairways.  Combustibles should be stored at least 30" from natural or propane supplied appliances and 18" from electric appliances including portable heaters.

HOUSE KEEPING

Combustible waste material should not be stored or allowed to accumulate in or near buildings.  Waste should be placed in approved containers for removal.