IF YOU INTEND TO PURCHASE LAND OR BUILD IN THE FIRE DISTRICT PLEASE EMAIL THE FIRE MARSHAL (RACHEL RUSH, RRUSH@ELKCREEKFIRE.ORG) IN ADVANCE TO DETERMINE IF THERE ARE FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDING THE PROPERTY'S ADDRESS AND YOUR INTENTIONS. THIS WILL HELP YOU AVOID UNWANTED SURPRISES IN THE FUTURE.
The Fire Marshal is responsible for the fire safety of the buildings within the Fire District. Our fire safety focus: fire prevention through education, engineering and fire code enforcement. The Fire Marshal performs several functions:
The Fire Marshal performs plan reviews and building inspections of new structures or revisions to existing buildings to ensure compliance with the adopted codes and ordinances within the Fire District. This may include construction related inspections at one and two-family dwellings for emergency vehicle access, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and fire cisterns.
The Fire Marshal performs regular inspections of existing commercial occupancies (excluding one and two-family dwellings) within the Conifer Fire District boundaries in an effort to enhance life safety, reduce fire hazards and to create and maintain a safe environment. The Fire Marshal performs inspections of temporary uses such as special events, tents, firework stands, etc.
The Fire Marshal investigates fires to determine how the fire started, how the fire spread, and how people were affected by the fire. This helps us to build better buildings, prevent fires, reduce the spread of fire and teach people how to escape a fire.
The Conifer Fire Protection District Fire Marshal is Rachel Rush. Fire Marshal Rush can be contacted by email at rrush@elkcreekfire.org.
The fire code is designed to reduce the likelihood of a fire, slow the spread of a fire, protect the people inside of the building and insure egress for emergency responders. The Conifer Fire Protection District has adopted the 2018 International Fire Code with local amendments. In addition, the Conifer Fire Protection District writes Standard Rules & Regulations based on the local needs of the Fire District.
Fire Code Permits are required for plan reviews and inspections related to new construction, modifications to existing buildings, new fire system installations and modifications, new special use installations and modifications, new gate installations and modifications, and temporary uses such as special events, tents, firework stands, etc. See adopted fire code for complete list.
Click here to download the fee schedule adopted by the Conifer Fire Protection District Board of Directors.
Visit homefiresprinkler.org to learn more about the importance of residential fire sprinkler systems.
All commercial fire protection systems are required to be maintained in an operating condition and tested annually by a State licensed fire protection system contractor. Kitchen fire suppression systems are required to be tested semi-annually. Copies of annual fire protection system inspection and testing reports are required to be submitted online by the contractor, within 30 days, at www.thecomplianceengine.com.
Portable fire extinguishers are required in all commercial occupancies. The number and size of portable fire extinguishers are determined by the size and hazard of the occupancy. Portable fire extinguishers are your first line of defense to extinguish small fires and prevent them from becoming large fires. Employees need to be trained in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers require an annual inspection by a qualified contractor. A tag is required showing the inspection company information and date of inspection.
Emergency access is required for all new commercial and residential development to insure that the roads and driveways are useable by fire apparatus during emergencies. Residential dwellings shall comply with County standards.
Fire department lock boxes are required to be installed on all buildings that contain a fire system. The fire district requires Knox Boxes, which can be ordered online at www.knoxbox.com. Property owners are required to provide the Fire District with keys for firefighter access during emergencies.
The International Fire Code and OSHA has mandatory requirements for emergency planning. The extent of the emergency plan depends on the type and size of your occupancy. Employees need to be properly trained on your emergency plan.
A Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) is required for each occupancy that uses or stores hazardous materials on site. The HMIS information is used to determine fire code requirements and to inform firefighters of hazardous materials that are on-site so they can take the necessary precautions during emergency response.
Jefferson County has guidelines for Fire Pits, Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, and Recreational Fires.
