The Fire Marshal / City of Angola, Indiana

You are here: Home»Departments»Building Safety Department»The Fire Marshal

The Fire Marshal

The Fire Marshal and the Community

The Fire Marshal plays an important role in the community, not only with regard to inspecting all existing Class 1 structures , but also in new construction and in the repair and alteration of existing buildings. Because the construction industry is ever changing, the Fire Marshal must stay informed regarding new materials, processes and practices. By keeping up with the industry, Fire Marshals exert a positive influence on their environment and contribute to the economic health and well being of the community. As both an educator and valuable resource, a professional Fire Marshal provides many services, to ensure a healthy and safe environment, for which the public benefits, which include:

Education
Technical support
Plan review
On-site construction inspections
Existing building inspections
Underground storage tank removals
Approval of alternative methods and/or materials
Expeditious permit processing
Coordination of the permit process with other departments and government agencies to ensure that the end product meets the needs of the community

Qualifications of A Fire Marshal

Fire Marshals are generally certified through the International Code Council or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The standard for today's Fire Marshal is to have a minimum of at least one certification. The International Code Council and theNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provide rigorous competency testing. In addition, many Fire Marshals possess other educational background in engineering, architecture, management, or other construction or land use related fields.

Fire Marshals maintain competency through:

Continuing education classes offered by the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Indiana Association of Building Officials, and the Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana.
Professional development programs by the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA), and the Indiana Association of Building Officials.
Participation membership/attendance in quarterly/annual business meeting held by the International Code Council, the Indiana Association of Building Officials, the Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana, and the National Fire Protection Association.
Professional and product information publications.

State Of Indiana Legislative Mandate

The City of Angola is mandated by the Indiana State Legislature to engage in an inspection program to promote compliance with fire safety laws in accordance with Indiana Code 36-8-17-8. Because the State of Indiana is a Home Rule State , the City of Angola Common Council adopted a Fire Prevention Ordinance.

Functions & Services

The City of Angola Fire Marshal performs annual fire prevention inspections in all commercial, industrial, institutional, assembly, and in common areas of multi-family residential dwellings, hotels & motels, in the City of Angola, and in Pleasant township. The Fire Marshal provides fire and building code information to the public and technical advice to committees, departments and agencies. The City of Angola Fire Marshal reviews building plans necessary for the issuance of building construction permits for all Class 1 and Class 2 structures. The Fire Marshal, along with the City of Angola Building Commissioner, performs periodic inspections during the various phases of construction.

Enforces the City of Angola Fire Code Ordinance
Enforces the City of Angola Building Code Ordinance
Assists in enforcement of the Unsafe Building Ordinance
Performs inspections
Issues building and other City permits.
Responds to citizen inquiries and requests
Assist citizens with City site improvement review and approval processes
Works closely with all City, County and State Departments that regulate site improvements of Class 1 Structures.

The Angola Fire Marshal helps make the buildings where we live, work and play safe.

Common Deficiencies Found During Fire Prevention Inspections:

Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected and tagged by qualified personnel every 12 months, replaced when missing or stolen, recharged when units have been used, and accessible at all times.
Emergency lights shall be operable at all times. These units should be tested for correct operations every month.
Exit lights shall be illuminated at all times. Bulbs and batteries shall be replaced where defective.
Sprinkler and fire alarm systems shall be tested, inspected and maintained at least annually by qualified personnel. Kitchen hood extinguishing systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained at least semi-annually.
Required fire-resistive construction, including fire doors, shall be maintained. Fire doors shall not be obstructed or otherwise impaired.
All required means of egress, and components, shall be kept free of obstructions or impediments.
Address numbers shall be present, at least 4 inches high, and visible from the street or road fronting the property.
All compressed gas cylinders and containers shall be adequately secured.
A working space of not less than 30 inches in width, 36 inches in depth and 78 inches in height shall be provided for electrical service equipment.
Combustible storage shall not be permitted in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms and electrical equipment rooms.
Extension cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords shall not be used for a period of over 30 days.
Cube adapters and un-fused plugs strips shall be prohibited. All power taps shall be fused or contain a breaker.
Approved covers are provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes. Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited.
All circuits in switchboards and panel-boards are legibly and durably marked to indicate its purpose.
Doors into rooms containing electrical equipment are marked with an approved sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM or similar approved wording.
Combustible materials are stored away from ignition sources.
Un-approved locking devices, such as dead-bolts and surface mounted bolts are prohibited.

Home Fire Inspection Checklist:

Are your local emergency phone numbers near your telephone?
Can your house number be seen from the street so that emergency personnel can find you?
Do you have smoke detectors on each floor of the home, and near all sleeping areas? Do you test each detector every month?
Do you have an emergency escape plan? If so, do you practice it frequently?
Is there a fire extinguisher present in your home? Does everyone know its location and proper use?
Are matches and lighters kept in a safe place away from children?
Do you know that you should never run if your clothing catches on fire? Remember — STOP, DROP AND ROLL.
Do you have a screen on your fire place? Is it closed at all times?
Do you clean your fire place or wood-burning stove frequently?
Do you clean lint and other debris from the dryer exhaust system?
Is your yard clear of old tree branches, litter, and weeds?
Do you sleep with your bedroom door closed to prevent the spread of smoke and flames?