Fire Inspection Program

The Newport Beach Fire Department's Commitment to Fire Prevention:

The Newport Beach Fire Department's inspection program is dedicated to minimizing the risk of life and property loss from fire by identifying and eliminating hazardous conditions in businesses.

The Facts About Fire Risks:

• According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fire departments nationwide responded to a structure fire every 67 seconds in 2023.
• In 2022, there were an estimated 129,500 nonresidential building fires, including approximately 5,900 restaurant fires annually.
• Mechanical failure or malfunction contributes to one in every four structure fires.
• Fires can spread rapidly, doubling in size in as little as 30 seconds.

Proactively identifying and preventing fire hazards, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and addressing fire code violations are essential to reducing the risk of fire incidents, safeguarding lives, and protecting property from preventable damage.

How We Protect Our Community: 

The Newport Beach Fire Department is committed to the five essentials "E's" of fire prevention. Engineering, Enforcing, Educating, Economic Incentives and Emergency Response. Our approach goes beyond simply informing; we prioritize engaging with businesses and residents to explain the importance of fire safety measures, ensuring full understanding and compliance.

• Engineering focuses on designing safer structures and integrating technology to reduce fire risks. This includes using fire-resistant materials, installing fire suppression systems, and ensuring buildings are equipped with clear evacuation routes.
• Enforcing ensures compliance with fire safety codes and regulations through thorough inspections of properties and businesses.
• Educating influences behavior by increasing awareness, and providing information and knowledge with the intention of producing a desired behavior.
• Economic Incentives Providing financial benefits or rebates to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt risk-reducing practices. Programs like grants, tax credits, and community service rewards make fire protection more accessible and affordable, while potential code exceptions recognize proactive efforts.
• Emergency Response safeguards the community by ensuring firefighters and emergency responders have the equipment and training necessary to effectively reduce the impact of incidents.

When used together, these five E's—Engineering, Enforcing, Educating, Economic Incentives & Emergency Response - we take a proactive and well-rounded approach to fire prevention. This strategy significantly reduces the risk of fire-related deaths and injuries, ensuring the safety of everyone in our community

Each year, the fire department performs:

• Approximately 1,300 business inspections.
• 342 vegetation inspections.
• Oversight of roughly 308 acres within 24 HOA communities.

The "Engine Company Fire Inspection Program" focuses on multi-family dwellings, office spaces, and retail establishments. Larger and more complex occupancies, such as schools, high-rise buildings, large multi-family complexes, retail stores, and other target hazards, are inspected by our Fire Prevention Division. This division also oversees testing and acceptance of fire protection systems in new construction projects.

Why Annual Inspections Matter:

Your annual business fire department inspection, required by law, is a cost-effective resource to protect your property and the health and safety of employees, customers, and tenants. By identifying potential hazards and ensuring compliance with fire codes, these inspections reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and costly damage.

Help Us, Help The Community:

At the Newport Beach Fire Department, we are committed to building a culture of fire prevention. Contact us today to learn more about our inspection programs and how they can help safeguard your business or property.

FAQ's

1. What authority does the Newport Beach Fire Department have to conduct inspection?

The Newport Beach Fire Department conducts inspections based on authority granted by local and state laws, including the California Fire Code and the Newport Beach Municipal Code. These regulations give the authority to the Fire Department to perform inspections to ensure fire safety in schools, businesses, and multi-residences, helping to protect lives and property from fire hazards.

2. What is the Fire Code?

The Fire Code is a set of regulations designed to prevent and minimize fire risks. It includes guidelines for building design, fire protection systems, safety equipment, and procedures that help reduce the potential for fire-related injuries and damage. The Newport Beach Fire Department enforces the latest adopted California Fire Code, which is based on national standards but adapted to local conditions and needs.

3. Why does Newport Beach Fire Department conduct fire inspections?

Fire inspections are conducted to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors. They help identify potential fire hazards, ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, and reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and property damage. Inspections also ensure that fire protection systems, such as alarms and fire sprinklers, are functioning properly.

4. What are common fire code violations found in a business?

Some common fire code violations include:

• Blocked or obstructed fire exits, stairwells or hallways. 
• Non-operable exit signs or missing exit signs.
• Fire doors propped open or damaged.
• Inoperable or untested fire alarms, fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers or other fire protection features.
• Improper storage of hazardous materials, or flammable liquids.
• Inadequate clearance around electrical panels.
• Signage missing to utility rooms, addressing, occupant load signs, etc.
• Housekeeping issues that create fire hazards in which too much storage is found, accumulation of dust, lint or oily residue.
• Misuse of extension cords or non approved multi-plug adaptors.
• Unpermitted work or changes to business use.

5. If I fail to address my fire code violation, what happens?

The intent of the fire department is to gain compliance. The fire department will work with every business to help gain compliance. Major life safety violations such as blocked or locked exits may require immediate action, but normally a time frame is indicated for follow-up. If no efforts are made on behalf of the business upon follow-up, a fire code violation can result in penalties, including fines, legal action, or even the closure of your business. Remember, non-compliance can increase the risk of fire hazards, putting lives and property in danger. It is crucial to correct violations promptly to avoid these consequences.

6. What code does the Newport Beach Fire Department Enforce?

 The Newport Beach Fire Department enforces the City Municipal Code and California Fire Code, which is part of the California Building Standards Code. This code is updated periodically to reflect the latest safety standards and technologies, ensuring that fire prevention practices are as effective as possible.

7. How do I know if the person conducting the fire inspection is official?

Fire inspectors from the Newport Beach Fire Department will always carry official identification, such as a badge or ID card, and will present this upon arrival. Inspectors are also required to follow a formal inspection process and will inform you of the scope of the inspection. If in doubt, you can contact the Fire Department to verify the inspector's credentials. Contact the Newport Beach Fire Department Administrative Office at 949-644-3106 to verify any credentials. 

8. Can I request a fire inspection to be conducted at anytime?

Yes, you can request a fire inspection at any time during regular business hours by contacting the Newport Beach Fire Department. We recommend scheduling inspections in advance, but if you have specific concerns or would like to ensure your property is up to code, our team can arrange an inspection as needed. Contact Fire Prevention Division via email FDPrevention@newportbeachca.gov or call 949-644-3106.

9. Does fire department service fire protection equipment?

No, the Newport Beach Fire Department does not provide maintenance or servicing of fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers, sprinklers, or alarms. We focus on ensuring that fire protection systems are compliant with the fire code during inspections. For equipment servicing, you will need to contact a licensed fire protection service provider.