Self-Fire Inspections

The South Montgomery County Fire Department’s Self-Fire Inspection Program is designed for small light-hazard commercial occupancies that don’t have a high occupant load.

What Are Light-Hazard Commercial Occupancies?

Light-hazard commercial occupancies are locations with a low amount of combustible materials within the occupied space, including furnishings, decorations, and contents. These occupancies may include:

  • Small business or professional offices
  • Small retail shops
  • Small personal service shops (barber shops, beauty shops, etc.)
  • Small apartment complexes with three or more units

If your business fits this description, you’re eligible to perform a self-fire inspection, which may decrease the interval in which an actual fire department inspection is conducted. You may perform these inspections as often as desired; however, we'll email a reminder to you on a yearly basis after the last inspection was completed.

Occupancies not counted in this program are also encouraged to perform self-fire inspections, although they’ll be visited by the South Montgomery County Fire Department regularly.

Why Perform Self-Fire Inspections?

Performing self-fire inspections promotes a safer year-round environment for your business and the public.

Consider this about workplace fires:

  • There are approximately 75,000 fires annually that cost businesses more than $2 billion
  • These fires kill more than 200 people and injure more than 5,000 yearly
  • 45% of businesses never reopen after a fire due to the high cost of recovery and repairs

Forms and Checklists