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
