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Fire Prevention Bureau

The Norton Shores Fire Prevention Bureau is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property through comprehensive fire prevention efforts and education. Our team, led by the Fire Inspector and Fire Marshal, collaborates with local and county law enforcement to thoroughly investigate fire-related incidents, determining their origins and causes.

What We Do

  • Fire Investigations: Conduct detailed analyses to uncover the root causes of fires, ensuring accountability and safety improvements.
  • Business Inspections: Perform regular checks on commercial establishments to guarantee compliance with the City’s Fire Prevention Codes, the International Fire Code, and NFPA standards.
  • Plan Reviews: Evaluate designs for new construction, development projects, and fire suppression systems to ensure safety from the outset.
  • Community Engagement and Education: Promote fire safety awareness through interactive programs for schools and the wider community.

Educational Programs

Our educational initiatives aim to instill fire safety awareness in all age groups:

  • School Programs: Targeting K-3rd grade, we teach essential fire safety skills, including the importance of alarms, and how to “Get Out, Stay Out!” during a fire.
  • Community Outreach: Offering smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations, fire extinguisher training, and hosting events like the Public Safety Open House to foster community-wide fire prevention awareness.

At Norton Shores, we are committed to proactive measures that protect our community and promote a culture of safety.

 

Fire Protection Systems: Critical for Life and Property Safety

Fire and life safety systems—such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and smoke control—are critical components in any building. These systems are designed not only to save lives and protect property but also to support the safety and efficiency of emergency response operations.

Inspections, Testing, Maintenance, and Compliance Reporting

In accordance with the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC) Section 901.6, all fire protection systems must be maintained in an operative condition at all times and repaired or replaced when defective. Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance (ITM) ensure that systems operate as designed during emergencies.

Building Owners' Responsibilities:

  • Fire protection systems must be inspected, tested, and maintained at intervals outlined in NFPA 25 and NFPA 72, depending on system type.

  • Records of all inspections and tests must be maintained and made available to the fire code official upon request.

  • Annual testing of systems is required, and test results must be submitted to the fire department using the approved third-party compliance system, www.thecomplianceengine.com, as mandated by local fire code enforcement.

Failure to maintain fire protection systems in accordance with code can result in penalties, delayed occupancy approvals, or increased liability in the event of a fire.

For questions about your specific building or to schedule inspections, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 231-799-6809.