The Fire Prevention Bureau utilizes Fire Inspector's to make routine inspection's in nearly every commercial building within Thomas Township.  Although many buildings might be visited more often based on what it is used for.  For example a restaurant, schools or places where large numbers of people can gather, are inspected more frequently to ensure all of the Fire Safety systems and equipment are working properly.

All inspections are conducted with the building owner, or manager of the property and are very systematic.  By this we mean inspections are done floor by floor, room by room so the Inspector can see all possible places a fire might start.  If a hazard is discovered, the Inspector will note it in their report and a copy of the report will be given to the owner of the property, so they are able to fix the problem.

Normally when an Inspector notes a fire hazard, the building owner will be given thirty days to correct it.  However, some serious hazards may have to be corrected immediately.  Some examples of these are blocked exit doors, malfunctioning fire suppression equipment or places of public assembly being overcrowded.

As a tool used to enforce the International Fire Code that Thomas Township has adopted, the Fire Prevention Bureau is able to issue a civil infraction for each violation, although this is a very rare occurrence.  Instead we try hard to work with the business owners to correct safety hazards before it becomes necessary to issue a fine.