Fire Prevention & Inspection

The Fire Prevention and Inspection Bureau is charged with the duty and responsibility of enforcing the Ohio Fire Code.

Fire Prevention - The First Line of Defense

Attempts at reducing the fire losses are carried out through codes, ordinances, and inspections of properties for hazards. Yet these efforts have not produced a solution to the problem. The reality is that, in most cases, buildings and material goods do not start fires - people do. The basis of a good prevention program therefore is the attitude and concern of individuals toward fire. The lives and property of everyone in a community can be threatened by fire, hence everyone should (and can) play a role in fire prevention - the head of a household who decides to buy (or not to buy) a smoke detector; the child who has learned (or not learned) what steps to take if their clothes catch fire; the restaurant patron who makes a point of checking exit locations in a crowded establishment before enjoying a meal (or who remains oblivious to the basic precautions in places of assembly). Such actions or lack of them can be construed as part of fire prevention management (or mismanagement) in the broadest sense.

The Violet Township Fire Department's fire prevention bureau is responsible for the key elements of comprehensive prevention program: public fire and life safety education, enforcement and development of codes and ordinances, pre-construction plans review, monitoring the testing of fire protection and suppression systems, and fire and life safety inspections. The Violet Township fire prevention effort couples code enforcement with quality public fire and life safety education programs to prevent loss of life and property from fire. Programs and activities are provided that constantly remind the public to avoid careless activities and teach the proper methods for individual response to fire. They help to develop concerns, and can be very effective in creating awareness and widespread support.

To provide a comprehensive prevention program that protects the lives and property of citizens and businesses is a formidable challenge for today’s fire service. The fire service is often the first responder to emergencies caused not only by fire and medical emergencies but also other environmental hazards - floods, building collapses, storms, hazardous materials incidents, and so on. Consequently, a department’s prevention efforts need to focus not only on fires and emergency medical incidents but also on this expanded range of concerns. The Violet Township Fire Department prevention efforts reflect the expanded range of concerns. It encompasses fire prevention and a variety of fire and life safety issues.

About Violet Township Fire Prevention & Inspection Bureau

The Fire Prevention Bureau is committed to ensuring Violet Township residents, visitors and businesses are safe through professional and consistent enforcement of the Ohio Fire Code. The Bureau’s goal is to prevent the loss of life and property through the following services:

Commercial Fire Safety Inspections

• Fire and Life Safety Education
• Pre-Incident Planning
• Fire Protection System Review
• Fire Inspections
• Life Safety Event Coverage
• Firework and Pyrotechnic Display Safety

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests

Inspection reports or Phased Site Environment records information can be requested through our Records Request Portal located at --> Request records

Fire Inspections

The Bureau performs many different types of fire inspections throughout the Township. Fire inspections are required for fire alarm and fire suppression systems installation and witnessing final system acceptance testing. A final occupancy inspection must be conducted and approved by an inspector before the Chief Building Official can issue a Certificate of Occupancy. Inspectors also observe the installation and removal of underground fire service mains, storage tanks, and event tents. Violet Township's hospitals, nursing homes, schools, daycares, group homes, foster homes, and other types of commercial and public properties are inspected annually. All fireworks displays are inspected before launch, and all drop zone areas are carefully monitored. In addition to performing inspections, the Fire Prevention Bureau monitors fire protection systems inspections as required.