News and Notices
ABOUT THE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
The Fire Marshal's Office of the Riverside Fire Authority applies the regulations set forth in both State and Local codes. The Division assists with the development of safe environments in new occupancies and maintains fire and life safety in existing buildings.
RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERSAlthough we protect our businesses from fire, what actions do we take to protect our families, our homes, and our possessions from fire? Millions of Americans have installed smoke alarms in their homes in the past few years, but a smoke alarm can only alert the occupants to a fire in the house ... it cannot contain or extinguish a fire. Residential sprinkler systems can!
The Fire Marshal's Office is responsonsible for preventive inspections for places of assembly; as well as, multi-residential and commercial occupancies. The Fire Marshal's office enforces applicable codes from the 2012 International Fire Code. It also oversees or directly investigates fires, Life Safety Code violations, and complaints. We strive for the highest standard of service for citizens that live, work and conduct business in the Riverside Fire Authority. By seeking out, informing, encouraging and assisting our local residents and contractors with all aspects of Life Safety Codes, Fire Prevention, and Fire Code Enforcement. The Fire Marshal’s Office has broad authority and is responsible for enforcing policies, regulations, standards, procedures, plans, and programs applicable to all fire, rescue, and emergency medical service operations.
The Fire Company Inspection Program (FCIP) is the backbone of fire prevention for business and assembly occupancies with the Riverside Fire Authority. The majority of inspections performed in the fire authority are done by on-duty fire fighting personnel. The fire inspection program has two main objectives. The first objective is to reduce the severity and impact of a fire or an emergency incident. Fires and emergencies can result in direct dollar loss to the business due to damage to the facility, and indirect dollar loss due to the loss of sales, records, and clientele. The most tragic, of course, is the loss of a life to an occupant or a firefighter. The second objective is our way of becoming more familiar with each establishment, and gives you the opportunity to become more familiar with your fire department. If any discrepancies are found during your inspection, they will be discussed with the responsible party and a follow-up inspection will be scheduled.
The Riverside Fire Authority Investigation Team is comprised of fire fighters and Centralia Police Detectives. Our mission in origin and cause investigation is two-fold. First, is to establish whether a fire was intentionally set, and therefore a violation of the law. Secondly, to support the fire prevention education effort in our community. The Riverside Fire Authority is committed to this mission as an integral part of the overall fire prevention effort. Fire prevention education campaigns often originate from the results of fire investigation. For example, suppose there were three fires originating in three separate households over the last six months. After thorough investigations, it is discovered that all of these fires were caused by candles burning too close to combustible material. The Riverside Fire Authority can build a public education model targeting this known hazard in our community. The purpose is simple. A more educated community is a safer community.
Although we protect our businesses from fire, what actions do we take to protect our families, our homes, and our possessions from fire? Millions of Americans have installed smoke alarms in their homes in the past few years, but a smoke alarm can only alert the occupants to a fire in the house ... it cannot contain or extinguish a fire. Residential sprinkler systems can!
