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FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION

Fire Inspector: Robert Roths

The Inkster Fire Department takes a proactive approach to fire safety through fire prevention and investigation using various methods.

All businesses in the City of Inkster are inspected annually by the Fire Inspector. These inspections help business operators reduce the risk of fire and loss of life in their buildings and help ensure the safety of their visitors.

The Fire Prevention Division also reviews new building plans to check for compliance with fire codes and local requirements.

The Fire Inspector oversees fire investigations in our city. Fires are investigated for cause and origin. The Arson Unit of the Inkster Fire Department is made up of three (3) members of the Fire Department and one (1) member of the Inkster Police Department. The Arson Unit combines the resources of fire, law enforcement and federal agencies, and may be called upon to assist other local fire departments with arson investigations and other difficult fire cases.

INSPECTION AND FEES

All fire code violations will be documented on a Fire Inspection Report Form and a formal letter will be sent to each business. Each business will be given twenty-one (21) days to correct fire code violations. Certain violations may be given less time to correct due to the severity of the problem. When the fire code violations have been corrected, the fire inspector will return on the re-inspection date listed on the original form.

Please go to our website’s Assistance Center if you are requesting an extension of time to correct the violations.

Non-compliance of the fire codes may result in Court action, fines and possible closure of the business.

The Annual Fire Inspection Fee is $130.00.

Fire Safety Tips

Below is information that is commonly overlooked in making your home a safe environment from fire.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are the most important tool in fire safety. A working smoke detector doubles the chance of surviving a fire, warning of a fire in time to escape. Smoke detectors should be installed on each level of the home and outside of each sleeping area.

Test smoke detectors at least once a month and replace batteries at least twice a year, or whenever a detector chirps to signal the battery is low. Don’t ever borrow detector batteries for other uses. A disabled smoke detector can’t save lives!

Portable Home Fire Extinguishers

When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by extinguishing a small fire or containing it until the Fire Department arrives. Individuals must know how to use the extinguisher — the easiest way is to remember the "PASS" procedure: Pull pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep from side-to-side.

Recommendations about extinguishers:

Must be within easy reach, in working order and fully charged.
Must be installed in plain view of an escape route.
Must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease and electrical fires.
ABC extinguishers are recommended for use on the most common home fires.
Must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable extinguishers discharge in as few as 10 seconds.
2A: 10: BC or larger size is recommended for home use.
Have extinguishers tested and recharged after each use and annually by a licensed service company.

Always call "9-1-1" before attempting to extinguish a fire; and make sure everyone has left or is in the process of leaving the building. Be sure the Fire Department inspects the fire site, even if the fire appears to have been extinguished before they arrive.

Make a Home Fire Escape Plan

Plan Your Escape

Is there a smoke detector on every floor of your house? Don't bother getting dressed or gathering valuables! Dedicate an area away from the house as a meeting place. Check to make sure that everyone is safe. GET OUT AND STAY OUT, NEVER RETURN TO A BURNING BUILDING.

Prepare Your Escape Plan

Make a floor plan of your house. Draw all doors, windows and stairs. From each bedroom, decide which window would be best for a quick escape. Draw on your floor plan the normal exits with a solid black line. Draw the emergency that you would use with a dotted line, if the normal exit were blocked with fire or smoke.

Practice Your Escape Plan

Start with each of the family members in their own bedroom. Start the alarm! Have everyone get down and crawl along the floor. Check the door by feeling it to see if it is hot. If the door is hot or there is smoke coming in, then use the emergency way out through the window. If it is not hot and no smoke is coming in then open the door slowly, being ready to shut it quickly. Make certain that windows will open easily. Be ready to help infants or elderly. Everyone should meet at the designated meeting place. Make sure everyone is accounted for. Practice Both the Normal and Emergency Exit Plans.

Children & Matches

What percentage of children know where matches and lighters are kept?

Matches and lighters are deadly in the hands of a child. Use child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters high where youth cannot reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Teach children from an early age that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys. Teach them that if they find matches or a lighter, they should tell an adult immediately.

Some children may appear fascinated by fire. If this behavior is noticed, call the Fire Prevention Bureau for an appointment. Fire inspectors have special training in educating juveniles on the hazards of fire.

The answer to the above question is 99% of all children know where matches and lighters are kept in the home.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Install at least one UL-listed carbon monoxide detector in every home. A good place for a detector to be installed would be in or near the utility room.

How to react to a carbon monoxide alarm depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not:

If no one is feeling ill:

Silence the alarm
Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (furnace and fireplace)
Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows
Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible carbon monoxide build-up (gas company or Fire Department)

If illness is suspected or a factor:

Evacuate all occupants immediately
Determine how many occupants are ill and their symptoms
Call "9-1-1"
Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a Fire Department representative
Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the carbon monoxide.

REWARD

Up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of anyone on arson charges.

Call "Arson Control" toll free

1-800-44ARSON (1-800-442-7766)

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City of Inkster, Michigan
26215 Trowbridge • Inkster, Michigan 48141
(313) 563-4232

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