Forms

International Fire Code Fuel Container Permit Application pdf Hazardous Materials Permit pdf

Fire Prevention

Fire and Life Safety Inspections
Pre-Incident Planning and Familiarization

Annual and re-occurring inspections on all commercial property are one of the top priorities.  These inspections are mostly conducted by on-duty engine companies.  While conducting these inspections they are looking for fire and life safety code issues as well as maintaining their familiarity with the properties.  These inspections require all commercial property owners abide by the current fire safety codes.  As part of a continuing public education effort, the engine companies will explain different codes and the importance of following them to the property owners.  If any questions or the scope of the inspection escalate beyond the sphere of engine company expertise or training, it is referred to the Fire Marshal for appropriate action and follow-up.

Pre-Incident Planning and Familiarization is on-going and also a top priority.  It is presently being upgraded and computerized.  Digital pictures, drawings and pertinent information on all commercial properties are now being gathered and integrated into the computer program.  This information will be available to the engine company, as well as to incident commanders responding in their command vehicles.  At present two fire engines and two command vehicles have been equipped with the on-board computer system that has the ability to access this information.  This information can be obtained either while en route, or after arrival on the scene.  The ability to instantly access pertinent information can very possibly have a significant impact on the outcome of the emergency incident.

Fire Investigations

The department has three fire investigators who are trained specialists in this field.  They are responsible for investigating the origin and cause of all fire incidents. 

Lewis County, under financial contract with the City, also utilizes these fire investigators to investigate the origin and cause of fire incidents for the counties 18 fire districts.

Plans Review

The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for reviewing plans for all structures being built in city limits of Chehalis.  The plans review is to ensure all fire code requirements adopted by the city and/or state are met before the actual structure is built.  During the construction and completion phases on-site periodic inspections for compliance, witnessing of required testing and acceptance testing of all systems and fire lines required by the fire code are conducted.

Lewis County, under financial contract with the City, also utilizes the City Fire Marshal throughout the County Fire Districts for fire and life safety inspections, on site periodic inspections for compliance, witnessing of required testing and acceptance testing of all systems and fire lines required by the fire code.

Contact Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Larry Allen for additional information.