LBFD 2013 Business Fire Inspection Program
By jiarviz | January 17, 2013
The Long Beach Fire Department is responsible for many aspects of the community’s health and safety. Much of this depends on an active Fire Prevention Inspection Program. This year there will be changes in how the inspections are administered for some businesses. Inspections that were previously seen by the Fire Prevention Bureau will now be done by your local Fire Station. We believe this will add efficiencies to the procedure and give you, the business owner, an opportunity to meet and speak with those who provide the protection for your local community. This also assures you that the criteria evaluated are based on Fire Code and not a potential ploy by a private concern as was reported last year.
The focus for this inspection cycle will be on the category “Assemblies”. These are defined in the California Fire Code as “the use of a building or structure ….for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social, or religious functions, recreation, food or drink consumption, or awaiting transportation…”, when in excess of 50 persons. The code is State Law and was developed not only using reasonable assumptions on parameters such as evacuation time but also on the experience gained from unfortunate incidents where there was significant loss of life.
This inspection cycle will be started mid January and should be completed by May 2013.
- Assure that certifications for protection systems such as cooking hood extinguisher, fire sprinklers, fire alarms and portable fire extinguishers are up to date.
- Decorative wall coverings and materials such as drapes and even Christmas Trees are to be fire resistive.
- Emergency exits are to have “panic hardware”, an open and clear pathway as well as identified with a lighted sign. All are to have at least two code compliant exits.
All of the elements described in the inspection form may not apply to your business; however it does provide a good reference. Awareness of the standards and attending to discrepancies before the inspection will make this process easier for all.
Feel free to call LBFD Fire Prevention with any questions. We can be reached at (562) 570-2560
Topics: News, Public Safety | 96 Comments »
LBFD Fire Ambassadors Senior Safety Program
By jiarviz | January 17, 2013
The Long Beach Fire Ambassadors are offering Senior Safety Program presentations to seniors in the community. Statistics show that seniors are at risk for accidental fires and falls in the home. If you would like to schedule a fire safety presentation for your organization please contact the Long Beach Fire Department Community Services Division at (562) 570-2563.
The LBFD Fire Ambassadors are an organization of retirees over 55 that work with the Long Beach Fire Department to provide public safety education under the direction of the Community Services Division.
Topics: Public Safety, Training | No Comments »
Garage Fire
By Will Nash | January 15, 2013
On Monday, January 14, 2013 at approximately 11:00 p.m. the Long Beach Fire Department responded to a fully involved detached garage fire at 5500 block of Daggatt Street. The fire communicated to a neighboring shed causing slight damage before the fire was fully extinguished. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no injuries were reported.
Topics: Incidents, Public Safety | 24 Comments »
Fire at Villa Park Mobile Home Park
By jiarviz | January 13, 2013
At approximately 3:30 a.m. this morning the Long Beach Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the mobile home park at 6475 Atlantic Ave. The fire destroyed a pickup truck and damaged two mobile homes. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported and utilities were not interrupted.
Topics: News, Public Safety | 94 Comments »
LBFD’s Annual “Spark of Love” Code 3 Toy Drive
By jiarviz | December 26, 2012
On Saturday, December 22, 2012 Long Beach Firefighters carry on a 60-year tradition of delivering toys to needy families. Ten families were visited throughout the day and were presented with toys, a Holiday feast, and a visit from Santa.
Topics: Events | 274 Comments »
