Fire Prevention Division

Perhaps more important than fire fighting itself in many modern industrial countries is fire prevention. Fire fighters in the U.S. are trained in basic fire prevention methods, and fire companies are assigned inspection districts in which they attempt to prevent or correct unsafe conditions. Fire departments are charged with enforcement of the local fire prevention code and of state fire laws and regulations.

The Fire Prevention Division, in the Boston Fire Department, directs fire prevention activities. It handles the more technical fire prevention problems, maintains appropriate records, grants permits, investigates the causes of fires, and conducts public education programs. All commercial or multiple-dwelling buildings are inspected at regular intervals, and orders are issued for the correction of violations of fire laws. If necessary, court action is taken to compel compliance.

We are located at:

1010 Mass Avenue

Boston, MA 02118

Phone: 617-343-2191

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Fire Prevention Resources

NFPA Education (National Fire Prevention Association)
Lots of information on fire safety and prevention. Look for Risk Watch, lesson plans arranged by grade level; Learn Not to Burn; Fire Prevention Week Facts and History, and more.
http://www.nfpa.org/Education/

USFA (United States Fire Administration)
Lots of information on firesafety including arson prevention. There is a lot of firesafety information that can be downloaded. Excellent site.
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/

Chimney Safety Institute Of America
A non-profit educational foundation that has established the only nationally recognized certification and accreditation program for chimney sweeps in the United States. CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public, chimney service professionals and other fire prevention specialists, and the insurance industry about the prevention and correction of chimney venting system hazards.
http://www.csia.org/

Burn Prevention Foundation
Helping people stay safe, by teaching them to recognize and avoid fire hazards and other burn risks. The Burn Prevention Foundation offers numerous educational programs and seminars, each designed for a specific audience. Also, a wide variety of educational materials, audio-visual presentations and displays.
http://www.burnprevention.org/

Latest Fire Prevention News

  • Important Safety Information from the Boston Fire Department

    It is important that you take the following actions to minimize your risk of injury due to fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Important Safety Information from the Boston Fire Department

  • Think Safety First When Heating Your Home This Winter

    BFD offers tips and advice on winter heating and safety in the home.

    Winter Safety

  • Candle Usage Guidelines, Definitions and Application for Candle Usage in a Place of Assembly

    Effective November 1, 2011 the Boston Fire Department will require that the use of candles in a Place of Assembly be permitted as defined in the attached document.

    Candle Usage Guidelines, Definitions and Application for Candle Usage in a Place of Assembly

  • New Requirements for Antifreeze Solutions in Sprinkler Systems

    On July 1, 2011 the Boston Fire Department was directed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office to enforce the provisions of NFPA 25 published in March 2011, pertaining to the testing and replacement of noncompliant antifreeze solutions in existing antifreeze filled sprinkler systems.

    New Requirements for Antifreeze Solutions in Sprinkler Systems

  • New Crowd Manager Regulations

    According to 527 CMR 10.13 effective June 1, 2011 a trained crowd manager must be present in any Nightclub, Bar, Discotheque, or Dance Hall with an occupant load of 100 or more persons during all hours when the facility is open to patrons. 

    Mass. Dept. of Fire Services Information on Crowd Manager Designation

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