The Legal Unit is responsible for the enforcement of all state and local fire prevention laws and regulations. When a property or property owner is found to be in non-compliance with any of these regulations a violation is issued to the property owner or agent. There are two types of violations: the Abatement Order which when not complied with could result in a criminal complaint being issued and the Massachusetts Non-criminal Violation Notice that could potentially carry a fine. The Legal Unit works with attorneys from the City of Boston Law Department, and other enforcement and regulatory agencies within the Massachusetts legal system to obtain compliance.
FAQ
I've received an Abatement order. What happens now?
The order must be complied with within the time period stated on the order. A follow up inspection will be made of the violation in about 15 days or sooner if there is a life safety issue. If the violation is not corrected a criminal complaint will be sworn out in the Boston Housing Court. You may call the Fire Prevention Legal Unit for guidance on how to proceed.I've received a non-criminal violation notice. What happens now?
On the back of the notice is an explanation of your rights and responsibilities. If you choose to pay the fine you should mail the payment to the address on the front of the notice. If you choose to appeal you should fill out the appeal section on the back of the form and send it to the address on the front of the form. You will be notified by mail of the date, time, and place that the appeal will be heard.
How to Contact
Phone: 617-343-2182; 617-343-3776; 617-839-3230
Fax: 617-343-2133
Latest Fire Prevention News
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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
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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
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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
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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
Announcements
- Important Safety Information from the Boston Fire Department
- Advisory on Exhaust Hood Cleaning and Inspection Deficiency Reports
- Notify BFD when your contract to clean an exhaust vent has been canceled
- Fire Prevention Order 11-1
Related Links
- Privacy & Security
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