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; 617-343-2180; 617-343-3022
Fax: 617-343-2133
New Requirements for Certain Lodging and Boarding Houses
On December 5, 2012 the Boston City Council adopted MGL Chapter 148 Section 26H requiring owners of lodging and boarding houses renting to 6 or more unrelated tenants to sprinkler their properties by December 5, 2017. (Click links below for more information.)
City Ordinance Adopting MGL Chapter 148 Section 26H »
Letter from Fire Marshal regarding MGL Chapter 148 Section 26H »
Latest Fire Prevention News
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Think Safety First When Planning Your Barbecue This Summer
BFD offers tips and advice on barbecue safety.
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A Few Quick Summer Safety Tips from BFD
Attached are a few quick summer safety tips from the Boston Fire Department...
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New Requirements for Certain Lodging and Boarding Houses
On December 5, 2012 the Boston City Council adopted MGL Chapter 148 Section 26H requiring owners of lodging and boarding houses renting to 6 or more unrelated tenants to sprinkler their properties by December 5, 2017. (Click links below for more information.)
City Ordinance Adopting MGL Chapter 148 Section 26H
Letter from Fire Marshal regarding MGL Chapter 148 Section 26H
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Restricted Use of Propane (LPG) for "Hot Work"
Effective January 1, 2013
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Commercial Hood and Exhaust Cleaners
December 1, 2012 new guidelines from the Boston Fire Department that can affect commercial hood and exhaust cleaners registration
Guidelines for Loss of Registration for Hood Exhaust Cleaners and Inspectors
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Sale or Transfer of Residential Dwellings
As of August 1, 2012, realtors and sellers scheduling Certificate of Compliance inspections should be aware that under MGL Chapter 148 sec 26F residential dwellings built after 1975 or having 6 or more dwelling units are exempt from the requirements of 26F.....
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Candle Usage Guidelines, Definitions and Application for Candle Usage in a Place of Assembly
Read the new Candle Guidelines that are in effect October 1, 2012. The Boston Fire Department requires 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 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
- New Requirements for Antifreeze Solutions in Sprinkler Systems
- 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
