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.
Think Safety First When Planning Your Barbecue This Summer
BFD offers tips and advice on barbecue safety.
A Few Quick Summer Safety Tips from BFD
Attached are a few quick summer safety tips from the Boston Fire Department...
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
Restricted Use of Propane (LPG) for "Hot Work"
Effective January 1, 2013
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
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.....
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
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