Bureau of Fire Prevention

The goal of the Bureau of Fire Prevention is to reduce or eliminate the loss of life or property due to fire through code enforcement, public education, and the promulgation of good engineering practices.

The Bureau of Fire Prevention enforces the regulations of the "The BOCA National Fire Prevention Code / 1999" as adopted by city ordinance #64772, enacted October 8, 1999. Under the direction of Deputy Chief Charles E. Coyle, Fire Marshal, the Bureau conducts a number of activities which are designed to significantly reduce or eliminate property losses, injury and death due to fire.

Fire inspections are conducted on a daily basis throughout the City of St. Louis and are the primary function of the Bureau. The Bureau of Fire Prevention has authority to conduct inspections in all structures and premises within St. Louis City. Inspection authority in single family, two family and multiple family dwellings is limited by the United States Constitution. Inspectors look for any condition that may cause fire, contribute to the spread of fire, interfere with firefighting operations, endanger life or any other condition that may affect fire safety. Whenever an inspector observes an apparent code violation, a written notice of the violation will be prepared and delivered to the facility owner or operator. The notice describes the condition deemed unsafe and specifies a time limitation to rectify the unsafe conditions. If the unsafe conditions are not corrected within a specified period, the owner or operator of the facility will be considered in non-compliance. If convicted, the owner or operator may be fined up to $500 per day, imprisoned or both. If you witness what you feel may be a code violation, contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention immediately.

Despite our best efforts to prevent fires in our community, they still occur. When this happens, the primary goal is life safety by limiting the size of the fire, thus reducing the potential for damage and injury. This is done through the installation of various fire suppression, detection and alarm systems. Prior to installation, the plans for these systems are reviewed to insure that they are designed according to local codes and recognized standards. Except for hood suppression systems, application for permit to install or alter all fire detection, suppression and alarm systems are submitted to the St. Louis City Building Division, located in city hall. Applications for permits to install or alter a hood suppression system are submitted to the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Plans for ALL fire suppression, detection and alarm systems are reviewed by the Bureau of Fire Prevention plan review officer. After the systems are installed, they are tested to assure that they work according to design. Inspectors from the Bureau of Fire Prevention witness the test and verify that all devices, valves, etc. are working properly. A system is not approved until it successfully passes the test and the test has been witnessed by Fire Prevention Bureau inspectors.

Certain activities that are deemed as potentially hazardous are not allowed unless a permit has been issued. The purpose of the permit is to insure that any activity that is conducted that may be potentially hazardous is conducted according to recognized standards of safety. The following is a list of required permits and their associated fees.

Open Burning	$ 25.00
Remove Paint with a torch	$ 25.00
Assembly Occupancies	$ 25.00
Flammable Liquids, bowling lanes	$ 25.00
Flammable Finishes	$ 25.00
Fumigation - Insecticidal	$ 20.00
Organic Coatings	$ 25.00
Tents / Air-Supported Structures	$ 25.00
Waste Handling	$ 25.00
Calcium Carbide	$ 25.00
Acetylene Generators	$ 25.00
Storage, Handling and Use of Blasting Agents	$ 60.00
Vehicle Tire Rebuilding Plant	$ 25.00
Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage Vaults	$ 25.00

Flammable and Combustible Liquids - Tanks and Equipment -

	-to abandon, install or remove	$ 25.00
	-to repair any tank piping or pumps	$ 20.00
	-to clean	$ 20.00

Fireworks -

	-to store	$ 25.00
	-to discharge	$ 25.00
	-to transport	$ 30.00

Liquefied Petroleum Gases -

	-exhibits, demonstrations, picnics, carnivals	$ 25.00
	-bulk installations	$ 25.00
	-use on construction site	$ 50.00
	-fire propelled buildings	$ 25.00

Permits may be required for activities not listed above at the Fire Marshal's discretion.

In addition to permits, in order for business to conduct certain activities, certification may also be required. The certification process insures that various businesses and their employees have the proper aptitude, experience and equipment to safely perform a specific hazardous activity. Additionally, we assure that the company is bonded and insured to protect the owner and the city from any losses in case of accident. The certification process includes :

• Work History Resume - includes the location, contract information and nature of any prior jobs you may have completed.
• Prior Certifications - including certifications from other cities and states.
• Documented Training
• Required Federal Licenses for handling Explosives (if applicable).
• Proof of Insurance
• An Interview with the Fire Marshal

Fire Marshal - Deputy Chief Charles E. Coyle

Deputy Fire Marshal - Capt. Baron Ross

Assistant Fire Marshal - Capt. John Walk

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This Page Last Modified: Monday, 19-Nov-2007 16:43:14 CST