Requirements for a Controlled Burn Permit
- Burn must comply with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) rules and regulations.
- Burning must take place only during daylight hours.
- Fire must be attended at all times and be completely extinguished before leaving site unattended.
- Site plan showing the burn location and the location and distances to any structures or right of ways must be submitted to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Copy of liability insurance covering the activity must be submitted to the Fire Marshal’s Office. (A minimum $1 million liability policy is required for the burn.)
- Fire control plan must be submitted including water sources and plan for controlling and extinguishing the fire.
- Available water source and/or other extinguishing methods and fire control plan must be adequate for the size fire and must be capable of controlling any fire that may burn out of the control area.
- Burn must not be located near structures, endanger adjoining property or cause a nuisance to neighbors.
- After review of all requirements, a written permit will be issued to the applicant by the Fire Marshal.
- Written permit must be on site during the controlled burn and all safety instruction must be followed.
Please Note: If the Fire Department is required to respond to your controlled burn there will be a charge of $250 per hour per Fire Department Unit.
The completed permit application with proof of payment from City of Waco Fiscal Management Services (at City Hall, Fourth Floor) for the permit should be taken or mailed to:
Waco Fire Marshal’s Office
1006 N. 25th Street
Waco, Texas 76707
State Requirement Information
The Outdoor Burning Rule sets the following general requirements for allowable outdoor burning. They are designed to reduce the likelihood that burning will create a nuisance, cause a hazard, or harm the environment.
- Notify the Texas Forest Service before carrying out any prescribed or controlled burns that are intended for forest management.
- Burn only outside the corporate limits of a city of town, unless the incorporated city or town has an ordinance that permits burning and is consistent with Subchapter E of the Texas Clean Air Act (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 382).
- Begin or continue burning only when the wind direction and other weather conditions are such that the smoke and other pollutants will not present a hazard to any pubic road, landing strip, or navigable water (for example, a lake, river, stream, or bay) or have an adverse effect on any off-site structure containing "sensitive receptors" (for example, a residence, business, farm building, or greenhouse).
- Post someone to flag traffic if at any time the burning causes or may tend to cause smoke to blow onto or across a road or highway.
- Keep fires downwind of or at least 300 feet away from any neighboring structure that contains sensitive receptors. This requirement may be waived only with the prior written approval of whoever owns or rents the adjacent property and either resides or conducts business there.
- Begin burning no earlier than one hour after sunrise, end it the same day and no later than one hour before sunset, and make sure that a responsible party is present while the burn is active and the fire is progressing. At the end of the burn, extinguish isolated residual fires or smoldering objects if the smoke they produce can be a nuisance or a traffic hazard. Don't start burning unless weather conditions are appropriate for smoke to dissipate (winds of at least 6 miles per hour; no temperature inversions) and for you to be able to control the fire (winds no faster than 23 miles per hour).
- Don't burn any electrical insulation, treated lumber, plastics, construction or demolition materials not made of wood, heavy oils, asphaltic materials, potentially explosive materials, chemical wastes, or items that contain natural or synthetic rubber.
- In addition to meeting these requirements, outdoor burning must not cause a nuisance condition or traffic hazard according to 30 TAC Sections 101.4 and 101.5. The authority to conduct burning under the Outdoor Burning Rule does not exempt or excuse any person responsible for the consequences, damages, or injuries resulting from the burning and does not exempt or excuse anyone from complying with all other applicable laws or ordinances, regulations, and orders of governmental entities having jurisdiction, even though the burning is otherwise conducted in compliance with this regulation.
The Mobile Food Truck Fire Inspection is a comprehensive safety checklist used by the City of Waco Fire Marshal’s Office to ensure mobile food preparation vehicles meet all fire, fuel gas, electrical, ventilation, and operational standards before they are allowed to operate.
Inspection verifies compliance with the 2024 International Fire Code & applicable NFPA standards by reviewing propane and natural gas systems, hood and suppression equipment, electrical installations, fire extinguisher readiness, employee training, safe vehicle placement, generator setup, grease management, and required safety devices.
Request a MFV Fire Inspection:
NOTE: Your Mobile Food Truck can be inspected at any time and/or at any event you attend, by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction or AHJ.
Mobile Food Vendor Fire Inspection Checklist
Installation, Testing, and Maintenance of Fuel Gas Systems:
- All propane and natural gas piping shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the current adopted NFPA 58 requirements and documentation of a current annual leak test performed. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Sections 6.11 – 6.11.6.3 & 2024 IFC Section 4106.4.3.3
- LPG or CNG containers installed on the vehicle and fuel gas piping systems shall be inspected annually by an approved inspection agency, person, or special expert who is qualified to ensure that system components are free from damage, suitable for the intended purpose, and not subject to leaking. An inspection tag must be placed on the fuel gas system or within the vehicle upon satisfactory inspection that includes the name of the agency and date of inspection. IFC 2024 Edition Sections 4106.4.3.1, 4106.4.3.2 & 4106.4.3.4
Installation of Hoods and Fire Suppression Systems:
- All cooking operations that produce grease laden vapors shall be provided with a kitchen hood constructed in accordance with NFPA 96. IFC 2024 Edition Sections 4106.3 & 606
- Have there been any modifications to the existing hood system?
- If the answer to the above question is yes, are penetrations and holes sealed with a listed or equivalent liquid tight sealing device? The addition of obstructions to spray patterns such a baffle plates, shelves, or any modification shall not be permitted without the fire suppression system being re-evaluated by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 11.2.3.1 through 11.2.3.4
Fire Suppression Systems:
- Fire extinguishers tagged as being inspected for the current year. A 2-A:20-B:C or two 2-A:10-B:Cextinguishers shall be installed where internal combustion power sources are provided. A Class K extinguisher is required if using a deep fryer and/or cooking operations produce grease laden vapors. A class A extinguisher shall be provided for use on solid fuel cooking operations. IFC 2024 Edition Section 4106.4.2, 2024 NFPA 96 11.7.4 & 11.7.5, and 2022 NFPA 10 Section 7.2.4.1.1
Operating Procedures:
- Instructions shall be provided to new employees upon hiring and to all employees annually on the use of portable fire extinguishers and the manual actuation of the fire-extinguishing system. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 12.1.4
- Instructions for manually operating the fire-extinguishing system shall be posted conspicuously in the kitchen and shall be reviewed with employees by the management. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 12.1.4.3
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Hood Suppression Systems:
- Hood suppression systems shall have a current inspection tag that includes date of fusible link installation and the initials of the installer. The fusible links shall be destroyed when removed. IFC 2024 Edition Sections 4106.4.1 & 606.3.3.1. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 12.2.6 through 12.2.6.2
Inspection of Grease Buildup:
- The exhaust system, including hood, grease removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances, shall be inspected and cleaned in accordance with NFPA 96. If upon inspection, the exhaust system is found to be contaminated with deposits from grease-laden vapors, the contaminated portions of the exhaust system shall be cleaned. The commercial kitchen hood and exhaust systems shall be cleaned every 6 months for moderate volume cooking operations or annually for low volume cooking operations (seasonal) based on cleaning frequency requirements of NFPA 96 Section 12.4, Table 12.4. Grease filters shall be in place and free of the accumulation of grease. IFC 2024 Edition Section 4106.4.1
- The cleaning shall be documented with the date the service was performed and the name of the person performing the work. Documentation shall be produced upon request by the fire inspector. IFC 2024 Edition Section 4106.4.1
Cooking Equipment:
- All deep-fat fryers shall be installed with at least a 16-inch separation between the deep fryer(s) and surface flames from the adjacent cooking equipment. Where a steel or tempered glass baffle plate with a minimum 8-inch height is installed between the fryer and surface flames of the adjacent appliance, the requirement for a 16-inch space shall not apply. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 13.1.2.4 or 13.1.2.5
- Deep-fat fryers shall be equipped with a separate high-limit control in addition to the adjustable operating control (thermostat) to shut off fuel or energy when the fat temperature reached 475ºF at 1-inch below the surface. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 13.2
Location of Mobile and Temporary Cooking Operations:
- Mobile and temporary cooking operations shall be separated from the entrances and other exits of buildings or structures, combustible materials, vehicles, and other cooking operations by a clear space of 10 ft or as prescribed by the AHJ. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.2.1
- Mobile or temporary cooking operations shall be separated from other mobile or temporary cooking operations by a distance of 10 ft. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.2.2
- When the mobile unit is parked, the vehicle shall be stabilized so that it will not move, either by jacking the vehicle or placing wheel chocks around the wheels. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.2.3
LP Gas Cooking Appliances:
- Gas fired cooking appliances shall be equipped with shutoffs. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 5.15.2.3 and2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.1
- To minimize possible damage and impaired operation due to items shifting in transit, cooking appliances shall be constructed and secured in place or otherwise protected. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.3
- Access/Egress - sufficient exits for escape in the event of fire, not blocked by appliances or locked. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.4
Internal Combustion Engine Power Sources:
- Internal combustion engine power sources not mounted on the vehicle shall be located at least 12 ft. from mobile or temporary cooking operations and shall be isolated from physical contact by the installation of physical guards, fencing, or an enclosure(s). 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 17.6.2.1 and 17.6.2.2
- Internal combustion engine power sources shall be positioned so that the exhaust complies with the following: Located at least 12 ft. from openings, air intakes, and means of egress, in a position pointed away from any building, and in a position pointed away from any mobile or temporary cooking operations. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.6.2.3
Vehicle-Mounted Generators:
- Where a generator compartment is used to isolate the installed generator from the vehicle’s interior, or a compartment is provided for the future installation of a generator and is intended to isolate the future generator from the vehicle’s interior, the generator compartment shall be lined with galvanized steel not less than 26 MSG thick. All seams and joints shall be lapped, mechanically secured, and made vapor resistant to the interior of the vehicle. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 17.7.3 thru 17.7.3.2
LP-Gas Container Installation Requirements:
- LP-Gas containers installed on vehicles shall not exceed 200-gallon aggregate water capacity. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.4.1.3
- For cylinders between 4 lbs. and 40 lbs., once installed shall have permanent protection for cylinder valves and connections. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.4.6.3
- Containers shall be installed such that they do not become loose, slip, or rotate. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.3.5 and IFC 5303.5.3
- Main shutoff valves on a container for liquid or vapor shall be readily accessible without the use of tools or other equipment, shall be provided to shut off the container valve. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.3.4
- Compressed gas cylinders not secured to the vehicle are properly secured 10 feet away from exits, trash or combustibles and not kept inside the vehicle passenger or work area. 2024 Edition NFPA58 Section 6.5.3.3
- Emergency shut off or main shut off valve accessible, visible and clearly labeled for compressed gas and cooking equipment. 2024 NFPA 58 Section 4.10
Installation of Pressure Regulators:
- Regulators shall be installed with the pressure relief vent opening pointing vertically downward to allow for drainage of moisture collected on the diaphragm of the regulator. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.6.11.4.1
- Regulators not installed in compartments shall be equipped with a durable cover designed to protect the regulator vent opening from sleet, snow, freezing rain, ice, mud, and wheel spray. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.6.11.4.2
Gas Piping:
- A flexible connector hose shall be installed between regulator outlet and the fixed piping system to provide flexibility in the piping system. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 16.6.8.1
- Flexible connector hoses shall not exceed 5 ft. in overall length and shall not be installed in the vehicle. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Sections 16.6.8.3 and 16.6.8.4
Electrical Wiring:
- Vehicle mounted generators shall comply with the provisions of NFPA 70, Article 551, Part III. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.9.1
- Electrical equipment, wiring, relocatable power taps, current taps, extension cords and other electrical systems shall be installed, used, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70 and Sections 4106.6.1. through 4106.6.3. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6
- All electrical equipment, wiring, devices, and appliances shall be tested, listed, and labeled; and installed, used and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70 and all instructions included as part of such listing. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.1
- Open junction boxes and open wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlets. This section also includes the use of approved blank fillers for open breaker panel spaces. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.2
- Relocatable power taps (surge protector/power strip) and extension cords shall not be used on equipment that is permanently mounted in the mobile food truck. Relocatable power taps shall only be used with approved equipment (point of sales machine, phone charger, and like devices) and not used on appliances. Extension cords should only be used as a means of temporary power, if a temporary appliance is added for a specific event. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.3
- Conditions that constitute an electrical shock hazard or fire hazard shall be abated. IFC 2024Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.4
LP-Gas System Leak and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection:
- Combustible gas and propane leak detection in place inside unit. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section17.8.2.1
- LP-Gas detection system shall be tested monthly. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.2.2
- If the heat source is non-electric and open flames are used, at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector shall be installed. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.10.1
Oily Waste Containers:
- Listed or approved containers with self-closing lids shall be provided for the storage and disposal of grease-contaminated cloths or waste. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 4.9.1
- Employees for the unit trained in the following: use of a fire extinguisher, shutting off the fuel sources for the vehicle in an emergency, notifying the local FD if needed, performing a simple leak test on gas connections in the cooking area. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 17.11.1
Miscellaneous Requirements:
- Egress and emergency access: The placement of the concession operation does not interfere with fire lanes, fire breaks, fire hydrants, or exit access of any proximate structures. 2021 NFPA 1 Sections 18.2.4.1.1 and Sections 13.1.4 – 13.1.5
New Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles:
- For mobile food preparation vehicles manufactured, built, or converted into a mobile food preparation vehicle after January 1, 2026 at least one listed audible and visual notification appliance shall be installed on the exterior surface of the vehicle readily audible and visible to the public. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 11.5.2
- A permanent caution plate shall be installed in a location visible to operational personnel in mobile food preparation vehicles manufactured, built or converted after January 1, 2026. The caution plate shall conform with Section 17.5.6, Figure 17.5.6. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.5 & 17.5.6
- LP-Gas containers shall be installed above the height of the rear bumper and forward of the rear bumper if the vehicle was manufactured, built, or converted into a mobile food preparation vehicle after January 1, 2026. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.4.7
Printable Document(PDF, 182KB)
Sprinkler System Required
- Foster homes licensed for more than five
- Restaurant or nightclub with an occupant load of 100+
- Throughout all building with Group R fire area except one- and two-family dwellings.
- Retail store:
- Fire area over 12,000 sq ft.
- Fire area located more than three stories in height.
- Used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeding 5,000 square feet
- Lithium-ion or lithium metal battery sales or storage spaces located in retail facilities
- Mercantile facilities that have high-piled storage or rack storage arrays.
Fire Alarm Required
- Businesses, storage facilities, or stores (mercantile) with an occupant load of 500+ or 100+ above/below the exit level
- Daycares serving 51 or more
Fire Apparatus Access Roads (Fire Lanes)
Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building, or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall extend to within 150 feet of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
When fire apparatus access roads or a water supply for fire protection is required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction except when approved alternative methods of protection are provided.
Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet (unless given other approval from the Authorities Having Jurisdiction), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches.
Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. See "Access During Construction" section for temporary access road requirement during construction.
The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be 28 foot inside turning radius. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus.
Marking of the fire access road shall be by one of three approved methods:
- Painting curbs red with contrasting white letters reading "NO PARKING FIRE LANE."
- Painting a red stripe on the pavement with contrasting white letters reading "NO PARKING FIRE LANE."
- With signage at the beginning and end of the designated fire access road and at 25-foot intervals. If curb markings are also used, the interval can be 50 feet.
Access During Construction
Temporary access road utilization instead of permanent access roads during construction shall require an engineer-designed access road that meets permanent access road distances. Temporary access roads shall support the imposed loads of up to 78,000 pounds in all weather conditions. Documentation of the road design shall be submitted to Waco Fire Marshal's Office (FMO) prior to construction. The General Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining access roads during construction. Approved access for firefighting shall be provided to construction or demolition sites.
Fire Hydrant Requirements
Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided. Exception: If the facility or building is fully sprinklered, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet.
Water Supply for Fire Protection During Construction
Where a water supply for fire protection is required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction, except where approved alternative methods of protection are provided.
In accordance with IFC Section 3313.1, an approved water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction. Such protection shall be fully operational prior to the delivery of combustible building materials to the site or the commencement of vertical combustible construction above the foundation, whichever occurs first.
Installation of Fire Mains by Licensed Companies
Permits are required for all underground fire mains. Plans should be submitted with the permit application prior to the beginning of installation. Fire Protection water mains can only be installed by personnel licensed by the State Fire Marshal's Office to perform such work. Licensed plumbers cannot install fire mains.
A copy of the FMO stamped approved set of plans is required to be on-site and immediately available at all times. Permission and written authorization to begin installation prior to plan approval may be requested from the Fire Marshal's Office. If permission is granted, a copy of the written permission letter must be kept on-site at all times in lieu of the approved plans. It is understood that any corrections or deviations from the approved plans must be made in order to obtain final acceptance.
All features of the underground fire main shall be inspected and hydro-tested before being covered. This includes but is not limited to the type and size of piping, pipe depth, type of fill, thrust block location, and size. All pipe joints and thrust blocks are to remain uncovered until hydro-tested unless permission is obtained from the FMO prior to being hydro-tested. Hydro testing will be according to NFPA 24.
The private fire main begins at the tap to the public City of Waco water main. No domestic water taps are allowed on the fire main.
Test gauges must be connected to the system being tested. All pumps must be completely disconnected from the system being tested.
Gating
The Fire Marshal shall pre-approve the installation of gates across access roadways. Where gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation.
Electrically Operated Security Gates
All electrically operated security gates must be equipped with an emergency means of release as well as a Knox key switch.
Knox Lock Boxes
Knox lock boxes are required on all buildings with monitored fire alarm systems. The lock box can be ordered from Knox Company. Specify the City of Waco Fire Department.
Premises Identification
All buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches.
Storage Tanks
Permits are required for the installation of storage tanks containing hazardous, combustible, or flammable liquids. Plans should be submitted with the permit application. Inspections are required prior to covering any tank or line from the tank. Testing of installations shall follow the manufacturer's guidelines or be conducted according to the applicable NFPA guidelines.
Fire Protection System Plan Submittals
In order to obtain the most significant insurance savings for a sprinkler system, fire sprinkler plans must first be reviewed and stamped by a third-party reviewer.
Accepted Third-Party Reviewers
Traditions Fire Consulting
Nick Kalina, CFPS
nick@traditionsfire.com
(972) 979-0631
P.O. Box 5587
Frisco, TX 75035
Greentag Engineering, LLC
www.getagreentag.com
2681 MacArthur Blvd Suite 303
Lewisville, TX 75067
MEH Fire Protection
Mark Hasenmyer, P. E.
pe@mehfpe.com
(972) 874-2662 or (469) 235-3154
1311 River Oaks Drive
Flower Mound, TX 75028
Plan submittals to the Fire Marshal's Office must include the third-party reviewer's comments and responses. FMO will keep one set of plans. A copy of the FMO stamped approved plans is required to be on-site and immediately available at all times.
Installation Prior to Approval of Fire Protection Systems
Permission and written authorization to begin installation prior to plan approval may be requested from the Fire Marshal's Office. If permission is granted, a copy of the written permission letter must be kept on-site at all times in lieu of the approved plans. It is understood that any corrections or deviations from the approved plans must be made in order to obtain final acceptance
Fire Protection System Inspections
All aboveground piping of sprinkler systems shall be inspected and hydro-tested prior to any part being covered or obstructed in any manner unless permission is obtained from the FMO prior to being covered or obstructed. Items inspected include but are not limited to pipe type and sizes, hanger locations, sprinkler head types and locations, etc. Hydro testing will be according to NFPA 13.
Installations that include multiple systems or levels may be inspected and hydro-tested separately to maintain construction scheduling. Partial visual inspections, covering and/or obstructing systems are not permitted unless special circumstances exist and prior approval from the FMO is given. A special after-hours permit and fee will be required for each approved inspection. The General Contractor requesting a partial inspection would be responsible for obtaining the permit and paying associated fees prior to inspection, not the installing contractor.
Test gauges must be connected to the system being tested. All pumps must be completely disconnected from the system being tested.
A minimum of 24 hours advanced notice is typically required for inspections.
Fire Alarm System Plan Submittals
Permits are required for all fire alarm submittals. One set of plans will be kept by FMO. A copy of the FMO stamped approved plans is required to be on site and immediately available at all times.
Installation Prior to Approval of Fire Alarm Systems
Permission and written authorization to begin installation prior to plan approval may be requested from the Fire Marshal’s Office. If permission is granted, then a copy of the written permission letter must be kept on site at all times in lieu of the approved plans. It is understood that any corrections or deviations from the approved plans must be made in order to obtain final acceptance.
Fire Alarm System Inspections
Fire alarm systems testing will be according to NFPA 72.
A minimum of 24 hours advanced notice is normally required for inspections.
Note: These guidelines are subject to change without notice based on the adoption of new Fire Codes.
Waco Fire Marshal's Office
Contact Person: Fire Marshal Gary Lee
Phone: (254) 750-1740
Fax: (254) 750-1769
Email: GaryL@wacotx.gov
Mailing Address: 1006 N. 25th St., Waco, TX 76707
These guidelines are to be followed when a building, or facility, within the City of Waco, provided with a required fire protection system is out of service. In addition, any other time a fire watch has been required by the Fire Code Official. Fire Watches for the purposes of these guidelines and any other requirements of the Waco Fire Marshal’s Office shall conform to the 2018 International Fire Code, as adopted and amended by the City of Waco.
Definitions
- Fire Watch – A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified individuals or standby personnel when required by the fire code official, for the purposes of identifying and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of unwanted fire, raising an alarm of fire and notifying the fire department.
- Standby Personnel – Qualified fire service personnel, approved by the Fire Code Official. When utilized, the number required shall be as directed by the Fire Code Official.
General Fire Watch Requirements
- Upon determination that a required fire protection system is rendered inoperable or its continued operation is questionable, the Waco Fire Marshal’s Office shall be notified immediately. It shall be the responsibility of the Fire Code Official to determine the level of protection required and prescribes such actions necessary to secure public safety and timely restoration of the required fire protection system.
- Where required by the Fire Code Official, an approved fire watch shall be provided until the fire protection system has been returned to service.
- Persons providing fire watch shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.
- A representative of the building, or facility, shall contact the Waco Fire Marshal’s Office a minimum of 72 hours prior to a planned impairment, or immediately when impairment is not planned, to coordinate personnel for the Fire Watch.
Fire Watch Log
When required, the Fire Watch Log form shall be completed at the time intervals required by the Fire Code Official. Upon completion of repairs to the fire protection system and termination of the Fire Watch, a copy of this log shall be faxed or delivered to the Waco Fire Marshal’s Office.
Fire Watch Personnel Duties
The personnel assigned to Fire Watch Duties shall meet the following criteria:
- Shall sign the Notification of Fire Watch Responsibilities Form.
- Shall not be required or permitted to perform any other duties.
- Shall tour all the compromised area(s) of the building at intervals specified in the Fire Watch order.
- Shall be physically capable of performing the duties of a Fire Watch.
- Shall have means of summoning the Fire Department if a fire is discovered – cellular telephone, portable radio, etc.
- Shall be familiar with the layout and arrangement of the building being toured.
- Shall have all keys necessary to properly and effectively check all affected areas of the building and admit the emergency responders.
- Shall be familiar with the fire alarm system and how to activate it.
- Shall be familiar with the location and use of portable fire extinguishers.
- Shall be familiar with the exits from the area he/she is touring.
- Shall remain awake and alert for the entire period he/she is expected to provide such services.
- Shall be familiar with the procedures to be followed if a fire is discovered, and the methods of notification of building occupants.
Termination of Fire Watch
Fire Watch shall ONLY be terminated by the Fire Code Official, upon restoration of the fire protection system and certification that it is now 100% operational. The Fire Watch Log shall be completed, including the names of those performing such duties, and the name of the person who authorized the termination of same. A copy of the entire Fire Watch Log, Notification of Fire Watch Responsibilities Form from each person assigned to fire watch, and documentation reflecting that the required fire protection system has been restored must be forwarded to the Waco Fire Marshal’s Office. Email these documents to FireMarshalTeam@Wacotx.gov.
In the Event of Fire
If a fire is discovered, the Fire Watch personnel shall be responsible to:
- Notify the building occupants immediately
- This may be accomplished by:
- Activation of the fire alarm system (if those components are not compromised)
- Voice communication of need to leave building by use of a public address system
- Voice hailing, door to door, or by runners
- Notification of the Fire Department
- This may be accomplished by:
- Telephone call to 9-1-1 reporting the physical address, location, type and extent of fire, his/her name and telephone number and any other pertinent information
- Use of portable radio monitored by a constantly attended location, where one will have the ability to call 9-1-1
- Other approved means
- Ensure that building is evacuated
- Check all areas for occupants
- Provide assistance to those evacuating
- Direct persons as to where they must assemble
- Attempt to locate the fire
- Note location of occupants either unable or unwilling to evacuate and report same to Fire Department
- Meet with the arriving Fire Department members
- Advise the status of occupants
- Advise location and extent of fire
- Accompany them if requested
- Provide access or keys to area if secured
Frequency of Tours
Tours of all compromised areas of the building shall be conducted at intervals not to exceed sixty (60) minutes from completion of the previous tour. Frequency of tours can be increased at the discretion of the Fire Code Official based on the hazards present and shall be reflected as such on the Fire Watch Log.