Q: I received an invoice for an annual fire permit for an apartment complex that I own. Why am I being charged?
A: Local fire jurisdictions throughout the State -- in this case, the City of Orange Fire Department -- are mandated by the State Fire Marshal to conduct annual fire inspections of multi-family dwellings (apartment homes) having three or more units. In turn, the local jurisdictions are authorized to recover the costs incurred by this mandate.
Q: I have owned my triplex for many years and this is the first time I have received an invoice. Why?
A: The City has been mandated by the State Fire Marshal to conduct annual fire inspections of apartment homes for many years. However, not until the effective date of April 28, 2003, have triplexes been included in the cost recovery process.
Q: If my property taxes don't cover fire safety inspections, what do my taxes cover?
Q: What is the minimum rating required of a fire extinguisher?
A: The minimum rating is 2A10BC. The rating is found inside the text box also containing the UL (Underwriter's Laboratory) symbol on the label of the extinguisher.
Q: How many fire extinguishers am I required to maintain?
A: The code requires that one extinguisher be provided for every 75 feet of travel distance in low hazard occupancies such as office spaces. Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau for more hazardous occupancies.
Q: How often does my extinguisher need to be serviced?
A: Fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a State Fire Marshal licensed "fire extinguisher concern."
Q: I live in a Fuel Modification zone. Where can I find a list of approved plants?
A: The approved landscape list may be found either through the Fuel Modification page in Fire Prevention, or through this link: Fuel Modification Zone Approved Plant List.
