Prevention, Education, Resources and Safety Tips

Fire Inspectors conduct inspections and document any violations on a “Hazard Warning Notice.” Depending upon the severity of the violations of the code, a re-inspection date is scheduled. The goal is that all violations are corrected “forthwith.” If an owner/occupant refuses to correct the violations, the case would then be forwarded to the prosecutor for legal action. Violations of the Fire Prevention Code are considered a misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of a $1,000.00 fine; please see the City Municipal Code Library link below.

The Plan Review Inspection Office reviews all plans for renovations and new construction, related to fire suppression and fire alarm systems. They work in conjunction with The City Building Department to ensure code compliance and the integrity of the fire protection systems from design review to final inspection. The Plans Review Team consists of the Assistant Fire Chief and the Fire Inspector.

The City of Wooster Fire Prevention Department is overseen by the Assistant Chief and utilizes the Fire Inspector and/or department personnel for prevention and education activities.

Fire Prevention Week takes place the first week of October. During this time you will find the Fire Department in the local schools educating all first and third graders about fire safety in their homes and at school. Staff utilize the fire safety trailer (which is equipped to simulate actual smoke hazards and safety measures), classroom lecture, handouts and finishing with a tour of a fire truck. Fire Prevention Week in Wooster actually takes about 2 weeks.

City of Wooster Fire Prevention Code

Code enforcement is the enforcement of all local, state, and national safety codes that are related to life safety. The Fire Prevention Bureau in the Division of Fire is responsible for code enforcement of all qualifying structures. All commercial, industrial, and public buildings are subject to fire inspections, as well as multiple occupancies such as hotels, motels, apartments, and care facilities.

The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for conducting the inspection of new businesses and all construction projects. Once this is accomplished, it is then inspected on an annual basis.

The City of Wooster Fire Prevention Code, in conjunction with the Ohio Fire Code, is a City ordinance that establishes minimum fire safety requirements for a wide range of activities in the City of Wooster. It applies to all persons, places and businesses in the City of Wooster.

These fire codes regulate such matters as:

• Emergency preparedness
• The prevention and reporting of fires
• The manufacture, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials and combustible materials
• The conduct of various businesses and activities that pose fire hazards, and the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the buildings and premises that house such materials, businesses and activities

The City of Wooster Fire Prevention Department is overseen by the Assistant Chief and utilizes the Fire Inspector and/or department personnel for prevention and education activities.

Fire Prevention Week takes place the first week of October. During this time you will find the Fire Department in the local schools educating all first and third graders about fire safety in their homes and at school. Staff utilize the fire safety trailer (which is equipped to simulate actual smoke hazards and safety measures), classroom lecture, handouts and finishing with a tour of a fire truck. Fire Prevention Week in Wooster actually takes about 2 weeks.

• On average 49,300 fires involving fire-play are reported to U.S. municipal fire departments annually. These fires caused annual averages of 80 civilian deaths, 860 civilian injuries, and $235 million in property damage.
• Younger children were more likely to set fires in homes, while older children and teenagers are more likely to set fires outside
• Males are more likely than females to engage in fire-play.
• Lighters were the heat source in just over half (52%) of fires in homes involving play
• 39% of home fires involving play began in a bedroom
  • Above excerpted from: NFPA's "Playing With Fire" Author: Richard Campbell Issued: March 2014

Whatever the reason, there is help through the Wooster Division of Fires’ Juvenile Firesetter Program. If counseling services are needed, referrals can be made by the Division.

The Wooster Division of Fire offers free educational classes to all children who live in the City of Wooster. The classes include fire safety, fire danger, consequences, and arson laws.

If you are concerned that your child or someone you know maybe experimenting with or setting fires, call the Wooster Division of Fire at 330-264-5266 to enroll your child in this program. Classes are available for juveniles from the age of toddler to age 17 and can be held at your convenience. Numerous classes may be needed to be held in order to help their behavior.

If you wish to download our Juvenile Firesetter brochure, please click here.

You can schedule a tour of the fire house by calling 330-263-5266 from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm. Tours will be scheduled as time and training, etc. allows.