Fire Marshal

The Fire Marshal's Office provides for public safety through enforcement of local, state and federal laws:

• Code of Ordinances — provides local standards the fire marshal enforces, such as control of hazardous materials (Section 12-16) and open burning regulation (Section 12-14). Businesses with fire alarms, burglar alarms or sprinkler systems are covered by the town policy titled "False Alarm Policy and Code."
• N.C Fire Prevention Code — guides scheduled fire inspections.
• SARA Title III — also known as the Community Right-to-Know Act, regulates hazardous chemicals.

The Fire Marshal's Office also reviews site and building plans, and grants certificates of compliance for occupancies meeting minimum standards. The fire marshal has the authority to issue stop-work orders, and provides consultations upon request. It is the intent of the Fire Marshal's Office to provide information and give guidance in construction before, during and after occupation of a building.

The schedule below is a state-mandated minimum, and all occupancies are subject to additional inspections. Occupancies that have a history of repeat violations or have a number of violations cited during the last scheduled inspection will be inspected yearly.

• Twice Yearly — public schools.
• Yearly — occupancies that are hazardous, institutional, high-rise, assembly, multi-family residential or daycares.
• Every Two Years — occupancies that are industrial or private educational.
• Every Three Years — occupancies that are business, mercantile, storage or churches.

Open burning is illegal within town limits without a permit from the town’s fire marshal. Open burning permits are issued for specific time periods up to 72 hours.

See the document Fact Sheet: Open Burning and Sec. 12-14 of the Fire Protection and Life Safety Ordinance linked below for additional information about restrictions and permits.

Fire safety resources for the community are below. Complaints about code violations are taken seriously. Violations include locked or blocked exits, illegal burning and overcrowding in public places. Community members filing complaints need not reveal their identities. Violations should be reported using the contact information below.