Plans review for new commercial construction, modifications to existing commercial buildings, new fire protection systems and modifications to existing fire protection systems is performed to ensure these facilities will meet fire codes, which protect the safety of all occupants, as well as meeting the access and water needs of fire suppression personnel. Once the plans are approved, the construction is allowed to begin, with inspections continuing throughout the construction phase by the Prevention Division. These inspections are conducted to verify that the approved plans were followed and all fire protection systems are installed properly and necessary function tests are performed. These inspections also ensure that there were no unapproved changes made during the process and that conditions inside the building remain safe during the construction period.  

Once construction is complete, fire inspections continue on a recurring basis to help business owners identify potential fire hazards and life safety concerns and to ensure the building and any installed systems continue to meet fire and life safety codes. The Prevention Bureau is responsible for permitting and inspecting a variety of items, such as tank installations and removals, food trucks, sparkler sales, fireworks displays and pyrotechnics. It is this division’s responsibility to enforce the extensive codes included in the Iowa Fire Prevention Code in an effort to keep citizens, business owners, visitors, and emergency responders as safe as possible.

The Fire Prevention Bureau conducts fire and life safety inspections in all commercial properties within the City limits on a recurring basis based on the type of occupancy. The inspection process is intended to assist property owners and occupants in preventing potential loss from fire and other safety risks by identifying and informing the occupants of what is needed to comply with the state mandated Iowa Fire Prevention Code.

COMMERCIAL INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE 

The City of Marion has adopted Resolution No. 31457, which allows the Marion Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau to charge for fire inspections that are not in compliance by the second re-inspection. The original and first re-inspections are provided at no charge. If more than one re-inspection is required to comply with the codes that are enforced by this office, a non-cumulative fee will be charged as follows:

Footnotes: 
1.  Re-inspections will be scheduled on a date that has been agreed upon between the business owner or agent and the inspector. 
2.  If compliance is met,  present fee shall be waived. The business owner or agent will be responsible for the previous re-inspection fee. 
3.  The Fire Chief may authorize a maximum fee of $50 per hour for inspections or re-inspections that are requested or required after office hours.
4.  Any violation that is deemed to be a life safety hazard may proceed to a municipal infraction at anytime. 
5.  If no compliance is met on the sixth re-inspection, the file will be sent to the City Attorney's office to  proceed with a municipal infraction. 

If you have any questions concerning inspections and or the fee schedule, please feel free to contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 319-377-8237, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for the investigation of all fires and fire-related incidents within the department’s response area that have a suspicious or undetermined origin and cause, have a serious injury or death, or have a large dollar loss.

To determine fire origin and cause, an examination and excavation of the fire scene is conducted. The fire scene is documented by the investigator. If the fire is deemed to be arson, the division contacts the Iowa State Fire Marshal.

Understanding fire cause is vital to the safety of the community so that preventive measures may be strengthened and unlawful acts prosecuted.

If you have information about a fire, contact Fire Marshal Wade Markley at 319-377-8237. You may remain anonymous.

If you have information regarding an arson or explosive device incident anywhere in the state of Iowa, please call the Arson Hotline. 

The Arson Hotline is offered for citizens to anonymously provide information that may be helpful in the resolution of suspected arson cases. The phone number is 1-800-532-1459.

Marion Fire Department Hose Thread Specifications

Forestry Line 1" Coupling

• National Standard Thread
• National Hose (NH) Style

1 1/2" Hose Coupling

• 1.99" Thread Diameter
• 9 Threads Per Inch
• 1.5" Inside Diameter
• National Hose (NH) Style

2 1/2" Hose Coupling

• 3.078" Thread Diameter
• 6 Thread Per Inch
• 2.5" Inside Diameter
• National Hose (NH) Style

4 1/2" Hose Coupling (Hydrant Steamer Coupling)

• 5.766" Thread Diameter
• 4 Threads Per Inch
• 4.5" Inside Diameter
• National Standard Thread

Storz Coupling

• 5" Hose Size

Fire alarms activate accidentally for many different reasons. When they activate accidentally, they can become a nuisance, desensitize people to the alarms, and ultimately lead to a less effective warning system. They also tie up Fire Department resources, preventing them from responding to actual emergencies.

False alarms are billable to commercial customers.  Billed amounts are reflected below:

• Up to 2 False Alarms = No Charge
• False Alarm 3 or 4 = $60
• False Alarm 5 or 6 = $75
• 7 or more False Alarms = $100

Easy ways you can help prevent false alarms: 

• Keep your fire alarm and its system clean and maintained by a professional on an annual basis. 
• Notify your fire alarm company if you are testing or fixing your fire alarm system. 
• Know how to cancel a false fire alarm.
• Have licensed professionals install and maintain your fire alarm properly.
• Treat your system with care. Firefighters, ambulance personnel and police officers want to get to your emergency as fast as they can to provide you with the help you need.

Chapter 164 of Marion Municipal Code prescribes regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous materials, or explosion.