10 Fire Code Violations You Can Fix on the Spot

Fire safety should be a top priority for everyone. Whether you’re managing a business, a property, or even your home, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting lives, reducing property damage, and, most importantly, preventing fires altogether. However, many of us overlook common fire code violations that can easily be fixed with a little attention and care. Fortunately, identifying and resolving these violations often doesn’t require a fire safety expert, and some can be handled quickly.

At Central Fire, we make fire safety simple and accessible for everyone. We’re here to help you understand what fire code violations to look for and how you can fix them on the spot. Let’s dive into the ten most common fire code violations that you can easily spot and fix today.

1. Blocked Fire Exits

Let’s start with the basics—fire exits. These are some of the most vital components of your building’s fire safety plan. When an emergency strikes, fire exits are the designated pathways for people to evacuate safely. But here’s the issue: fire exits are often blocked by items like furniture, storage, or other materials.

Why is this a problem?

A blocked fire exit can slow down evacuation and potentially trap people inside in the event of a fire.
Fire exits must remain clear to comply with fire code regulations.

How to fix it:

Walk through your building and check all fire exit routes for any obstructions.
Remove anything blocking doors or hallways that lead to fire exits.
Ensure exit signs are visible and illuminated to guide people to safety.

By keeping fire exits clear, you’re ensuring that everyone inside your building can safely evacuate in case of an emergency.

2. Obstructed Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are your first line of defense when a small fire breaks out. However, they’re only effective if they’re easily accessible. Fire extinguishers often get hidden behind shelves, furniture, or clutter, which could delay an emergency response.

Why is this a problem?

If a fire extinguisher is blocked, it may not be accessible in an emergency.
If it’s hidden or misplaced, people may not even know where to find it.

How to fix it:

Make sure fire extinguishers are visible and within easy reach. They should be placed on walls, mounted at the proper height, and away from large furniture or other items.
Ensure that nothing obstructs the area around the extinguisher, such as boxes or equipment.
Perform regular checks to confirm that all extinguishers are easy to access.

A few minutes spent rearranging your space can make a significant difference when it comes to preventing a small fire from turning into a disaster. For professional inspection contact central fire’s fire extinguisher services.

3. Expired Fire Extinguishers

Did you know that fire extinguishers come with an expiration date? Over time, the chemicals inside the extinguisher can lose their effectiveness, and a discharged extinguisher won’t help in an emergency.

Why is this a problem?

If your fire extinguisher is expired, it may not work when needed the most.
An expired extinguisher is a violation of fire safety regulations.

How to fix it:

Check the expiration date on each fire extinguisher.
If expired, either replace the fire extinguisher or have it recharged by a professional (like Central Fire).
Regularly inspect fire extinguishers for physical damage and check the pressure gauge to ensure it’s in the green zone.

A quick inspection will ensure your fire extinguishers are in good working order, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re prepared if a fire breaks out.

4. Improper Storage of Flammable Materials

Improperly stored flammable materials are one of the leading causes of fires. Many businesses and homes store things like gasoline, cleaning chemicals, or oil in places where they can easily catch fire, especially near heat sources. This is not just dangerous—it’s a violation of fire codes.

Why is this a problem?

Flammable materials can ignite if exposed to heat or sparks, causing a fire.
Storing these materials improperly can violate local fire codes and regulations.

How to fix it:

Store all flammable materials, such as paint, gasoline, cleaning chemicals, and oil, in designated storage areas that are well-ventilated and fire-resistant.
Ensure that flammable materials are kept away from heat sources, open flames, or electrical equipment.
Use the proper containers for storing chemicals or fuels to avoid leaks or spills that could create a fire hazard.

By taking just a few minutes to properly store your materials, you can significantly reduce the chances of a fire starting on your property.

5. Uncovered Electrical Panels

Electrical panels control the power in your building, but when they are obstructed or left uncovered, they become fire hazards. Not only do blocked electrical panels increase the risk of fire, but they also slow down emergency responses in case of an electrical malfunction or fire.

Why is this a problem?

Uncovered or obstructed electrical panels can lead to overheating or sparks that could cause a fire.
Emergency responders need quick access to electrical panels to cut power in the event of a fire.

How to fix it:

Ensure all electrical panels are covered with the proper panels and doors.
Keep the area around electrical panels clear of storage and clutter.
Regularly check for any signs of damage or wear to the panels and have them repaired if necessary.

An easy walk-through of your building can identify any electrical panels that need attention.

6. Missing or Inadequate Fire Sprinklers

Fire sprinklers are one of the most effective ways to contain a fire before it spreads, but they’re only effective if they’re installed correctly and maintained properly. Many buildings either don’t have sprinklers in certain areas, or the existing system is not up to code.

Why is this a problem?

Without fire sprinklers, fires can spread quickly, causing extensive damage and increasing the risk to people inside the building.
Fire codes require sprinklers in certain areas based on building size, use, and occupancy.

How to fix it:

Review your fire safety plan and ensure sprinklers are installed in all required areas, such as hallways, kitchens, and storage areas.
Ensure sprinkler heads are not blocked by furniture or stored items.
Have your sprinkler system inspected by a professional to ensure it’s up to code.

If you’re unsure whether your fire sprinklers are compliant, Central Fire can inspect and service your system, ensuring it’s ready to perform if a fire breaks out.

7. Cluttered Hallways and Aisles

Cluttered hallways and aisles might not seem like a fire hazard, but they can impede emergency evacuations. Items left in walkways can block fire exits, create tripping hazards, and prevent people from getting to safety.

Why is this a problem?

Clutter in hallways can delay evacuations or even trap people inside the building.
It could block access to fire extinguishers, electrical panels, or emergency exits.

How to fix it:

Regularly walk through your building to check for clutter, especially in hallways and near exits.
Make sure that nothing is blocking the escape routes.
Store items in designated areas and avoid keeping things in high-traffic spaces.

Maintaining clear hallways and aisles ensures that emergency evacuations are smooth and quick.

8. Improperly Maintained Fire Alarms

Fire alarms are one of the most crucial systems in any building, but they’re useless if they aren’t working properly. Too often, people overlook testing fire alarms, assuming they’ll work when needed. A malfunctioning alarm can cost lives, and failing to maintain fire alarms is a violation of fire safety codes.

Why is this a problem?

A non-functional fire alarm system won’t alert occupants to a fire, delaying evacuation and increasing the risk of injury or death.
Fire alarm systems must be regularly tested and maintained to comply with fire safety regulations.

How to fix it:

Test your fire alarms regularly, at least once a month.
Check the batteries and replace them as necessary. It’s a good idea to replace batteries at least once a year.
If the fire alarm system is hard-wired, ensure the system is up to code and functioning properly.

A quick check of your fire alarm system can give you peace of mind and ensure that your building is safe.

9. Unlabeled Circuit Breakers

Unlabeled circuit breakers can cause confusion when you need to shut off the power quickly, especially in an emergency. Clear labeling is not only important for safety but is also required by fire codes to ensure that electrical systems can be quickly deactivated in case of a fire.

Why is this a problem?

Unlabeled circuit breakers can waste time when you need to cut power to specific areas of the building.
If electrical systems are not shut off during a fire, they could exacerbate the situation and make firefighting efforts harder.

How to fix it:

Label all circuit breakers according to the areas they control (e.g., lighting, HVAC, kitchen equipment).
Ensure the labels are clear, easy to read, and updated as necessary.
Test the circuit breakers to ensure they’re working and easily accessible.

Properly labeled circuit breakers can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

10. Blocked Fire Hydrants

Fire hydrants are essential during a fire, as they provide the water necessary for firefighting efforts. Unfortunately, they are often blocked by cars, snow, or debris, preventing firefighters from accessing them.

Why is this a problem?

Blocked fire hydrants can delay the firefighting process and make it harder for emergency responders to control the fire.
Fire codes require hydrants to be accessible at all times.

How to fix it:

Make sure the area around fire hydrants is clear of vehicles, snow, or other obstacles.
If you notice a hydrant that’s obstructed, remove the blockage or report it to the appropriate authorities.

Ensuring that fire hydrants are accessible can be a simple but life-saving action.

Conclusion

Fire safety is something that we often take for granted until it’s too late. Fortunately, many fire code violations are easy to fix on your own. By staying proactive and addressing the common violations listed above, you can make your property safer for everyone. Whether you’re a business owner, a property manager, or a homeowner, ensuring that your property complies with fire safety codes is a crucial part of responsible ownership.

If you’re unsure about any fire code requirements or need assistance with fire safety inspections, Central Fire is here to help. We offer inspections, fire safety equipment, and expert advice to help keep your building safe. Don’t wait—make sure your property is fire-safe today!