Fire prevention division stresses inspections, radio coverage and maintenance for high‑rises

The Fire Marshall told the Public Safety Committee that prevention and integrated system checks are central to keeping high‑rise residents safe as downtown density grows. He said inspectors perform plan reviews and rough‑and final inspections during construction to ensure sprinkler systems, alarms, egress and elevator integration meet NFPA standards and local code.

He highlighted specific systems and processes: annual inspection/testing/maintenance (ITM) cycles for alarm and sprinkler systems, emergency responder radio coverage enhancements (URSE) to ensure radio signal and in‑building amplification, and the need to keep means of egress unobstructed. “We want to make sure that our community is safe and our firefighters are safe,” he said, and noted the department is in the middle of an ITM cycle covering over 100 high‑rise buildings in the city.

The Fire Marshall said many inspections are complaint‑driven and urged residents to report concerns; he described the role of plan review during construction and the city’s code review process for high‑rise systems. He also said that HVAC and compartmentalization are important to maintain smoke control functions and that the city receives system reports for review.

No regulatory changes were proposed during the presentation; the department emphasized ongoing enforcement and education for property managers and owners.