Fire Prevention FAQ

How long does it take to get an inspection once requested? 

All inspection requests are on a first-come, first-served basis. On average, an inspection can occur within 72 hours of the request, depending on staffing and available resources. Additionally, emergencies such as high volume fire calls may consume staff time and delay the time to get to an inspection. It’s best to contact the office at 325-657-4358 to check our availability and make an appointment with a fire inspector.

Can I shoot fireworks inside the city limits?

No.

Where can I go to shoot fireworks?

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch a public display put on by a licensed pyrotechnic operator.

Can I release sky lanterns for the purpose of a celebration or memorial?

No. Sky lanterns are unpredictable and uncontrollable in their flight pattern. Because of this, they may land when the flame is still alight, making them a fire hazard that could start wildfires or structure fires. Further, they are not permitted by the adopted fire code, International Fire code, Section 308.1.6.3.

Why are large tanks attached to some electrical poles around town? 

The tanks at the base of electrical poles usually contain some sort of inert gas, most often nitrogen, or any gas with low moisture content. Inert and low moisture gases are usually used to pressurize the inside of the cables to prevent water from entering.

How much ammunition can I store in my home?

Group R occupancies refer to residential occupancies.

Group R-3 occupancies are specific to personal homes known as one-and-two family dwellings. In Group R occupancies, other than personal homes, occupants should seek further restrictions or policies established by landlords, building owners or organizations. Persons storing ammunition should also be familiar with the firearms and storage requirements required by the federal government, which can be viewed at atf.gov/questions-and-answers.

5606.4.1 Black Powder: Black powder for personal use in quantities not exceeding 20 pounds shall be stored in original containers in occupancies limited to Group R-3 occupancies (private homes). Quantities exceeding 20 pounds shall not be stored in any Group R occupancy.

5606.4.2 Smokeless Propellants: Smokeless propellants for personal use in quantities not exceeding 20 pounds shall be stored in original containers in occupancies limited to Group R-3. Smokeless propellants in quantities exceeding 20 pounds but not exceeding 50 pounds and kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of not less than 1 inch (25 mm) nominal thickness shall be allowed to be stored in occupancies limited to Group R-3. Quantities exceeding these amounts shall not be stored in any Group R occupancy.

5606.4.3 Small Arms Primers: Not more than 10,000 small arms primers shall be stored in occupancies limited to Group R-3.

I just purchased an old building that I’m turning into a bar. Do I still have to comply with the standards for new buildings?

Yes. Since the new business is going to be a an occupancy type which has more stringent requirements and the building was vacant more than a year, then those requirements have to be met. Assembly occupancies such as bars, nightclubs and restaurants are required to have full automatic sprinkler systems. If the new business was a bakery and there were no changes to building, then the existing use of building would be taken into consideration.

What are the rules for tents and how do I pass a tent inspection?

Tents used for large gatherings are supposed to be tested under for flame propagation performance under a standard known as NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, meaning the material has been shown to withstand fire exposure for a certain amount of time. Prior to a permit being issued by the Building Permit’s Office, the applicant must provide a copy of a valid flame spread certification to the Fire Code Official for approval. The certification must show the following information:

• Names and address of the owners of the tent.
•  Date that the fabric was last treated with flame retardant.
• Trade name or kind of chemical used in treatment.
• Name of person or firm treating the material.
• Name of testing agency and test standard by which the fabric was tested.

Caution: Many times, tents are purchased and falsified information is provided as a certification for flame spread. The information will be cross-checked and verified with the testing agency. If the certification cannot be verified with the testing agency, the fire code official will not approve the tent application.

What is a KnoxBox?

A KnoxBox is a small, wall-mounted safe that holds building keys for the fire department to retrieve in an emergency situation. The San Angelo Fire Department holds master keys to all key boxes in their response area. This allows them to quickly enter a building without having to force entry into a building.

What are locking Knox caps?

The fire department connects to fire department connections (FDCs) on your building to supplement water to your sprinkler system. Unprotected FDCs are vulnerable to vandalism and debris that can prevent the flow of water. Knox FDC locks and Storz locks protect connections and keep pipes clean to ensure the maximum flow of water to sprinklers. Your licensed fire sprinkler company can help you obtain locking Knox caps.