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A person in a light-colored long-sleeve shirt inspects a row of fire extinguishers labeled "Dry Chemical Powder." They hold a clipboard with a checklist and use a tool to check the pressure gauge. Red wall-mounted cabinets and a white column are visible in the background, emphasizing the safety inspection setting.

Fire Inspections

Schedule a Fire Inspection to Ensure Your Property Meets Fire Safety Standards

Learn More Download Fire Inspections Checklist

Fire Inspections

Fire inspections are critical as they ensure safety by identifying potential fire hazards and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. 
Firefighter in protective gear uses a tablet to assess a charred wall during a post-incident fire inspection Field Fire Inspection
  • These inspections* enable timely preventive measures, help avoid legal penalties, and provide peace of mind to occupants.  
  • Regular inspections* also aid in effective resource allocation, build community trust, and demonstrate a facility’s commitment to safety. 

In accordance with §9.1-207 of the Code of Virginia, the State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO), is responsible for conducting annual fire inspections for the following facility types in the Commonwealth.   

Residential Care Facilities:

  • Operated by any state agency. 
  • These inspections are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of residents by identifying and mitigating potential fire hazards.

Assisted Living Facilities 

  • Licensed or subject to licensure pursuant to Chapter 18 (§ 63.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia that are not inspected by a local fire marshal.
  • Inspections are conducted to ensure that these facilities comply with fire safety regulations, providing a safe environment for elderly and disabled individuals.

Student Residence Facilities 

  • Owned or operated by public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth.  
  • Annual inspections help to maintain a safe living environment for students, addressing any fire safety concerns that may arise in student housing. 

Public Schools 

  • In the Commonwealth that are not inspected by a local fire marshal. 
  • Ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors, these inspections focus on identifying and rectifying fire hazards in school buildings. 

If any facility or residence is found to be nonconforming to the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), the State Fire Marshal or local fire marshal may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the issuance of an injunction.  

This legal action ensures that necessary steps are taken to correct noncompliance and protect the safety of the occupants. 

 *The aforementioned inspections are considered “mandate inspections” by the COV. In any jurisdiction the SFMO is the Authority Having Jurisdiction, or any State Property, all other inspection types are handled on a complaint basis. 

To file a potential Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code complaint, please email statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov.  Please provide as much detail as possible and when possible; to include name of the business, address, and time the potential violation(s) were seen. When possible, please also provide pictures of the potential violations. 

Download Fire Inspection Checklist for Public and Privates Businesses

Contact Us

For additional details, questions or to request to schedule a fire inspection, please contact the State Fire Marshal Office at statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov or 804-371-0220.