Fire Inspection Checklist for Commercial Buildings: Complete NFPA Compliance Guide
Preparing for a fire inspection can feel overwhelming, but having a comprehensive fire inspection checklist makes the process manageable. This guide covers everything fire marshals and inspectors look for, organized by NFPA code requirements, so you can pass your inspection with confidence.
Whether you're facing an annual fire marshal visit, preparing for an insurance inspection, or conducting internal fire safety audits, this checklist covers the critical items required by NFPA 72 (fire alarms), NFPA 25 (sprinklers), NFPA 10 (extinguishers), and NFPA 101 (life safety).
Need Professional Fire Inspections?
While this checklist helps you prepare, NFPA codes require licensed professionals for annual fire alarm testing, sprinkler inspections, and extinguisher servicing. Learn about our fire inspection services.
What Fire Inspectors Look For
Fire inspectors evaluate your building against local fire codes, which typically adopt NFPA standards. Here's a quick overview of the main inspection categories:
Fire Detection & Alarm
Functional fire alarm panel, smoke/heat detectors, pull stations, notification devices, and monitoring service.
Fire Suppression
Sprinkler system condition, proper clearances, control valve positions, and system maintenance records.
Portable Extinguishers
Proper types, locations, mounting, accessibility, inspection tags, and annual service documentation.
Means of Egress
Clear exit paths, illuminated exit signs, emergency lighting, door hardware, and evacuation routes.
Fire Alarm System Checklist
NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code- Fire alarm control panel (FACP) shows normal condition with no trouble lights(NFPA 72 14.2)
- Current state contractor inspection tag displayed on panel
- All smoke detectors free from dust, paint, and obstructions(NFPA 72 17.7)
- Heat detectors in appropriate locations (kitchens, garages, mechanical rooms)
- Pull stations accessible and unobstructed at all exits(NFPA 72 17.14)
- Notification devices (horns, strobes) functional and audible/visible throughout building
- Fire alarm monitoring service active with current certificate
- Annual sensitivity testing completed for smoke detectors(NFPA 72 14.4.4)
- Backup batteries tested and within replacement date (typically 5 years)(NFPA 72 14.4.3)
- Fire alarm test records on file (quarterly visual, annual professional)
Sprinkler System Checklist
NFPA 25 - Inspection, Testing & Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection- Minimum 18 inches clearance below all sprinkler deflectors(NFPA 25 5.2.1)
- No sprinkler heads painted, corroded, or obstructed(NFPA 25 5.2.1.1)
- Control valves in open position with locks or tamper switches(NFPA 25 13.3)
- System gauges showing proper pressure readings
- Fire department connection (FDC) accessible and caps in place(NFPA 25 13.7)
- Spare sprinkler head cabinet stocked with correct heads and wrench(NFPA 25 5.4)
- Main drain test completed annually with results documented(NFPA 25 13.2.5)
- Quarterly inspection reports on file(NFPA 25 5.1.2)
- Annual professional inspection with contractor tag current
- 5-year internal pipe inspection completed (if due)(NFPA 25 14.2)
Pro Tip: The most common sprinkler violation is storage stacked too close to sprinkler heads. Maintain 18 inches of clearance (24 inches in unsprinklered areas) below ceiling.
Fire Extinguisher Checklist
NFPA 10 - Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers- Extinguishers mounted in visible, accessible locations(NFPA 10 6.1.3)
- Maximum travel distance: 75 feet for Class A, 50 feet for Class B(NFPA 10 6.2)
- Mounting height: top of extinguisher not more than 5 feet above floor (if over 40 lbs) or 4 feet (under 40 lbs)(NFPA 10 6.1.3.8)
- Monthly inspection tags current with initials and date(NFPA 10 7.2.1)
- Annual professional maintenance tag current (within 12 months)(NFPA 10 7.3)
- Pressure gauges in green/charged zone
- Safety pins and tamper seals intact
- No visible damage, corrosion, or leakage
- Class K extinguishers in commercial kitchens(NFPA 10 5.5)
- 6-year maintenance and 12-year hydrostatic testing completed (if applicable)(NFPA 10 7.3.3)
Egress & Exit Checklist
NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code- All exit paths clear and unobstructed (no storage, furniture, or debris)(NFPA 101 7.1.10)
- Exit signs illuminated and visible from all directions of travel(NFPA 101 7.10)
- Emergency lighting functional with 90-minute battery backup(NFPA 101 7.9)
- Monthly emergency lighting tests documented (30-second test)
- Annual 90-minute emergency lighting test documented(NFPA 101 7.9.3)
- Exit doors open freely without special knowledge or keys(NFPA 101 7.2.1)
- Panic hardware (crash bars) functional on assembly occupancy doors
- Fire doors close and latch completely (no wedges or propped doors)(NFPA 80)
- Fire door self-closing devices functional
- Stairwell doors not blocked or locked from stairwell side
- Evacuation routes posted in common areas
Electrical Safety Checklist
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code- No extension cords used as permanent wiring(NFPA 1 11.1.7)
- Power strips have overload protection (surge protectors OK)
- Electrical panels accessible with 36-inch clearance(NFPA 70 110.26)
- All electrical panel knockouts covered
- No missing outlet or switch plate covers
- No exposed or damaged wiring
- Electrical rooms free of storage
- GFCIs installed in wet locations (kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors)
- No daisy-chained power strips
- Proper clearance around electrical equipment
Common Violation: Extension cords used as permanent wiring is one of the most cited fire code violations. If you need more outlets, install additional receptacles.
Documentation Checklist
Required Records for Fire Marshal Inspection- Fire alarm annual test report from licensed contractor
- Sprinkler system quarterly/annual inspection reports
- Fire extinguisher annual service records
- Emergency lighting monthly/annual test logs
- Fire drill records (frequency varies by occupancy type)
- Employee fire safety training documentation
- Fire watch records (if system was impaired)
- Kitchen hood suppression system inspection (semi-annual)(NFPA 96)
- Current Certificate of Occupancy displayed
- Fire protection system impairment log
Fire Inspection Frequency Requirements
| System/Component | Self-Inspection | Professional | NFPA Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm System | Weekly | Annual | NFPA 72 |
| Sprinkler System | Monthly | Quarterly + Annual | NFPA 25 |
| Fire Extinguishers | Monthly | Annual | NFPA 10 |
| Emergency Lighting | Monthly (30-sec) | Annual (90-min) | NFPA 101 |
| Fire Doors | Monthly | Annual | NFPA 80 |
| Kitchen Hood System | Daily | Semi-Annual | NFPA 96 |
Top 10 Most Common Fire Code Violations
Blocked or obstructed exits and egress paths
Fix: Remove all storage, furniture, and debris from exit routes
Missing or expired fire extinguisher inspection tags
Fix: Schedule annual professional service and conduct monthly self-inspections
Extension cords used as permanent wiring
Fix: Install additional electrical outlets; use surge protector power strips only
Storage too close to sprinkler heads (less than 18")
Fix: Rearrange storage to maintain 18" clearance below sprinkler deflectors
Fire doors propped open or blocked
Fix: Remove door wedges; install magnetic hold-open devices connected to fire alarm
Exit signs not illuminated or missing
Fix: Replace burnt bulbs; install battery backup exit signs
Missing fire alarm inspection documentation
Fix: Schedule annual fire alarm testing with licensed contractor
Electrical panel access blocked (36" clearance required)
Fix: Maintain clear access; mark floor with tape if needed
Expired or missing sprinkler contractor tag
Fix: Schedule annual sprinkler system inspection
Emergency lighting not functional
Fix: Test monthly; replace batteries; document all tests
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are fire inspections required for commercial buildings?
Commercial buildings typically require annual fire inspections by the local fire marshal. However, internal inspections should be more frequent: fire extinguishers monthly, emergency lighting monthly, fire alarm systems quarterly, and sprinkler systems quarterly with annual professional inspections per NFPA 25.
What happens if you fail a fire inspection?
Failing typically results in a notice of violation with a deadline to correct deficiencies. Minor issues may allow 30 days for correction, while serious hazards may require immediate action. Failure to correct violations can result in fines ($100-$1,000+ per day), certificate of occupancy revocation, or business closure orders in severe cases.
Can I do my own fire inspection or do I need a professional?
You can conduct internal self-inspections to prepare for official inspections. However, NFPA codes require licensed professionals for annual fire alarm testing (NFPA 72), sprinkler inspections (NFPA 25), and fire extinguisher servicing (NFPA 10). Professional inspections include official documentation required by insurance and fire marshals.
What NFPA codes apply to commercial fire inspections?
The main NFPA codes are: NFPA 72 (fire alarms), NFPA 25 (sprinklers), NFPA 10 (extinguishers), NFPA 101 (life safety), NFPA 80 (fire doors), and NFPA 96 (commercial cooking). Local fire codes may adopt these standards with amendments.
Need Professional Fire Inspection Services?
While this checklist helps you prepare, passing fire inspections requires professional testing and documentation. Security Dynamics provides NFPA-compliant fire alarm inspections, sprinkler testing, and complete fire protection services throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.