Fire Prevention

All fires cannot be prevented, but inspections and standards minimize loss of life, injuries, and property. The Department's Fire Prevention Division fulfills this critical public safety mission by inspecting properties and consulting on new construction in the City.  Fire Prevention also supports the Operations Division by investigating the causes of fires and providing feedback to the firefighters in what causes fires and how extinguishing efforts mitigate that damage. The Division also coordinates and presents public education programs to schools, elder populations and other groups.

The Division is organized into three program areas of responsibility - New Construction, Existing Construction, and Fire Investigation. It is responsible for conducting land use development plan reviews, new construction plan reviews, construction permits, special permit inspections, fire investigations, the juvenile fire education program, hazardous materials compliance, and evacuation planning for specific occupancies (assemblies, high rises, etc.).

New Construction

Residential Fire Sprinklers

Your risk of dying in a home fire is cut by 80% when sprinklers are present. This video from the NFPA tells why home fire sprinklers are a critical in saving lives and property from fire.

Local, national fire experts show need for home fire sprinklers; this video demonstration in Plymouth follows recent deaths of four area residents in house fires.

In 1986 NFPA created the award winning video "Fire Power" which takes a firsthand look at the deadly dynamics of fire from ignition to full room involvement. For the 25th anniversary, NFPA revisits a few of the original scenes with the original narrator, to talk abou the dramatic footage and the role home fire sprinklers play in saving lives and property. As Jack Harper explains: "The message today is the same as it was in 1986; you cannot survive flashover...". Link to YouTube to see the video Fire Power - Revisited.

The nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) introduces a new video narrated by the California State Fire Marshal to educate California homeowners who are living in homes protected with fire sprinklers. The video, titled “Living With Home Fire Sprinklers in California” is a collaborative effort between HFSC and CAL FIRE- Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). It teaches homeowners how fire sprinklers work, how to maintain them and it dispels common myths.

Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Standards

The Sprinkler and Fire Alarm standards can be found in the City of Olympia Municipal Code.

Key Box for Emergency Access

Seconds count in a life-threatening emergency or a fire. To help reduce delays in providing emergency assistance, the Olympia Fire Department has adopted use of the Knox Rapid-Entry System.  The Fire Marshal will determine if a Knox key box is required at the time of construction. If a box is required, the responsible party will be notified of the need to obtain a Knox key box. To obtain information or to complete an application, call (360) 753-8348.

Existing Construction

Building Inspection Program

Link to our Building Inspection Program page for a list of frequently asked questions, and our Business Inspection Checklist for a list of some of the issues our inspectors look for when inspecting a business. Our Fire Extinguisher Self-Inspection Program is for busineses that desire a six-year interval between complete servicing of certain fire extinguishers.

Residential Oil Tanks

The Olympia Fire Department requires a permit for removal or abandonment of an underground oil tank. Find out more about the process for removal or abandonment in-place.

Safety Information

• Carbon Monoxide Safety
• Fireworks in Olympia
• Smoke Alarm & Detector Information
• Apartment Safety Tips
• Deep Fry Your Turkey Safely