IF YOU INTEND TO PURCHASE LAND OR BUILD IN THE FIRE DISTRICT PLEASE EMAIL THE FIRE MARSHAL (ROGER PARKER, RPARKER@ELKCREEKFIRE.ORG) IN ADVANCE TO DETERMINE IF THERE ARE FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDING THE PROPERTY'S ADDRESS AND YOUR INTENTIONS. THIS WILL HELP YOU AVOID UNWANTED SURPRISES IN THE FUTURE.
Fire Marshal’s Office Overview
The Fire Marshal is responsible for the fire safety of the buildings within the Fire District. Our fire safety focus: fire prevention through education, engineering and fire code enforcement. The Fire Marshal performs several functions:
The Fire Marshal performs plan reviews and building inspections of new structures or revisions to existing buildings to ensure compliance with the adopted codes and ordinances within the Fire District. This may include construction related inspections at one and two-family dwellings for emergency vehicle assess, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and fire cisterns.
The Fire Marshal performs regular inspections of existing commercial occupancies (excluding one and two-family dwellings) within the Elk Creek Fire District boundaries in an effort to enhance life safety, reduce fire hazards and to create and maintain a safe environment. The Fire Marshal performs inspections of temporary uses such as special events, tents, firework stands, etc.
The Fire Marshal investigates fires to determine how the fire started, how the fire spread, and how people were affected by the fire. This helps us to build better buildings, prevent fires, reduce the spread of fire and teach people how to escape a fire.
The Elk Creek Fire Protection District Fire Marshal is Roger Parker. Fire Marshal Parker has 15 years firefighting experience and 30 years of fire prevention experience. Fire Marshal Parker can be contacted by email at rparker@elkcreekfire.org.
Fire Code
The fire code is designed to reduce the likelihood of a fire, slow the spread of a fire, protect the people inside of the building and insure egress for emergency responders. The Elk Creek Fire Protection District has adopted the 2018 International Fire Code with local amendments. In addition, the Elk Creek Fire Protection District writes Standard Rules & Regulations based on the local needs of the Fire District.
Fire Code Permits
Fire Code Permits are required for plan reviews and inspections related to new construction, modifications to existing buildings, new fire system installations and modifications, new special use installations and modifications, new gate installations and modifications, and temporary uses such as special events, tents, firework stands, etc. See adopted fire code for complete list.
Fire Code Fees
Click here to download the fee schedule adopted by the Elk Creek Fire Protection District Board of Directors.
Fire Sprinkler Systems
The Elk Creek Fire Protection District highly recommends the installation of a fire sprinkler system in all occupancies. Fire sprinklers have a long history of providing fire and life safety for all types of occupancies. Mandatory installation requirements are listed in the adopted fire code. The fire code allows many construction “incentives” that can reduce construction costs to justify the financial costs of a fire sprinkler system. These systems are required to be maintained in an operating condition and tested annually by a State licensed fire sprinkler system contractor. Copies of annual fire sprinkler system inspection and testing reports are required to be submitted online by the contractor within 30 days at www.thecomplianceengine.com.
The installation requirements for residential fire sprinkler systems located in the International Residential Code. Since 2009, the International Residential Code has mandated the installation of residential fire sprinklers. However, this mandate has been deleted by local government. There are two types of residential fire sprinkler systems. The NFPA 13D system is a standalone system that detects heat and activates a sprinkler head in only in the fire area to control the fire. These systems are permitted and inspected by the Fire District. The multipurpose system is part of the building plumbing system. These systems are permitted and inspected by the County Building Department. These systems require minimal maintenance. Visit www.usfa.fema.gov for messages and free materials about the life-saving and financial benefits of home fire sprinklers.
Click here to download Supplemental Rules and Regulations related to sprinkler protection under living spaces.
Click here for a list of local residential fire sprinkler contractors. (Please note that the Fire District does not endorse any of them, and is not responsible for their work.)
The Fire Marshals Association of Colorado, working with NFSA, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition and Arvada Fire Department completed a side-by-side sprinkler demonstration in September of last year. The intent was to create a professionally produced video which could be used by FMAC members to demonstrate the benefits of fire sprinklers. The demonstration was recorded by over a half-dozen cameras, including a drone and one within the burn unit. Click here to watch the video.
Fire Alarm Systems
An automatic fire detection and alarm system is required in all new commercial buildings. All commercial fire alarm systems are required to be monitored by an approved fire alarm monitoring company. These systems are required to be maintained in an operating condition and tested annually by a State licensed fire alarm system contractor. Copies of annual fire alarm system inspection and testing reports are required to be submitted online by the contractor within 30 days at www.thecomplianceengine.com.
Cisterns & Dry Hydrants
The Elk Creek Fire Protection District is a mountain community that doesn’t have municipal type fire protection water supply systems and fire hydrants. Water for firefighting purposes is limited to the water carried on the fire engines and tankers. New commercial occupancies are required to provide fixed water tanks (cisterns) and dry fire hydrants to provide firefighting water for their buildings. These water tanks (cisterns) and dry hydrants are paid installed and maintained by the property owners. These systems are required to be maintained in an operating condition and tested annually by a State licensed contractor, other qualified person. Copies of annual inspection reports are required to be submitted online by the contractor within 30 days at www.thecomplianceengine.com.
Click here for a list of cistern contractors. (Please note that the Fire District does not endorse any of them, and is not responsible for their work.)
Fire System Inspections & Maintenance Reporting Requirements
All commercial fire protection systems are required to be maintained in an operating condition and tested annually by a State licensed fire protection system contractor. Kitchen fire suppression systems are required to be tested semi-annually. Copies of annual fire protection system inspection and testing reports are required to be submitted online by the contractor, within 30 days, at www.thecomplianceengine.com.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are required in all commercial occupancies. The number and size of portable fire extinguishers are determined by the size and hazard of the occupancy. Portable fire extinguishers are your first line of defense to extinguish small fires and prevent them from becoming large fires. Employees need to be trained in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers require an annual inspection by a qualified contractor. A tag is required showing the inspection company information and date of inspection.
Emergency Access
Emergency access is required for all new commercial and residential development to insure that the roads and driveways are useable by fire apparatus during emergencies. Residential dwellings shall comply with County standards.
Key Boxes for Fire Department Access
Fire department lock boxes are required to be installed on all buildings that contain a fire system. The fire district requires Knox Boxes, which can be ordered online at www.knoxbox.com. Property owners are required to provide the Fire District with keys for firefighter access during emergencies.
Emergency Planning
The International Fire Code and OSHA has mandatory requirements for emergency planning. The extent of the emergency plan depends on the type and size of your occupancy. Employees need to be properly trained on your emergency plan.
Hazardous Materials
A Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) is required for each occupancy that uses or stores hazardous materials on site. The HMIS information is used to determine fire code requirements and to inform firefighters of hazardous materials that are on-site so they can take the necessary precautions during emergency response.
Fire Pits, Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, and Recreational Fires
Jefferson County has guidelines for Fire Pits, Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, and Recreational Fires.