TOP TEN FIRE INSPECTION FAILURES

International and Indiana statutes outline regulations to ensure fire safety, protect firefighters, and promote public awareness of responsible behavior in fire-related scenarios. Below is a list of common infractions and violations pertaining to fire service inspections in Monroe county.

• Exit Sign(s) Not in Proper Working Condition

  • Code: IFC 1013.5

  • Exit signs must be illuminated at all times and be visible from any direction of egress travel.

• Failure to Provide and Maintain Emergency Lighting

  • Code: IFC 1008.3

  • Emergency lighting facilities must be provided and maintained in proper working order to ensure illumination of exit paths during power outages.

• Missing or Broken Covers, Switches, or Outlets

  • Code: IFC 605.6

  • Electrical equipment must be properly maintained, and any missing or broken covers, switches, or outlets should be repaired or replaced to prevent electrical hazards.

• Failure to Maintain Fire Extinguisher(s) Annually

  • Code: IFC 906.2

  • Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected and maintained annually by a licensed fire extinguisher contractor to ensure proper operation.

• Failure to Mount Fire Extinguisher(s)

  • Code: IFC 906.7

  • Fire extinguishers must be securely mounted on brackets or in cabinets and located in conspicuous, readily accessible locations.

• Blocked or Obstructed Exit or Exit Corridor

  • Code: IFC 1031.3

  • Means of egress must be free from obstructions or impediments to ensure safe evacuation during an emergency.

• Failure to Provide and Maintain 30" Clearance to Electrical Panels

  • Code: IFC 605.3

  • A minimum clearance of 30 inches must be maintained around electrical panels to ensure safe access for maintenance and emergency operations.

• Electrical Panel Operable Cover or Missing Blanks

  • Code: IFC 605.6

  • Electrical panels must have operable covers and any unused openings must be closed with approved covers to prevent exposure to live parts.

• Failure to Service Fire Protection System(s)

  • Code: IFC 901.6

  • Fire protection systems, including sprinklers and alarms, must be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the applicable standards to ensure proper operation.

• Improper Use of Extension Cords

  • Code: IFC 605.5

  • Extension cords must not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring and should only be used with portable appliances. They must not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings, or floors, or under doors or floor coverings.

FIRE SAFETY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE

Indiana statutes outline regulations to ensure fire safety, protect firefighters, and promote public awareness of responsible behavior in fire-related scenarios. Below is a list of key infractions and violations pertaining to fire services, along with their consequences.

TRAFFIC-RELATED INFRACTIONS

• Driving Over a Fire Hose

  • Statute: IC 9-21-12-6

  • Classification: C Infraction

  • Driving over a fire hose without permission can damage equipment and delay fire suppression efforts

• Following or Parking Near a Fire Department Vehicle

  • Statute: IC 9-21-12-7

  • Classification: C Infraction

  • Keep a safe distance to allow firefighters to respond without obstruction

• Parking Within 15 Feet of a Hydrant

  • Statute: IC 9-21-16-5(4)

  • Classification: C Infraction

  • Obstructing fire hydrant access hinders emergency water supply for firefighting

• Parking Within 20 Feet of a Fire Station

  • Statute: IC 9-21-16-5(10)

  • Classification: C Infraction

  • Prevents obstruction of fire station access for emergency vehicles

• Parking in a Fire Lane

  • Statute: IC 9-21-16.5-5

  • Classification: C Infraction

  • Fire lanes must remain clear to allow emergency response vehicles

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY INFRACTIONS

• False Reporting

  • Statute: IC 35-44-2-2

  • Classification: B Misdemeanor

  • Falsely reporting a fire or emergency wastes resources and may cause harm

• Blocked or Locked Exit Doors

  • Statute: IC 22-11-17-2

  • Classification: B Misdemeanor / D Felony if Injury

  • Exit doors must remain accessible for public safety

• Disconnected Fire Alarm

  • Statute: IC 22-11-17-2

  • Classification: B Misdemeanor / D Felony if Injury

  • Disconnecting or tampering with fire alarms endangers lives

• Obstructing a Firefighter

  • Statute: IC 35-44-3-8

  • Classification: A Misdemeanor

  • Interfering with a firefighter’s duties is a serious offense

• Resisting Law Enforcement

  • Statute: IC 35-44-3-3

  • Classification: A Misdemeanor / D Felony if Injury or Vehicle Use Involved

  • Resisting lawful orders during emergency responses can escalate penalties

GENERAL VIOLATIONS

• Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles

  • Statute: IC 9-21-8-35

  • Classification: C Infraction

  • Yielding to emergency vehicles is mandatory for safe response

• General Fire Code Violation

  • Statute: IC 22-12-8-2

  • Classification: C Infraction Per Day

  • Repeated violations of fire safety codes result in daily penalties