Fire Inspection

The Joliet Fire Department’s Fire Inspection Services play a vital role in safeguarding our community through prevention, education, and enforcement. Captain Eric Mattson, serving as the department’s Fire Inspector, is dedicated to ensuring the safety of both residents and businesses. He works diligently to verify that all properties comply with applicable fire and life safety codes prior to occupancy. Please call 815-724-3500 for more information.

Top 10 Inspection Violations

1. Obstructions in Exit Passageways
   • Remove any/all obstructions in exit passageways. Common blockages include storage items, furniture, or even construction materials that obstruct exits.
2. Faulty Emergency Exit Signs and Emergency Lights
   • Emergency lights are designed to guide occupants to safety during a power outage or smoke-filled environment. Regularly test in case of burned out bulbs. 
3. Inadequate Fire Extinguishers
   • Extinguishers must be maintained annually, or after each use, by a certified professional.
4. Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Sprinkler Systems, and Hood Extinguishing Systems failing to have routine servicing/testing by a qualified company
   • All fire protection systems and its components must be tested annually. Most hood systems must be tested semi-annually.
5. Inadequate Smoke Detectors
   • All smoke detectors must be maintained in operable condition.
6. Faulty Fire Doors Self-Closing Hardware and Doors in "Closed" Position
   • Fire doors must be equipped with self-closing devices and such devices shall be maintained in working order.
   • Fire doors shall be kept in "closed" position or held open by an approved device.
   • The use of door stops, wedges, and other non-approved hold-open devices are prohibited.
7. Improper Storage
   • Storage within 24'' of ceiling surface of non-sprinkled building
   • Storage within 18'' of bottom of sprinkler head in sprinklered building
8. Extension Cords
   • Discontinue use of extension cords. Extension cords shall only be used for temporary wiring and shall not be substituted for permanent wiring.
   • Extension cords shall not be attached to structures or be extended through walls, ceilings, floors, under or through doors or floor covers. Extension cords may not be plugged into one another.
9. Open Electrical
   • Electrical circuit breaker panels, junction boxes, and outlet boxes, shall be covered, and installation complete.
10. Electrical Clearance
    • Provide 36 inches of clearance in front of electrical control boxes.