Riverside Public Safety
Fire Prevention Division FAQs

PDF Version of Fire Prevention Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What code is used by the Riverside Fire Department?
A: The 2003 edition of the International Fire Code and referenced standards found in Chapter 45.

Q: How frequent are fire inspections?
A: Our fire inspectors go through all the buildings in the City of Riverside in a 12 month rotation.

Q: How can I request a fire inspection?
A: To request a general fire inspection, please contact Fire Prevention at 816-372-9118 during regular business hours.  It may take 2-4 business days for the Fire Marshal to contact you to schedule an appointment.  You may also send an E-mail to gfowlston@riversidemo.com with your request.

Q: The Fire Department has been inspecting my building for many years and has never mentioned a violation in the past. Why are they indicating a violation this time?
A: Fire codes are updated regularly. Some of the things that cause changes in these codes may be a newer type of construction, a new construction method or maybe an event that occurred where people were injured. Whatever the reason, when the codes are updated, it is necessary to inspect your facility under the most current code. This may result in a change from the previous year in your inspection.

Q: Where can I find out what permits are needed in the City of Riverside?
A: This information is available online or you can contact us by telephone. For information pertaining to Fireworks, Tents, Open Burning, Bonfires/Recreational fires among others, call the Fire Marshal’'s office at 816-372-9118. For all other permits contact the City of Riverside at 816-741-3993.

Q: When I have a permit, whom do I call for an inspection on the installation of fire alarm and fire protection systems?
A: Call Fire Marshal's office at 816-372-9118.

Q: Are rapid entry key systems (Knox Box) required in Riverside?
A: Yes

Q: Where can I purchase a rapid entry key system (Knox Box) for my business?
A: Contact the Fire Marshal’'s office at 816-372-9118.

Q: If I want to open a daycare in the City of Riverside are there fire code requirements I need to meet?
A: Yes

Q: Can I cook on my wood deck or concrete patio?
A: The only people who can cook on their deck or patios are those living in single houses or duplexes. Even then, it is a good idea to be sure the device is away from the house and children are kept at a safe distance. Stay with the device while it is hot or a flame is present. If you live in a multi-family setting, such as apartment homes or town homes with more than two connected together, you cannot have an open flame device on your deck or patio within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Q: On TV, when one sprinkler head begins to spray water, they all do. Is this how my sprinklers will work?
A: Probably not. With a few exceptions (and those are found only in heavy industry situations), sprinkler systems are designed to activate only where the fire is. The heat from the fire activates the sprinkler head closest to it. If the fire is large enough it may activate more than one head in the area, but it will not activate every head on an entire floor.

Q: My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
A: If you own the building, you are responsible to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency. The documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view. Also, it would help if someone who is likely to be in the building on a daily basis knows where the alarm panel is located. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a detector surface. Each detector is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with the Fire Marshal’'s office 816-372-9118. Also, never hang anything from a detector.

Q: We keep having false alarms. The alarm goes off, I see the fire trucks come, they are here for just a few minutes and then they leave. They don't even take any hoses off the truck so I know there wasn't a fire. Can't we do something about this?
A: Fire alarms seldom malfunction. Usually, if they are sounding, there is a reason. The reason could be a simple as a bag of popcorn that overcooked in the microwave, a coworker smoking in an area where they shouldn't, or remodeling dust. In all of those cases, even though big flames were not shooting from the building and hoses were not needed to put the fire out, the system was doing it's job of alerting everyone in the building that there was a smoke-like substance in the building and they should leave until the fire department checks it out. Even if you don't think anything is wrong, you should take every fire alarm seriously and leave the building until someone of authority tells you it is safe to return.

Q: We never have fire drills at work. Isn't there something that requires this?
A: There are no laws that require a business to have a fire drill but it is a good idea. The fire department does not have to be present for you to have a drill. All you need to do is contact your alarm company and be sure you have someone on site that can re-set the alarm system. We also strongly suggest you discuss this with the other tenants in your building beforehand. If you would like the fire department to come and observe, you can e-mail the Fire Marshal at gfowlston@riversidemo.com or call Fire Marshal’'s office at 816-372-9118.

Q: I have a smoke detector in my house that is making a sound but there is no fire. What makes it do this?
A: First you need to know if it is battery operated, electric or electric with a battery back up. If it is battery operated it is probably making a chirping sound which more than likely means it needs a new battery. If it is electric, there may be a problem with it’s power supply or possibly the smoke detector is too old. The average life of a smoke detector is 10 years. If it is electric with a battery back up it could be any of the above problems. Also try giving it a good cleaning with the vacuum. All smoke detectors should be cleaned and checked once a month. For more information on smoke detectors call Fire Marshal’'s office 816-372-9118

Q: I've heard quite a lot about carbon monoxide. Could I have this in my house and do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
A: There are many things that give off carbon monoxide. They include gas appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves. Fuel burning space heaters and wood burning fireplaces can give off carbon monoxide. Even warming up your car or barbequing in your garage can fill your house with carbon monoxide. The problem is that it is an odorless, colorless gas so until you begin to see symptoms, you don know it's there. People experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning feel like they have a flu that came on suddenly. This also affects small pets and even plants. Carbon monoxide detectors will sense excessive levels of the gas early and warn you to leave. If your family is having symptoms or your detector is sounding an alarm, call 9-1-1 and the fire department will respond. We can take readings and provide medical help. Sometimes we can shut off the source of the problem but you will need to call out a technician to check the appliance and make repairs.

Q: Can I burn brush or yard waste in Riverside?
A: There is a limited amount of burning that is allowed in Riverside. Included in the list are burning for land clearing, recreational fires, and ceremonial fires. For more specific information on burning regulations and permits contact the Fire Marshal’'s office at 816-372-9118.

Q: If I'm out at a business in Riverside and it seems to be overcrowded, what should I do?
A: Call 9-1-1 and report the problem. We will have the Fire Marshal or fire crew come out and evaluate the situation.

Q: How can I report a fire hazard?
A: To report a possible fire hazard you may contact the Fire Marshal’'s office at 816-372-9118 during regular business hours.  You may also send an E-mail to the Fire Marshal’'s office at gfowlston@riversidemo.com with the information by clicking here. We will need information about the violation (including the address of the violation and responsible party's name, if available) and your contact information.  Your information will be needed if an inspector needs to reach you for further assistance or to inform you of the outcome of the inspection. All reports will be anonymous!

Q: How can I get a fire truck to come to my event?
A: Contact Fire Marshal’'s office at 816-372-9118 for assistance with scheduling public education programs, such as fire truck visits, visits to fire stations and other public education programs. Please call at least two weeks prior to your event. Large events or events that require a longer time of involvement may require more than two weeks notice.

Q: Where can I get my fire extinguisher serviced?
A: Look in the yellow pages under "Fire Extinguishers" for a listing.

Q: What can I do about my child who is setting fires?
A: We offer educational and support programs for youth firesetters and their parents. For more information call the Fire Marshal’'s office 816-372-9118.

Q: I have a bunch of old paint and other hazardous materials that I need to get rid of. Who do I call?
A: Call 816-784-2080 for an appointment to drop off materials. Riverside’s drop off location is at 4707 Deramus in Kansas City. There is no charge for disposal, but residents must bring an ID with proof of residency.

Q: I don't think the fire lanes around our building are marked correctly. How can I find out?
A: Contact the Fire Marshal’s office at 816-372-9118.

Q: People completely disregard the fire lanes in my building. What can I do about it?
A: The Riverside Fire Department and Police departments can both write fire lane violation citations. You can report this either to police dispatch at 816-741-1191 or the Fire Marshal's office at 816-372-9118.