Our Fire Marshal’s Office works alongside our crews and community to reduce risk, prevent emergencies, and keep people safe. This is part of our broader Community Risk Reduction (CRR) approach—understanding our community’s risks and addressing them proactively.
Permits
New Mobile Food Vendor Program updates have been made for 2026. An LPG inspection is now required.
Inspections
Our fire and life safety inspections are focused on reducing risk, ensuring code compliance, and helping keep your occupants, employees, and property safe. These inspections may be routine, complaint-driven, or part of new construction and occupancy processes. Our goal is not only enforcement, but also education—working with you to identify hazards, answer questions, and support practical solutions that improve overall safety.
Inspections FAQ:
We conduct inspections for:
- Businesses and commercial buildings
- Multi-family housing
- Schools and licensed care facilities
- New construction and tenant improvements
- Special events
Inspection frequency depends on the type of business and level of risk. Many occupancies are inspected annually, while higher-risk properties may be inspected more often.
You’ll receive a clear list of corrections and a reasonable timeline to address them. Our goal is compliance and safety—not enforcement for its own sake.
If issues aren’t addressed, follow-up inspections or enforcement actions may occur.
- Blocked or obstructed exits
- Missing or overdue fire extinguisher service
- Non-working alarm or sprinkler systems
- Improper storage of combustibles
- Extension cord misuse
- Keep exits clear and unlocked
- Maintain fire protection systems
- Ensure extinguishers are current
- Train employees on emergency procedures
- Address previous inspection items
We enforce the International Fire Code as adopted by Washington State, along with local amendments.
Yes. Facilities such as childcare centers, foster homes, and adult family homes must meet fire and life safety requirements as part of their licensing process.
Depending on the type of business and associated risks, an inspection or permit may be required.
Fire inspectors are authorized to conduct inspections in accordance with applicable codes. We make every effort to coordinate with property owners and minimize disruption.
Operational Permits
Operational permits are required for certain activities or operations that pose an increased fire or life safety risk. These permits allow us to review processes, verify safety measures are in place, and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Common examples include hazardous materials use, special events, and specific commercial or industrial operations. Our team works with applicants to make the process clear and efficient while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
Fire Investigations
Fire Investigations determine the origin and cause of fires within our jurisdiction. Investigations are conducted for a variety of reasons, including safety, legal, and insurance purposes. Our investigators work to identify contributing factors, document findings, and, when applicable, support enforcement or prevention efforts. Just as importantly, the information gathered helps inform future risk reduction strategies and community education.
Fire Investigations FAQ:
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue conducts fire investigations to determine origin and cause. When appropriate, we coordinate with agencies such as the Puyallup Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, and Pierce County Fire Marshal’s Office.
They help us:
- Understand what happened
- Prevent similar incidents
- Support safety improvements across the community
Outdoor Burning
Outdoor burning is regulated to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires and protect air quality. Requirements may vary based on location, type of burn, and current environmental conditions. Before burning, it’s important to understand what is allowed, whether a permit is required, and any restrictions that may apply.
Knox Box
A Knox Box® is a secure key access system that allows fire department personnel to quickly enter a building during an emergency without causing damage. It stores keys, access cards, or gate controls and is accessible only to authorized personnel using a controlled master key.
Knox Box® systems are typically required for certain commercial buildings, multi-family properties, and gated sites where rapid or restricted access is a concern. Keeping the box properly installed and up to date helps reduce response times, improve firefighter safety, and minimize property damage during emergencies.
ADD LINK: Knox Lock Box and Fire Department Connection Locking Cap Information
Knox Box® FAQ:
A Knox Box® is a secure, tamper-resistant key box installed on the exterior of a building. It stores keys, access cards, or other critical entry items, so fire department personnel can quickly access a property during an emergency.
Each Knox Box® is keyed to a master key that is strictly controlled by the fire department. During an emergency, responding crews use this master key to open the box and retrieve building access keys, allowing entry without delay or damage.
Knox Box® systems help:
- Provide rapid access during emergencies
- Reduce or eliminate forced entry damage
- Improve firefighter safety
- Minimize delays in fire or medical response
This can significantly reduce property damage and allow crews to address hazards more quickly.
Knox Boxes® are typically required for certain commercial buildings, multi-family properties, gated sites, and facilities with restricted access. They may also be required when access is limited or when rapid entry is critical for life safety, as determined by the fire code official.
Contents are determined in coordination with the fire department and may include:
- Building keys (main entry, mechanical rooms, etc.)
- Access cards or fobs
- Gate keys or override devices
- Alarm or contact information
Providing accurate and functional keys is critical to ensuring effective emergency access.
Knox Boxes® are purchased directly through Knox Rapid Access Solutions. During the ordering process, you will select your local fire department to ensure the box is properly keyed to their system.
The property owner or their contractor is responsible for installation. The fire department will typically specify the approved model and location to ensure proper placement and accessibility.
Only authorized fire department personnel have access to the master key. These keys are tightly controlled, and the boxes themselves are designed with high-security construction and locking mechanisms.
If building locks are changed or rekeyed, you are responsible for updating the keys inside the Knox Box®. Contact the fire department to coordinate access so the box can be updated.
Knox Boxes® are typically installed near the main entrance or another location approved by the fire department. Placement is important to ensure visibility and quick access for responding crews.
Yes. Residential versions are available and can be especially helpful for individuals with medical needs, mobility limitations, or gated access.
General Fire Marshal FAQ's
The Fire Marshal’s Office focuses on prevention and safety through:
- Fire and life safety inspections
- Fire cause and origin investigations
- Permit review and approvals
- Public education and community risk reduction efforts
We work closely with Operations crews—this is shared work in protecting our community.
Firefighters respond when something goes wrong. The Fire Marshal’s Office works to keep those incidents from happening in the first place.
Both are essential, and both serve the same mission.