The Fire Prevention Bureau, in cooperation with the Riverside County Office of the Fire Marshal, is a division of the Moreno Valley Fire Department.
The mission of the bureau is to provide professional fire and life safety engineering, permitting, and inspection services for our citizens and emergency responders through exemplary customer service, leadership, education, innovation and partnership with the development and business community.
The Fire Prevention Bureau has a daily effect on the community due to its involvement in the planning, construction, and maintenance of the many structures throughout the City. The goal of the bureau is to safeguard the community from fire and environmental hazards through the programs that reduce injuries, loss of life, and loss of property. This is accomplished by ensuring adherence to fire regulations, providing public education and conducting annual inspections.
Any questions or comments about the Fire Prevention Bureau can be directed to the City Fire Marshal at 951.413.3370.
Fire Prevention Q&A
What is the California Fire Code? The California Fire Code contains the various regulations that establish fire safety requirements for a wide range of activities. The City Council adopts the California Fire Code and makes specific amendments which fulfill the needs and values of the community. These requirements govern matters such as:
- emergency preparedness
- prevention and reporting of fires
- manufacturing, storage, handling, use, and transportation of hazardous materials
- conduct of various businesses and activities that pose fire hazards
- the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the buildings and premises that house such materials, businesses and activities
To whom does the Fire Code apply? The Fire Code applies to all residents and businesses in Moreno Valley. Everyone must comply with its prohibitions and fire safety requirements. Residents and businesses that conduct or supervise activities regulated by the Fire Code may also be required to obtain permits that authorize them to engage in those activities.
Why do you inspect our business every year? Fire Inspections are completed at least once a year to make sure the buildings in which you work or live, or businesses you visit, are safe to occupy. These inspections ensure that fire protection devices and systems are maintained on a regular basis and ready should an emergency occur. Fire inspectors also ensure that exit doors function properly, exit signs illuminate, and fire-rated walls are not compromised.
What is the minimum rating required of a fire extinguisher? How often does my extinguisher need to be serviced? The rating can be found on the label of the extinguisher near the UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) symbol.
For businesses, the minimum rating for a fire extinguisher is 2A10BC. High hazard locations may require a higher rated extinguisher. In general, the Fire Code requires that one extinguisher be provided for every 75 feet of travel distance in low hazard occupancies, such as office spaces. Fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a contractor licensed by the Contractor’s State License Board or the State Fire Marshal.
Although not required, the Moreno Valley Fire Department recommends that residents have at least one fire extinguisher in the home. A general purpose, or ABC, fire extinguisher is designed to put out the types of fires typically seen in the residential setting and can be found online or in most home improvement stores. Kitchen and garage fires are the most common type of residential fire, so having a fire extinguisher near one or both locations is advised.
Does my home need a smoke alarm and, if so, how many? The California Health & Safety Code requires that every single-family dwelling has operable smoke alarms that are approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal and installed in accordance with the State Fire Marshal’s regulations.
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm."
Place a smoke alarm on the ceiling of every level of your home and both inside and outside bedrooms as children and older people can sleep though the loud sound of a smoke alarm. If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm on the ceiling of each bedroom and check smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
In addition, all new construction or additions, alterations, or repairs that exceed $1,000 in cost and for which a permit is required must have a smoke alarm installed inside each bedroom as well as one centrally installed in the corridor or area outside the bedroom. For new construction only, the smoke alarm must be hardwired with a battery backup. For all other homes, the smoke alarm may be battery operated. This law also applies to multi-family dwellings, such as apartment buildings.
Does my home need a carbon monoxide monitor? Beginning January 1, 2013 all single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums in California that have a fireplace, an attached garage, or fossil fuel burning appliances are required by law to have a carbon monoxide device installed. Similar to smoke detectors, you should install a carbon monoxide monitor outside of each separate sleeping area. Many detectors can serve the dual purpose of carbon monoxide and smoke detection.
What is a “Knox Box” and do I need one?
A Knox Box is basically a locked key box. The purpose of a Knox Box is to provide the Fire Department with rapid, non-destructive access to the property and building during emergency situations. Property owners can put all necessary keys, pass cards, and other relevant items in a Knox Box to ensure efficient, effective after-hour entry should emergencies occur.
If you open a new business or multi-family dwelling such as an apartment building or condominium complex, you are required to obtain a Knox Box. In addition, the fire code official is authorized to require a Knox Box to be installed on existing buildings in accordance with 2016 California Fire Code, Section 506.1. Knox boxes are also available for purchase for private residences if homeowners would like to allow for rapid entry by emergency personnel due to a medical condition.
How can I register a complaint about a possible fire hazard? If you have a concern or question regarding a fire hazard situation, you may contact the Fire Prevention Bureau by calling (951) 413-3370 or by notifying us via email at
fireprevention@moval.org.
The Fire Prevention Bureau investigates complaints filed by citizens regarding potential fire hazards including blocked exits, inoperable fire protection systems, overcrowding, or dead vegetation. Once a complaint is received, a Fire Inspector will investigate the matter to verify if there is a violation. A corrective notice can be issued if the situation is deemed to be in violation of what is specifically required by the Fire Code. Aesthetic issues with conditions that may appear hazardous can also be addressed by the Code & Neighborhood Services Division at City Hall.
Any questions regarding the inspections can be directed to the City Fire Marshal at 951.413.3370.
For more safety tips from the Moreno Valley Fire Department go
here.