The Lancaster Bureau of Fire is comprised of 75 men and women who provide firefighting and fire prevention services to the residents of the City of Lancaster.
Inspection of Buildings, Equipment, and Systems
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire inspects buildings annually for compliance to the adopted National Fire Protection Association codes and safety standards. All buildings used for assembly, mercantile, education and healthcare are inspected for both public and employee safety. Inspectors check fire safety equipment including fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and emergency lighting. All must meet the adopted fire codes to pass inspection.
Fire Prevention and Safety Education
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire provides fire prevention and safety training to various organizations such as civic groups, senior citizens, school students, community service groups, businesses and neighborhood watch programs.
Residential Smoke Detector Program
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire provides assistance and education in residential fire detection and suppression systems. We will respond to residents' questions regarding fire alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and residential sprinkler systems. We will provide and install detectors free of charge, if available, to owner occupied residences.
We are accepting donations to purchase smoke detectors. Donations may be sent to the Lancaster City Fire Foundation at 100 S. Queen St., Ste. 103, Lancaster, Pa. 17603.
Use of detectors using removeable nine volt batteries as a source of power shall be prohibited in all situations.
A detector is required on the ceiling or wall outside of each sleeping area. In each bedroom or room that can be used to sleep in (every room, except the kitchen and bathroom). On each level of the house, including the basement.
The City fire code requires either hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backup or 10 year non-removable (tamperproof) lithium battery detectors.
We are currently using the International Fire Code 2009 Edition not NFPA.
Target Hazard & Risk Analysis
Statistics from fire incidents and inspections are analyzed to identify fire problems in the City. An action plan is developed and implemented to reduce the identified fire hazards. We also target facilities that present substantial risk to life in the City and take necessary steps to mitigate the potential risks.
Juvenile Fire Setter Program
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire has formed a coalition of Community Service groups including Juvenile Probation, Children and Youth, Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Manheim Township Police, Enhanced Treatment for Children and the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association. This coalition hosts an intervention program to provide evaluations and referrals to appropriate agencies for troubled children and their families.
On-Site Emergency Response Planning
The Lancaster City Bureau Fire provides assistance with on-site emergency planning for businesses. The program includes pre-incident survey planning, inspections, and emergency planning to manage incidents.
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