Fire Safety Inspection Checklist (for Inspectors): What to Check + How to Document Violations
Fire safety inspections are where clarity matters most. Your job is to document observable hazards and actionable corrections — not to argue code online.
This checklist is designed for practical, on-site documentation: what to check, what to photograph, and language that reads cleanly in a report.
Important
Fire code requirements vary by jurisdiction and occupancy type. Use this as a field checklist, and reference local requirements as needed.
1) Egress & Exits
Check:
- Exit doors unobstructed
- Doors open freely (no blocked hardware)
- Hallways/stairs clear of storage
- Emergency lighting (if present) appears operational
- Exit signage present where applicable
Photos:
- Obstruction in path
- Any locked/blocked exit
2) Smoke/CO Alarms & Fire Alarm Systems
Check:
- Smoke/CO alarms present (residential)
- Alarm devices not painted/disabled
- Fire alarm panel/devices (commercial) noted as present (visual)
Report note:
- State what you observed and what was/was not tested.
3) Fire Extinguishers (If Present)
Check:
- Present in expected locations (as applicable)
- Mounted and accessible
- Gauge in the green (if visible)
- No obvious damage/corrosion
Photos:
- Missing location (context)
- Damaged unit/gauge
4) Electrical Fire Hazards (High Signal)
Check:
- Overloaded power strips / daisy-chained extension cords
- Open junction boxes
- Missing electrical cover plates
- Scorching/heat damage evidence
- Combustible storage near electrical panels
5) Kitchen / Cooking Fire Risks
Check:
- Grease accumulation (where visible)
- Combustibles stored near cooking equipment
- Hood/suppression system noted (commercial) as present (visual)
6) Storage & Combustible Loading
Check:
- Storage in mechanical/electrical rooms
- Storage too close to water heater/furnace
- Blocked access to shutoffs/panels
Report Language Templates
Obstructed egress
“Egress path was obstructed by ____ . This is a life-safety concern. Recommend clearing and maintaining a continuous path to exits.”
Fire extinguisher deficiency
“Fire extinguisher was missing/inaccessible/damaged at ____ (location). Recommend correction per local requirements and manufacturer guidance.”
Electrical hazard
“Electrical safety concern observed: ____ (e.g., open junction, overloaded strip). Recommend evaluation/correction by a qualified electrician.”
Testing limitation
“Fire safety devices were visually observed; full operational testing was not performed as part of this inspection.”
Where ReportWalk Helps
Fire safety reports are photo-heavy and time-sensitive. ReportWalk helps you dictate each deficiency in a consistent structure and attach photos so your documentation is clear and defensible.
Quick Field Checklist
- Exits/egress clear
- Smoke/CO alarms present and not disabled
- Extinguishers present/accessible (if applicable)
- Electrical hazards documented
- Storage hazards documented
- Limitations stated clearly
