The California Apartment Association and Vallejo Fire Department have extinguished some confusion over the city’s new Fire and Life Safety inspection program.
Keith Warner, Vallejo’s fire investigator, addresses the city’s new Fire and Life Safety inspection program during a workshop sponsored by CAA.
After notifying property owners in mid-January that annual inspections would begin, the Vallejo Fire Department began the checkups on multifamily residences this past spring. The Vallejo Fire Department had not conducted fire inspections in more than 15 years, and most small-income property owners had no idea what to expect.
Moreover, the Fire Department hadn’t told owners they could schedule and be present for the inspection. Instead, fire inspectors began arriving unannounced and listed violations in poor handwriting that was difficult to read and made obscure references to building and fire codes that left owners scratching their heads.
Confused and frustrated, members of CAA called the Contra Costa/Napa/ Solano Division, where Executive Director Theresa Karr took immediate action.
Working with the Fire Department, Karr arranged for CAA to sponsor a free workshop to help rental housing professionals handle the fledgling program.
CAA Contra Costa Napa Solano Division also persuaded the Fire Department to print inspection notices with clear definitions of violations and direction on finding code information to remedy any problems.
Moreover, the Fire Department followed CAA’s suggestions to print informational handouts about the program and create an informational webpage on the city’s website.
At the workshop, held June 27, Vincent Sproete, the city’s fire prevention manager, emphasized the city’s commitment to helping owners and operators find and fix any unsafe conditions in their communities while minimizing disruptions.
Attendees also took home handouts on the inspection program, including a self-certification form for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Finally, attendees received thorough details on compliance specifications of the relevant California Code and Standards.
Owners are encouraged to contact the Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at 707-648-4565 to set up an inspection appointment at a convenient time. For more information on the inspections, contact the Fire Prevention Division or CAA Contra Costa/Napa/Solano at 925-746-7131.
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