Fire Department Inspections



Existing Construction

The Fire Marshal and Fire Inspector conduct scheduled inspections in existing buildings to ensure ongoing compliance with Minnesota State Fire Code requirements. Special inspections are also conducted upon request or upon being notified of a possible fire code violation.

During fire inspections, the entire building is thoroughly inspected to evaluate code compliance. If violations are noted, a follow-up inspection is conducted to verify the violations identified have been corrected satisfactorily.

New Construction

The Fire Marshal evaluates compliance with Minnesota State Fire Code requirements in new construction projects and is involved throughout the construction process from pre-construction meetings to issuing the Certificate of Occupancy.

Pre-Construction Meetings

The Fire Marshal works closely with the developer, the building official, and other City officials during pre-construction meetings. Fire code requirements for certain systems are evaluated based on the use of the building, such as:

  • access roads 
  • fire hydrant locations
  • special structural requirements
  • sprinkler systems
  • fire alarm systems
  • and other considerations

Building Plans

Building plans are then submitted to the building official and reviewed prior to construction to evaluate code compliance. During construction, the Fire Marshal inspects systems to ensure code compliance, they check systems such as:

  • exit and emergency lighting
  • fire alarm systems
  • the means of egress
  • special fire suppression systems
  • fire suppression systems

These systems must also pass acceptance testing prior to the building official issuing the Certificate of Occupancy.

Home Inspections

Along with emergency services, the Red Wing Fire Department performs fire safety inspections on both commercial buildings and single-family homes upon request.

The Red Wing Fire Department works closely with residents and business owners to provide fire safety information, including building maintenance, fire code, and property maintenance standards, and fire drills in public buildings. These inspections help ensure the safety of the occupants and keep buildings ready for future progress.

Daycare Facilities

Fire inspections are also conducted in local daycare facilities when requested by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Inspections are also conducted prior to licensing or upon special request.

Pre Fire Plan Surveys

Pre-fire plan surveys are conducted by fire personnel for each commercial and public building within the city. This gives firefighters a chance to view the layout of the building before a potential situation occurs. The location of fire suppression equipment is noted as well as potentially hazardous areas. Fire code violations may be reported to the Fire Prevention Bureau.