A 2A-10BC type fire extinguisher is required for all commercial businesses.
What is required before I receive an inspection from the fire marshal’s office?
You must apply for a business license at 1136 Washington street (803-545-3345). Once you apply for your license you will be contacted for your inspection.
Where can I download a special event application form?
You can download a special events form by the link provided here.
What if I scheduled a deputy fire marshal to work at my event, but my event was cancelled?
You must notify the fire marshal’s office (803.545.3701) within 3 hours before your scheduled event time to cancel. Failure to contact the fire marshal’s office will result in a fee of $105.00.
Are there any ordinances that govern outdoor cooking?
Yes. The careless use of open-flame cooking devices has historically been the cause of numerous fires at multi-family dwellings, displacing residents and resulting in millions of dollars in property damage. Because of the danger, the International Fire Code includes regulations regarding open-flame cooking. Note that electric grills or any devices not producing open flames are not regulated by the fire code.
IFC, Section 308.3.1, Open-flame cooking devices:
Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
Exceptions:
- One- and two-family dwellings.
- Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
IFC Section 308.3.1.1, Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices:
LP-gas burners having an LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings”.
To report a violation of this ordinance, you may contact the City of Columbia Fire Prevention Division at 803 545-3701. Someone will be dispatched to follow up on the complaint. Anyone violating this ordinance will be subjected to an immediate fine issued by a fire official.
The alarm on my carbon monoxide detector just went off, what do I do?
Check the unit and batteries for proper functioning. If they appear to be working properly, contact the fire department immediately. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas. Over exposure can result in death. A good time for this test is the beginning of each heating season.
Who do I call to report a vehicle blocking a fire hydrant or parked in a fire lane?
If a vehicle is blocking a fire hydrant or clearly marked fire lane, call the Columbia Fire Department at 803-545-3700 to handle these violations.
Where do I get my Fire Extinguishers serviced or replaced and how often?
Fire extinguishers must be serviced or replaced every year. Fire protection companies service or replace extinguishers and they may be purchased at hardware stores.
Can I burn trash, weeds, grass or tree clippings from my yard?
No. It is illegal to burn trash, weeds, grass or tree clippings in the City of Columbia
How long do my smoke alarm last and when should I replace them?
Batteries should be tested monthly and replaced each year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
Can night club and restaurants increase their occupant capacity?
Only if the space or current square footage allows for it, and if the building meets all fire regulations.
