Fire Marshal
Dave Robbins

Public Safety Facility
501 W. Chisholm Street
Alpena, Michigan 49707

Phone:
  (989) 354-1841
Fax: 
  (989) 354-1805
Email: davidr@alpena.mi.us

Administration of the Fire Prevention Office of the City of Alpena Fire Department.

Public education - essential to preventing fires from occurring and educating people on what to do if a fire emergency does occur.

The department conducts open houses and frequently speaks to the general public through service clubs and local schools about fire safety.

Code Enforcement - Conducts periodic inspections of all industrial, commercial, and assembly buildings within the City to ensure fire code compliance for the safety of the general public.

Certified by the NFPA, NPQS, and the State of Michigan as a fire inspector.

Plan Review - Fire Marshal's office works closely with the City Building Official during the ongoing construction of new buildings to review fire safety features.

Fire Investigation - After a fire occurs, the process of origin and cause begins. The Fire Marshal conducts an investigation as to the area that the fire started and the cause of the fire. Certified by the State of Michigan as a Fire Investigator.

What Fire Code has Alpena adopted?
The International Fire Code 2000 Edition which is updated every three years. 

Are there different codes?
Yes- each municipality (city, village, twp, ect.) has the authority to adopt any fire code they choose.  For example, the City of Lansing uses the Uniform Fire Code and the State uses NFPA-1 while, Alpena uses the International Fire Code. 

What exactly are the fire codes?
The fire codes are a supplement to the Cities building codes.  Think of the building code as a 'cookbook' and the fire code would be a recipe.  They go hand in hand. The fire codes address specific fire safety features in a building; examples would be how many doors and what size or the placement of fire extinguishers or exit lights.

Are the fire codes law?
The fire codes are ordinances adopted by the City. In some jurisdictions they do carry a criminal penalty, however in Alpena; the City has de-criminalized the fire code. It is a Civil Infraction, not a criminal.

So what is the penalty for a violation?
The Fire Marshal has the authority to issue a citation for the Civil Infraction.  These can cost about $100.00 per violation if not corrected.

What if I don't know about the violation?
Violations are discovered either by an inspection or citizen’s complaint. The Fire Marshal will inspect or investigate. Generally you only receive a notice of violation and have ten working days to correct the problem. The Fire Marshal may re-inspect up to three times before a citation is issued. Extensions may be granted.

What if I don't agree with the Fire Marshal?
The City has established the Board of Appeals; you may bring an appeal to the board if you feel the code was not interpreted correctly. They may decide if the code was not properly prescribed. 

Won't they side with the Fire Marshal?
The board is made up of members of the community that have knowledge and expertise in code enforcement.  They are not City Employees and the Fire Marshal is an ex-efficio member, he may state his case, but can't vote on the outcome. 

How do I get my building inspected?
We are always out inspecting local commercial and industrial buildings.  However, if it has been longer than a year or two since you were inspected, please call the Fire Marshal's office and we will schedule you ASAP.

What about my house?
Inspections are reserved mainly to commercial and industrial buildings.  Generally, only rental apartments of multi-family dwellings are done. Not single family residents; however, you can have a home safety courtesy inspection by contacting the Fire Marshal's office.