Fire code orders
Fire code violations are misdemeanor criminal violations. In order to be a legal fire code order in Minnesota, a few basic requirements must be met:
- Fire code orders must be given in writing; verbal orders are not valid unless given in writing.
- Fire code orders must give a reasonable time to comply.
- Fire code orders must explain that there is a right to appeal the orders.
Who can issue fire code orders?
The Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) specifies that the following have the legal authority to issue fire code orders:
- The fire chief for the jurisdiction.
- Other members of the fire department authorized by the fire chief.
- Persons designated by municipal ordinance to enforce the fire code for that jurisdiction.
- The state fire marshal and the state fire marshal’s authorized representative.
Sample fire code order
Here is a sample fire code order that meets all of the statutory requirements in Minnesota.
Anytown, MN Fire Department
1234 West Main Street
Anytown, MN 55555
March 31, 2020
Mr. John Q. Public
A Pretty Good Business
4321 First Avenue
Anytown, MN 55555
An inspection was conducted on March 31, 2020, for the purposes of fire and life safety. At the time of the inspection, the following conditions were observed that represent violations of the Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) adopted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 299F.011.
A follow-up inspection will be conducted on or soon after the “days to correct” listed below to determine if the conditions have been corrected. Failure to correct identified fire code violations is a misdemeanor. You have the right to appeal this order. Contact the person named below for more information.
| Item | MSFC section | Days to correct | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1031.2 | Immediate | Remove obstruction from exit door (rear exit) |
| 2 | 701.2 | 30 | Repair damage to fire wall (boiler room) |
| 3 | 901.6 | 60 | Conduct an inspection of the fire alarm system. |
Thank you for your attention to these important fire safety issues. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me at 320-765-4321.
Sincerely,
Guy Whitehelmet
Fire Chief
Anytown Fire Department
Questions?
You can email us with your Minnesota State Fire Code questions. Code staff monitor this email address regularly and will respond to your question. During busier times, it may take up to a week before we are able to respond. If you don't hear back from us after one week, please let us know. Thanks for your patience.