The Silver City Fire Department has a proactive inspection program. The Fire Inspectors are assigned the task of conducting fire inspections on all buildings that involve public occupancy in the Silver City and the surrounding (ETZ) extra territorial zone. Businesses are inspected at least once a year. Schools, hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers and occupancies that have large public occupancy or have special products or hazardous materials are inspected more often as needed.
The Fire Department utilizes the Town of Silver City Code of Ordinances, the Life Safety Code 101-2018 edition, the (NFPA) National Fire Protection Association 2018 Codes, and The International Fire Code 2018 edition to enforce Fire Codes in Silver City.
The Fire Prevention Division oversees plans review process for new construction, additions, and significant remodels on all buildings or structures used by the public or used for commercial or industrial purposes, multifamily housing complexes, and all town, county, and state buildings.
The Fire Department's shift personnel perform preplanning inspections of buildings and businesses. These inspections are for training purposes of the personnel and to pre-plan fire suppression tactics and procedures in the event a fire or emergency. They evaluate many aspects of a building including but not limited to:
- Fire hydrant locations
- Water available for suppression
- Building fire load
- Utility shut off locations
- Exits
- Rescue routes for occupants
- Fire attack plans
- Special or hazardous contents or materials.