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Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention

To protect the public from fire hazards, we inspect properties and issue relevant permits, licenses, and certificates. We also educate the public on fire safety and prevention.

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As a division under the Boston Fire Department, we issue permits, licenses, registrations, and certificates. We also handle inspection requests. This includes smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance for the sale or transfer of residential property, environmental property searches, and obtaining fire reports. Learn more about how our division helps the City of Boston.

Take Advantage OF our online portal

The online option saves you time — instead of visiting us at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, you can apply online and even print out your permit when it has been approved by us.

You can apply for some of our permits online, and the list will continue to grow over time.

Go to our online portal

Fire Prevention
Contact
617-343-3628
bfdfirepreventioninfo@boston.gov
1010 Mass Avenue
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
United States
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Important numbers
Fire report and records request:
  • 617-343-3402
Request a Car Fire Report:
All Fire phone numbers
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Applications, forms, and guidelines Applications, forms, and guidelines Request a smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection Request a smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection Request a paid Fire detail Request a paid Fire detail Learn about Fire Operations Learn about Fire Operations

Get an inspection

Inspections
Certificate of Occupancy requirements
Certificate of Occupancy requirements
We play an important role in approving a Certificate of Occupancy for new residential units and businesses.
Fire Alarm System permitting
Fire Alarm System permitting
The following information is necessary for a review to begin, and must be submitted.
Summer camp inspections Summer camp inspections
If you own or run a summer camp, you need to schedule a fire safety inspection every year.

Fire permits you may need

Fire permits
Construction related
Construction related
Tanks
Tanks
Vehicles
Vehicles
Hazardous materials
Hazardous materials
Special Hazards
Special Hazards
Special events
Special events
Laboratories
Laboratories
All forms, permits, and applications
All forms, permits, and applications

News and Announcements

NFPA Hot Work Safety Certificate update
NFPA Hot Work Safety Certificate update
Jul 5

NFPA Hot Work Safety Certificate update

Fire Prevention
A valid NFPA Hot Work Safety Certificate is required on all Hot Work Permit Applications effective September 1, 2017.
Firefighter Appreciation Day
May 4

Mayor Walsh, Commissioner Finn celebrate Firefighter Appreciation Day

Mayor's Office
Mayor Walsh and Fire Department Commissioner Joseph Finn presided over the graduation
Apr 5

Boston Fire Department adds 49 new firefighters

Mayor's Office
Fire fighters of Engine 41 and Ladder 14 standing in front of a fire truck
Oct 28

Boston Fire Department invests in new safety equipment

Fire Prevention
Boston Firefighter
Oct 6

Fire Prevention week takes place October 9 - 15

Fire Prevention

Tips and resources

Tips and resources
Fire safety tips for your home
Fire safety tips for your home
Fire prevention is just as important as fire fighting. Please follow these tips at home with your family.
Carbon monoxide safety
Carbon monoxide safety
Learn how to protect yourself and your family from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay safe while barbecuing
Stay safe while barbecuing
Learn about our regulations and safety tips for residential outdoor cooking and heating.
What happens if you violate Fire law
What happens if you violate Fire law
The Legal Unit enforces all state and local fire prevention laws and regulations.
Exhaust vent cleaning and inspection
Exhaust vent cleaning and inspection
Learn about the rules for exhaust vent cleaners and inspectors in the City.

Fire websites

Fire websites

Meet the Fire commissioner

Meet the Fire commissioner