Fire Prevention Bureau

The Alameda Fire Department does not review or issue fire permits.  Requests are submitted to the Permit Center at City Hall, Room 190 and then routed to the Fire Department's plan review consultant for plan review. The City utilizes CSG Consultants, building and fire life safety plan review specialists, to review fire permit plans and combination plans with fire-related code material. Plans are picked up and dropped off by CSG Consultants Monday through Thursday at City Hall. The approximate turnaround time for review is two weeks. You may contact Fire Prevention for status on your permit.  The Permit Center will contact you when your permit is ready. 

Fire Permit Application(PDF, 212KB)

The Fire Department conducts inspections of existing buildings, new construction and facilities and events that must comply with state and local licensing requirements and on properties where potential fire hazards exist. The Fire Department usually performs inspections between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm by uniformed personnel. The Fire Department inspects all existing commercial, retail and office establishments - as well as the common areas of apartments and condominiums - once a year for compliance with the Fire Code. The Fire Department also regularly inspects daycare centers, assisted living facilities, and other establishments. 

Inspection Guidelines(PDF, 132KB)

If you are experiencing an emergency (active code violation), i.e., live fire causing a nuisance, a live electrical issue, a suspected gas leak, or other active event, please contact 911 to dispatch resources to address your concern immediately.

If your code compliance concern is related to weed overgrowth, blight, or other code violations(s), code enforcement and compliance are key in the protection of citizens, businesses, and visitors of the City of Alameda.

Regular inspections help ensure the fire code is being observed.  After a building is constructed, it is the fire inspector’s duty to make sure that it is maintained in compliance with the City’s adopted fire code over the life of the structure.  In Alameda, many buildings are older and have changed use numerous times over the years – frequently far different than the original intended use.  It is imperative for Fire Prevention to stay current with these changes, especially in light of how others may be affected, specifically those who may be living, working, or visiting the property. 

Fire Prevention's goal through inspections is to minimize the risk of life and property loss from fire, and we also rely on our concerned citizens  to contact us if they observe a potential fire hazard on a property.  We will immediately respond and inspect to ensure the matter is resolved quickly and correctly.  If you observe a property with a potential fire hazard, please contact Fire Prevention at 510-337-2121 or by email to afdprevention@alamedaca.gov.

What is a Knox box?

A Knox box or a key box as referred to in the California Fire Code Section 506.1 is "a secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing building entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency."

When and where is it required?

A Knox box is required where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box must be of an approved type and contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official. An approved lock must be installed on gates or similar barriers when required by the fire code official.  To maintain the key box, the operator of the building must immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or re-keyed. The key to such lock must be secured in the key box.

Installation

Installation is the responsibility of the building owner. Secure the Knox box to a solid wall, beam, or post. The Knox box must be mounted on the exterior of a structure at a height of five (5) feet from the ground up to the bottom of the box. The Knox box must be mounted in a location that is clear of natural and man-made obstructions. Once mounted notify the Fire Department to place keys within the box. 

If a Knox box is required for your facility or you would like one for your residence, please  order on-line.

Knox Company

Fire Prevention Week 2025

From Phones to Power Tools: Alameda Fire Department Urges Residents to Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week

The theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 5–11, 2025, is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

October 5, 2025 — The Alameda Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said (your name, title). This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy only listed products.

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.