Fire Marshal's Office

The Fire Marshal’s Office enforces the fire prevention code, conducts fire prevention programs, reviews plans/permits, conducts inspections, assists businesses with emergency planning, responds to emergencies, and conducts fire investigations.

Fire Prevention Code

Whitemarsh Township has adopted the 2018 International Fire Code. The Fire Marshal’s Office reviews land development proposals and construction projects to ensure work being done is compliant and safe for the constituents of the Township. These reviews are followed up with onsite inspections during construction and at the conclusion of projects.

Fire and safety Inspections of public and private properties are done to ensure they are operating in a safe manner and will follow up on any complaints received in the office by the public.

See the reference sheets for additional information: They can be found under the Forms, Lists, and References tab on the left side of the page.

• Novelty Fireworks Retail Sales Checklist
• Open Burning Reference Sheet
• Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Reference Sheet
• Permit Inspection List
• Operational Permit List
• Temporary Tents and Membrane Structures Reference Sheet

Fire Inspection Program

This program, overseen by the Fire Marshal's Office, is designed to help owners of commercial properties and businesses in Whitemarsh Township identify potential hazards and improve the safety of employees, customers and tenants. All commercial buildings and properties in Whitemarsh are required per the Fire Prevention Code to be inspected and are done once a year or after a complaint is received.

Owners first receive a notification letter and annual Emergency Contact Form ahead of the inspection, which focuses on on-site operations and permitting for those operations. It also determines if changes are needed to the building from a safety standpoint.

After inspection, the owner receives a written report detailing issues found, and inspection fees based on square footage and other factors.

To avoid a violation notice, citations and fines, all identified issues must be corrected within 30 calendar days of receiving the report.

Commercial owners who have questions, or wish to schedule a specific date/time for inspection can contact the Fire Marshal's Office.

Emergency Planning & Preparedness

The Fire Marshal’s Office works with businesses, medical facilities, and schools to develop and review Emergency Action Plans for their facilities. This includes staff/faculty training, fire drills, and evacuation drills.

Fire Prevention

October is Fire Prevention Month, but we consider every month to be Fire Prevention Month for public safety! The Fire Marshal’s Office administers and coordinates the Fire Prevention Program. This is an outreach program to the community with visits to schools, businesses, and senior living facilities.

Emergency Response

The Fire Marshal’s Office responds alongside the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company, Spring Mill Fire Co. No. 1, and Whitemarsh Community Ambulance Association to aid during emergency situations.

Fire Investigations

After a fire is extinguished, a fire investigation must be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. The Fire Marshal’s Office works closely with the Whitemarsh Police Department to determine if a fire is intentionally set as an arson fire. Once a cause is determined, that information is used to educate the public to aid in fire prevention and possibly reduce future fires.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is also there to help businesses and residents through the recovery process of such a devastating event as a fire. This includes coordinating housing, supplies, clothes, meals, and clean-up, to list a few services.

Contact for Questions or Concerns

Please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 484-594-2614 if you have any questions in regards to fire or life safety. When it comes to fire and life safety, it is better to ask what the best practice is before trying something and possibly getting hurt.

If you see anything that seems wrong, inappropriate, or concerning, call our office. We will help you if we can or get you in touch with the right department or person.
If it is an emergency, call 911 IMMEDIATELY!