FAQs

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1. How do I request a fire report or make a public records request?: Requests for Public Records can be submitted to the City Clerk's Office by calling the records specialist at 239-321-7042 or 239-321-7045 or online via the City of Fort Myers Public Records Center. This includes requests for fire incident reports.

2. How do I request an educational event such as a safety talk or truck display?: The Fort Myers Fire Department offers different types of educational opportunities for kids and adults through our Community Outreach and Risk Reduction Program. To request a safety talk, truck display, extinguisher training or similar, use the Education Presentation Request Form or contact the Fort Myers Fire Department at 239-321-7311.

3. How do I request a fire inspection?

Requests for fire inspections should be directed to the Fire Prevention Bureau at 239-321-7350.

Inspections on any permitted work is to be made by the contractor of record for the permit. No work shall be covered (i.e.: drywall, ceiling tile, etc.) and no fire sprinkler piping shall be hung until the necessary inspections have been completed and approved. Please remember, a representative is required on-site for the inspection, along with a copy of the approved plan and permit.

Need a specific time? There are 2 specific time slots available each day (8:30 am and 1 pm). As an additional convenience, inspection requests can be made via the MobileEyes Contractor Permit Portal. Requests received via the portal are limited and subject to inspector availability.

Business Tax Receipts

The initial fire inspection for Business Tax Receipts (BTRs) is scheduled by the Building Department. The Building Department sets up the fire and building inspections for the same day and time providing for a streamlined process for the business owner. Follow-up requests on fire inspections can be directed to the assigned inspector or you may contact the Fire Prevention Bureau. A list of common fire violations is provided in the following document.

4. How do I apply for a permit?

Guide to Submitting Plans for Fire Plan Review

The Fire Prevention Bureau will review plans associated with all fire systems, pollutant storage tanks, LPG tanks, fire backflows, and tar kettles to ensure compliance with local city code and applicable fire and life safety codes.

The Process

Upon receipt of submitted plans, a permit number will be assigned by staff. This number will be used to track the status of the permit and for scheduling inspections. New plans are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Plans may be expedited based on staff availability, and payment of an additional fee.
If the review results in any hold comments the applicant will be informed by email and/or telephone with the number provided and required to address hold comments with resubmitted plans. There is no fee to resubmit plans that are in review status.
Once the plans have been approved the applicant will be notified that the permit package is ready for pickup and advised of any fees due. The contractor is responsible for ensuring the original plans and permits are on site for the inspector. Only the permit holder will be authorized to schedule inspections.

Submittal Requirements

Completed permit application. If additional documents are required, staff will advise at time of submittal. IE: license; insurance; list of authorized representatives.
Payment of permit submittal fees. See fee schedule on website.
4 sets of approved plans. Engineer seal may be required.
A copy of all required documentation shall be attached to each set of plans.

Plan Information

The installing contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number shall be provided on the plans.
The building owner/tenant name, site address, and suite or unit number shall be provided on the plans.
Verify that the current editions of the applicable codes are referenced and provided.

Turnaround time for plan review is based on workload at time of submittal. Every effort is made to complete revisions and resubmitted plans in a timely manner. Questions can be directed to any fire plan reviewer at 239-321-7350.

5. Why is the fire hydrant open and flowing water with no one around?: Sometimes hydrants are left flowing to clear out a line due to work performed. Further questions can be directed to the City's Water Department at 239-321-8100.

6. How do I order a Knox Box?

A Knox Box provides the Fire Department access to a secure building in an emergency. There are 2 categories of Knox Boxes: commercial or residential. To order a commercial Knox Box for your business, you can visit the Official Knox Box Website, select buy, and follow the prompts.

For a residential Knox Box, often utilized for residents with recent surgeries or permanent medical disabilities, these can be purchased through the Official Knox Box Website or rented if available and requirements are met by the renter.

The Fort Myers Fire Department can be contacted for more information at 239-321-7311.

7. Does the fire department maintain fire hydrants?: No, the Fort Myers Fire Department is not responsible for maintaining fire hydrants. Please contact the City's Water Department at 239-321-8100 with any issues relating to any public fire hydrant.

8. What is the difference between public and private hydrants?: Fire hydrants that are installed on an individual's property are typically private, while public hydrants are those that are found in public areas and are maintained by the City. Typically, public hydrants are yellow and private hydrants are red. Maintenance of private fire hydrants is the responsibility of the owner/occupant.

9. What is the Vial of Life?: The Vial of L.I.F.E. kit is a small plastic container that holds a form with vital information on it and is stored on the door shelf of your refrigerator. This kit enables emergency workers to quickly locate your health and medical information in a time of crisis.

10. How do I get a Vial of Life?

You can pick up a Vial of Life from any Fort Myers Fire Station for free.

Each container will have a form for you to complete and then insert into the plastic container. Put the container in your refrigerator on the door shelf and place the enclosed magnet on the outside of the refrigerator door or the enclosed sticker on your front door or a window closest to your front door. This will alert emergency workers that you have vital information available.

11. What is the department's annual budget this fiscal year?: The department’s annual budget for fiscal year 2021/2022 is $30,444,100. Personnel Services budget is $25,990,100 or 85.37% of the total budget. Operating budget is $4,454,000 or 14.63%.

12. How many positions do you have?: We have a total of 162 positions. We have 11 positions in Fire Administration, 1 Emergency Manager position, 10 positions in Fire Prevention Bureau and 140 Suppression personnel.

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Fire Hydrant Testing

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1. What is the difference between public and private fire hydrants?: Fire hydrants that are installed on an individual's property are typically private, while public hydrants are those that are found in public areas and are maintained by the City. Typically public hydrants are yellow and private hydrants are red. Maintenance of private fire hydrants is the responsibility of the owner/occupant.

2. Why are hydrants left flowing?: Sometimes hydrants are left flowing to clear out a line due to work performed. Further questions can be directed to the City's Water Department at 239-321-8100.

3. Does the Fire Department maintain fire hydrants?: No, the Fort Myers Fire Department is not responsible for maintaining fire hydrants. Please contact the City's Water Department at 239-321-8100 with any issues relating to any public fire hydrant.