Event Fire Marshal Pre-Event Compliance Inspection Checklist
This fire marshal pre-event inspection documents compliance with IFC Chapter 31, NFPA 101 assembly occupancy requirements, and local fire marshal assembly permit conditions. Required for every event requiring a fire marshal assembly permit.
- Industry: Events & Entertainment
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Fire Watch Officer / Venue Operations Manager
- Total Items: 29
Assembly Permit Compliance
Verify all fire marshal assembly permit conditions are met.
- Assembly permit posted or available on site for inspection?
- Permit current and not expired?
- Expected occupancy within permit-authorized maximum?
- All special permit conditions met (fire watch staffing, equipment, restrictions)?
- Special effects (pyrotechnics, open flame, fog) specifically approved on permit?
Exit and Egress Fire Code Compliance
Verify fire code egress requirements are met.
- All required exits unobstructed and functional?
- No chain locks or unauthorized locking devices on exit doors?
- Exit corridors and discharge paths clear of stored equipment or decorations?
- Panic hardware on exit doors functional and not disabled?
- No additional padlocks, cables, or devices added to exit doors?
Decorations and Combustible Materials
Inspect decorations for fire safety compliance.
- All drapes, fabric decorations, and backdrops flame-resistant?
- No combustible materials stored near heat sources or electrical equipment?
- Open flame candles prohibited unless specifically approved by fire marshal?
- 18-inch clearance below sprinkler heads maintained per NFPA 13?
- Hay, straw, or loose combustibles prohibited unless specifically approved?
Fire Watch Staffing and Patrol
Verify fire watch requirements are met.
- Required fire watch personnel on duty?
- Fire watch personnel trained in fire detection and suppression procedures?
- Fire watch personnel have direct communication to event command and 911?
- Fire watch patrol schedule established covering all venue areas?
- Fire watch log maintained with patrol times and findings?
Fire Suppression and Detection Systems
Inspect fire suppression and detection systems.
- Automatic sprinkler system operational (not shut off for event)?
- Smoke detectors operational (not disabled for effects or cooking)?
- Commercial kitchen fire suppression system tagged with current inspection?
- All fire extinguishers show current annual inspection tag?
Cooking and Heating Equipment
Inspect cooking and heating equipment fire compliance.
- Cooking equipment properly ventilated with functioning exhaust?
- Propane tanks properly secured, connected, and leak-tested?
- Propane cylinders minimum 5 feet from ignition sources and 10 feet from exits?
- Deep fryers equipped with automatic suppression system?
- All temporary heating equipment listed/labeled and placed per manufacturer?
Related Events Entertainment Checklists
- Event Temporary Electrical Safety and Power Distribution Inspection
- Event First Aid and Medical Services Setup Inspection Checklist
- Event Venue Security Screening and Access Control Checklist
- Multi-Day Event Daily Opening Safety Inspection Checklist
- Event Venue Structural Load and Rigging Capacity Inspection
- Event ADA Accessibility and Inclusion Compliance Checklist
- Event Portable Restroom and Sanitation Facility Inspection Checklist
- Event Emergency Action Plan Review and Preparedness Checklist
Related Venue Safety Checklists
- Large Venue Pre-Event Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Crowd Management and Control Plan Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Tent and Temporary Structure Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Outdoor Event Weather Contingency and Lightning Safety Plan - FREE Download
- Event Temporary Electrical Safety and Power Distribution Inspection - FREE Download
- Event First Aid and Medical Services Setup Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Venue Security Screening and Access Control Checklist - FREE Download
- Multi-Day Event Daily Opening Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Venue Structural Load and Rigging Capacity Inspection - FREE Download
- Event ADA Accessibility and Inclusion Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Event Fire Marshal Pre-Event Compliance Inspection Checklist?
This event fire marshal pre-event compliance inspection checklist helps events & entertainment teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for fire watch officer / venue operations manager professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Event Fire Marshal Pre-Event Compliance Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 6 sections: Assembly Permit Compliance, Exit and Egress Fire Code Compliance, Decorations and Combustible Materials, Fire Watch Staffing and Patrol, Fire Suppression and Detection Systems, Cooking and Heating Equipment. It is designed for events & entertainment operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Event Fire Marshal Pre-Event Compliance Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Fire Watch Officer / Venue Operations Manager professionals in the events & entertainment industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.