Fire Safety Inspections

The Hastings Fire Department plays a crucial role in keeping the community safe. While firefighters respond when emergencies occur, the department works proactively, before and after incidents, to reduce risk, strengthen safety standards and ensure that every building in Hastings is designed, maintained and operated with fire protection in mind.

The Fire Department is committed to ensuring that every home, business and public space in Hastings is as safe as possible. Through inspections, planning, education, post-incident analysis and community partnerships, the department works each day to reduce risk and support a safer future for all in our community.

The department reviews and inspects new construction projects, building renovations and existing structures to ensure compliance with state and local fire codes.

Inspectors are responsible for:

• Verifying proper installation of fire alarms, sprinkler systems and suppression systems.
• Inspecting building layout for safe egress routes.
• Ensuring fire-rated walls, doors and structural components meet code.
• Reviewing electrical, mechanical and life-safety features.
• Working closely with contractors, engineers and architects throughout the construction process.

Whether the building is brand-new or decades old, the department ensures it meets required life-safety standards.

Inspectors conduct both routine and complaint-based inspections for residential homes and rental properties.

These inspections help ensure:

• Working Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Safe electrical and heating systems
• Proper storage of fuels and hazardous materials
• Clear, accessible escape routes
• Compliance with the City’s rental safety requirements

These inspections protect families, tenants, landlords and the entire community by identifying hazards early and ensuring safe living conditions.

The Fire Department prepares detailed pre-incident planning for commercial, industrial and public buildings, including: schools, churches and government facilities.

These plans include:

• Building layout and access points
• Fire protection systems and utility shutoffs
• Occupancy information
• Hazardous materials locations
• High-risk or special concern areas

These plans give responding firefighters critical information to operate safely and efficiently during emergencies.

After a fire incident, Fire Inspectors conduct post-fire inspections to determine the origin, identify hazards and assess structural and safety conditions.

These inspections may involve:

• Examining the scene to understand how and where the fire started
• Documenting damage and potential contributing factors
• Identifying unsafe conditions created by the fire
• Coordinating with investigators, building officials, insurance representatives and property owners
• Advising owners on next steps to secure and restore the property safely

Post-fire inspections help prevent future incidents, improve community safety and support fire investigation efforts.

Community Risk Reduction

By identifying hazards before and after they occur, the Bureau significantly reduces fire occurrences, injuries and property loss.

Public Safety Education

Inspectors regularly educate residents, contractors and business owners on fire safety practices, fire codes and prevention strategies.

Stronger Business and Community Development

Safe, code-compliant buildings help foster reliable community growth and commercial development.

Enhanced Emergency Response

Accurate pre-incident planning and building information give responding firefighters important knowledge to act quickly and safely.

Code Compliance and Legal Protection

Ensuring compliance protects occupants, property owners and the City from preventable liability.

The Fire Department offers a wide range of community safety services, including:

• New construction plan review
• Fire Code compliance inspections
• Residential and rental property inspections
• Commercial and industrial fire inspections
• School and Hotel inspections
• Fire alarm and sprinkler system acceptance testing
• Fire drills and evacuation planning assistance
• Pre-incident building surveys
• Post-fire inspections and scene evaluations
• Hazardous materials storage assessments
• Fire safety education and outreach programs