Preparing for the Visit from the Fire Department
In an effort to protect the citizens of Massachusetts the State of Massachusetts has mandated that all smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detection equipment must be inspected prior to a property sale being recorded. Every city and town in Massachusetts has prepared a written synopsis of the state's Rules of Compliance.
The city or town’s interpretation combined with the individual fireman’s interpretation sometimes makes for an interesting inspection. We are well versed in the requirements and will help you navigate through the details.
The general requirements for battery operated or hard-wired smoke/fire detector installation are as follows:
- Smoke/fire detectors should be mounted on the ceiling of every level, including non-living levels, and within 6 feet of every bedroom (for properties built before 1975)
- Place one detector for every 1,200 sq. ft of living area
- On the ceiling of near each stairway leading to the floor above, placed near the base of the stairway, not within the stairway
- In every section of the basement if the sections are enclosed
- Smoke detectors should be mounted at least 3 feet away from bathrooms with a tub or shower, supply air registers and ceiling fan paddle tips
Additional requirements for hard-wired smoke/fire detector installation in dwellings built or substantially altered after 1975:
- Smoke detectors must be in every bedroom on the ceiling
- Smoke detectors must be interconnected and hard-wired with battery back-up
- Photoelectric type smoke detectors must be used within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom
The general requirements for battery operated or hard-wired carbon monoxide detector installation are as follows:
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every living level including habitable portions of basements and attics
- Place one detector for every 1,200 sq. ft of living area
- Place a CO detector within 10 feet of every bedroom, or any area that could be used as a bedroom
The following links to city websites contain more detailed explanations for those inclined.
State of Massachusetts – General Laws and Information
City of Cambridge Smoke/CO Requirements
City of Somerville Smoke/CO Requirements
City of Medford Smoke/CO Requirements
City of Arlington Smoke/CO Requirements
City of Watertown Smoke/CO Requirements
The most important thing to remember is that as you prepare for the sale of your property, we are your partners. We schedule a walk through of your home prior to the Fire Department Inspection to ensure that you are in compliance. We schedule the appointment and meet the Fire Department, armed with tools just in case! We wait for the Fire Department even if they are delayed. We make sure there's nothing to worry about!