The Fire Prevention Bureau consists of a Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Protection Analyst, Plan Checker, Senior Fire Safety Specialist, (5) Fire Safety Specialists, (3) Fire Safety Technicians, (2) Permit Technicians, and an Administrative Technician. The main duties this Bureau is responsible for are, the Fire and Life Safety Inspection Program, Plan Review, Public Education, Fire Investigation and Fireworks Enforcement. It also provides permitting, inspection of, and standby for events such as firework shows, concerts, conventions, etc.
The Bureau currently enforces the 2019 California Fire, Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing and Residential Codes, as amended by the Ontario Municipal Code; National Fire Protection Association Standards; Title 19, of the California Public Safety Code; and, the California Health and Safety Code.
The Ontario Fire Department provides public education through outreach events such as our Annual Fire Department Open House which is held in the month of October. Open House is held each year to commemorate National Fire Prevention Week. During this event, we not only educate the public on fire safety, we also hold demonstrations of firefighters in action. This free event is great for all ages.
In addition to outreach events, the Fire Prevention Bureau will provide on-site training for schools and businesses in the City of Ontario upon request. Training can consist of general fire safety tips for in the home, workplace safety, how to use a fire extinguisher (no live fire), etc.
Fire Safety Tip Information can be found on websites such as the following:
The purpose of the Fire and Life Safety Inspection Program is to prevent injuries, loss of life, business interruption and property damage resulting from fires. In accordance with the California Fire Code and the Ontario Municipal Code, the Ontario Fire Department is required to inspect all Ontario businesses, schools, hospital, airport, residential properties (consisting of 3 or more attached units) for fire and life safety compliance. The frequency of the inspection depends on state laws, industry standards and general life safety hazards.
If fire code violations are found, a correction notice will be written with a re-inspection date. A re-inspection is conducted to confirm that all violations have been corrected. Most violations must be corrected within 14 days.
On January 21, 2020 the Ontario City Council approved an updated Citywide Fee Schedule and adopted a new $80 Fire and Life Safety Inspection fee. Only businesses that are required to receive an annual fire and life safety inspection will be subject to the fee (residential units are currently exempt). Businesses that are required to obtain an Annual Fire Department Operational Permit are subject to separate fees as set per the Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule.
For questions regarding the annual fire and life safety inspection program, contact (909) 395-2029.
Plan submittals are required for all new buildings and for changes to existing buildings. The Ontario Fire Department reviews these plans to help ensure that the applicable codes, ordinances, and standards are being followed, and to prevent hazards.
Plan submittals may be submitted to the Ontario Fire Department Permit Counter located at 303 East “B” Street, which is part of the “one-stop shop” concept that allows our customers to have all their plan check needs met at one location. When submitting plans, provide (3) complete sets of drawings and (3) copies of any other supplemental information. Plan check and permit fees are payable at the time of submittal. Please let the Permit Technician know your timeline for the project. The turn-around time for most plan checks is within 14 days (excludes weekends and holidays). If the projected turnaround time is outside of your timeline, we offer an expedite plan check for an additional fee. The turn-around time for an expedited plan check is within 5 days (excludes weekends and holidays).
Plans that are submitted directly to the Fire Permit Counter include, underground fire protection water mains, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, pre-engineered fire protection systems, high pile storage, and hazardous materials. All other plans are submitted to the Ontario Building Department and are automatically routed to the Ontario Fire Department.
For questions regarding the plan review submittal process and fees, or, if you have approved plans and are ready to set up a field inspection, contact (909) 395-2562.