The best way to reduce damage and injuries from fire is to prevent them from occurring. The Life Safety Division of the Sycamore Township Fire Department is dedicated to ensuring a safe community through education and enforcement. We hope you find the information on our site helpful in making your home or business safe.
Inspections
Businesses and multi-family residential buildings (greater than 4 units) are inspected annually to ensure compliance with applicable national, state and local fire codes. Hotels are inspected twice annually, once with the Ohio Fire Marshal's office. All full-time firefighters with Sycamore Township are certified fire safety inspectors and are assigned various businesses to inspect throughout the year.
Pre-Fire Planning
During an emergency is not the best time for firefighters to learn about critical elements and concerns of a business. For this reason, the Fire Department maintains a database of all businesses and multi-family residential buildings within the Township. This database, which includes information about fire alarm and suppression equipment, hazardous materials, emergency contacts and a drawing of the building, is stored in computers located on each fire apparatus. This allows emergency responders to access information about a building before they arrive. In order to keep the database up-to-date, firefighters visit businesses periodically to verify information. Many times this is done in conjunction with an inspection to reduce distractions to companies. If information about your business has recently changed please contact the Life Safety Division.
Knox Box Program
A Knox Box is a rapid entry system offered to residence and businesses for emergency use only. Keys and vital information can be securely locked in these boxes with the Township having the only access key to open your Knox Box. Effective January 1, 2008 every building equipped with a fire alarm and/or fire suppression system (excluding single-family dwellings) must provide a Knox Box. Residents with health concerns may also purchase a residential Knox Box to allow the Fire Department to access their home in the event of an emergency.
Fire Codes & Standards
Fire Inspectors use a variety of codes and standards when inspecting facilities. Sycamore Township enforces and requires compliance with the latest edition of all codes and standards. Click below to learn more about those codes:
New Construction & Change of Use
The Life Safety Division works closely with the Planning & Zoning Department with all new construction and renovations or change of occupancies. This includes review plans and inspections with the Building Official. We have provided important information for contractors, developers and property managers to make the construction inspection process as easy as possible for all involved. Below are some documents you may find useful.
Burn Permits
All opening burning of wood and other materials on ones property must be approved by the Sycamore Township Fire Department and conform to all applicable Ohio Fire Codes and Laws. Burn permits may be obtained by contacting Assistant Chief Doug Morath at (513) 792-7246.
Fire Hydrant Usage
Fire Hydrant Usage is limited to certain actions. The chief purpose for the fire hydrants is for fire protection for residents and commercial properties. Filling up residential pools, watering private lawns and other nuisance uses are not usually permitted. However, some emergency issues may be considered. Fire Hydrant usage permits may be obtained by contacting Assistant Chief Doug Morath at (513) 792-7246.
ISO (Insurance Service Office)
Initially rated in the middle of the ISO 10-point scale for fire response time, the Sycamore Township Fire Department now stands at a number 2 position. They are one of only six departments in the state with a two rating. There are NO number ones!? The rating has a direct impact on insurance rates.