Fire Prevention

The Bureau of Fire Prevention is charged with the overall responsibility of ensuring enforcement of the City's Fire Code. This Division performs inspections, investigates fire code violations and assists with public fire safety education programs. This bureau is also responsible for reviewing plans for compliance with the Fire Code and reviewing and approving building construction plans and sprinkler and fire alarm plans. This Bureau also coordinates relations with outside entities such as Wisconsin State Fair administration and Milwaukee Mile officials, and performs fire investigations.

Fire Incident Report

To request a copy of a fire incident report, click here. There is a $0.25 per page charge for black/white copies and a $0.50 per page charge for color copies. Additional charges may apply as applicable and are noted on the request form. Please allow one to two business day to process the records request.

Fire Watch

Protocol

If you own a business that is protected by a fire sprinkler system and the sprinkler system is damaged and inoperable for any length of time, you are responsible to notify the fire department and initiate a fire watch.

All other facilities shall have fire watch personnel patrol the facility every 30 minutes. This shall be further clarified that each physical area of the facility shall be physically inspected at 30-minute intervals. Therefore, if the facility is too large to be patrolled by one person within a 30-minute time frame, additional personnel shall be required.

Please review the Fire Watch Informational Overview (PDF) brochure and print out a sample Fire Watch Log Sheet (PDF) for your use.

Landlord / Tenant Information

The landlord/tenant relationship is one built on mutual understanding and expectation of both parties. These below documents explain the rights and obligations of the landlord as well as the rights and obligations of the tenant.  More information is available by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection website or by calling 800-422-7128.  

Outside Fire Pits

Open burning is prohibited in the City of West Allis, however, a device for the burning of wood that is equipped with a metal hood and screen that completely encloses the area where wood is burned so as to prevent embers or sparks from exiting the device is allowed. 

Additionally, such devices shall: 

  • Not be used on porches or decks or within ten feet of a dwelling, garage or other accessory structure
  • Not be used between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.
  • Be tended by a competent person at all times combustion is occurring

Proper Dryer Venting

Did you know there are over 15,000 dryer-related fires a year? Review the information below regarding proper dryer venting (PDF) and code requirements to ensure that your dryer is properly and safely vented.

  • Four-inch rigid or flexible metal is the correct ventilation duct to vent clothes dryers. Do not use flexible plastic or flexible foil.
  • The vent should be as short, straight, and with as few elbows/bends as possible. The more bends and turns, the greater the reduction in airflow there is and the more areas where lint can accumulate. More bends will also hamper vent cleaning which should be performed yearly, if not seasonally.
  • All manufacturers now state in their manuals not to use plastic flexible ducts. It is against the code to use flexible vinyl or flexible foil venting. They can sag, be easily crushed, and have excessive lint build-up. This can cause a build-up of heat and cause fires. 
  • Code requirements
    • Clothes dryers shall be exhausted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Ducts shall not be connected or installed with sheet metal screws or other fasteners that will protrude into the inside of the duct and obstruct the exhaust flow of combustion gases, sending harmful carbon monoxide back into the home. 
    • Exhaust ducts shall have a smooth interior finish.
    • The exhaust duct shall be four inches in diameter.
    • The male end of the duct shall face the direction of airflow.
    • The dryer duct shall be no longer than 25 feet long. It should be 2.5 feet shorter for every 45-degree bend and 5 feet shorter for every 90-degree bend. If the duct is more than 25 in length, the system requires a booster fan or a high-output dryer.
    • The dyer exhaust shall convey moisture and any products of combustion to the outside of the building and should be at least three feet from any other opening. 
    • Refer to the International Mechanical Code section 504 for further detailed information, or contact the West Allis Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

View the Online Municipal Fire Prevention Code for more information on Fire Code requirements for: 

  • Christmas Tree Lots
  • Festivals
  • Fireworks
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Open Burning
  • Other Situations
  1. What requirements are necessary to apply for the position of Firefighter?
  2. Is outdoor burning allowed in the City of West Allis?
  3. Are fireworks allowed in the City of West Allis?