Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Fire Prevention FAQs

What are the Fire Prevention Site Plan Review Guidelines?

Site Plan Review Guidelines

Listed below are the basic information requirements to complete a plan review.

Submit completed fire permit application by email to Fire Prevention.
Provide contractor's name, address, phone number, type of license, license number, and date of expiration. All plans must be "wet" signed.
Note year of California Building Code, California Fire Code, and NFPA references.
Explain the basic use(s) of the building/area. Include the CBC occupancy classification.
Show property lines, nearby buildings, driveways, and adjoining streets. Show all fire water lines, risers, FDC's, water shut off valves, fire hydrants, and fire pumps. Show pipe sizes. Show scale used.
Identify the surrounding properties and describe their uses on the plans. Is the property adjacent to an undeveloped, wildland, or special fire protection area?
Describe the scope of work. Cloud or isolate project areas.
Provide engineer certification wet-stamp (with signature) on plans indicating that allweather emergency access roadways can support 60,000 pounds imposed weight.
Show fire emergency access road turnarounds and turning radius (i.e., cul-de-sac, hammerhead, parking lot) for dead ends greater than 150-feet.
Demonstrate compliance with 45-foot outside turning radius and 25-foot inside turning radius for all turns along the emergency access road and for turnarounds.
Demonstrate fire department access to all structures per 2019 California Fire Code Section 503.1.1. All points of the 1st floor must be within 150-feet (walking distance) from where a fire engine can park.
Show all fire lanes. (See 2014 Modesto Standards, Appendix B-2, 1.07 for signage.)
Show the location of vehicle and pedestrian gates that cross fire access routes.

General FAQs

Fire reports are managed through our Fire Administrative office, you may email us at firereportrequest@modestofire.com or call 209-572-9590 to make your request.

How do I submit plans or apply for a permit?

Submitting Applications and Plans

Can you come out to check and/or install a smoke detector?

Yes, we can. Give our Administration Office a call at (209) 572-9590 and we’ll ask you some questions to find out how we can help. We do ask that you please have your smoke detectors purchased prior to calling. We are also able to change your batteries once you have those on hand as well.

How do I report a leaking fire hydrant?

Contact the Water Division at (209) 342-2246.

Does the Modesto Fire Department check or install car seats?

Unfortunately our personnel are not trained on this service. However, the Modesto Police Department has staff that are, you can contact them at (209) 342-9195. Additionally, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency also has a Keep Baby Safe program, they can be reached at (209) 558-5656 or Doctor’s Medical Center at (209) 342-3459, you can also email them at Safe Kids Stanislaus.

Does the Modesto Fire Department offer CPR classes with certification to the community?

Certification courses for community members are offered through the American Red Cross, you can contact them at (209) 523-6451.

Who do I call about fire hazards or overgrown weeds?

The City's Neighborhood Preservation Unit investigates these issues, you can contact them by email npu@modestogov.com or by phone (209) 577-5250.

Does Modesto Fire Department have life jackets I can borrow?

Yes, we do! There is no cost to check out a life jacket(s), they are loaned out for a day or even a weekend. We have a variety of sizes; child, youth and adult. Life jackets can be checked out at any of the locations listed below between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Station 1: 610 11 St., Modesto

Station 2: 420 Chicago Ave., Modesto

Station 5: 200 W. Briggsmore Ave., Modesto

Station 10: 148 Imperial Ave., Modesto

Station 27: 450 S. Willowood Dr., Oakdale

Station 28: 325 E. G St., Oakdale

Station 29: 17700 Main St., Knights Ferry

How do I tour a fire station?