Fire Services
FIRE PREVENTION
The Lavon Fire Department and Fire Marshal’s Office are committed to decreasing the number and severity of all fires within our City, through an active code enforcement program, public education activities, engineering and plans review. These services are provided utilizing well trained and highly motivated personnel who appreciate the importance of customer service and fire safety education.
When fires and other emergencies do occur, the staff members are well trained and equipped to provide proper response, through fire extinguishment, cause investigations, and if needed, to assist in the prosecution of those who are responsible for setting illegal fires within the City.
FIRE PROTECTION
The City of Lavon is committed to providing emergency services designed to protect the lives and property of the community from the adverse effects of fire, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created either by man or nature through effective response, education and training with support from our city leaders.
Members of the City of Lavon fire service are dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the people of our community. Working in unison, the Fire Marshal’s Office and the LFD strive to effectively protect all those that call Lavon home, as well as those just passing through.
Access the LFD website here !
In February 2020, the City of Lavon received notification that the Insurance Services Office (ISO) recommended a classification change in the City’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) to a CLASS 3/3X, effective Feb 1, 2023.
About the City of Lavon Fire Services
The following are the components of the department:
• Administration
• Operations
• Fire Marshal
• Emergency Management
Administration
· Administer budget activities
· Coordinate emergency and fire rescue services
· Emergency Response Staffing(ERS) administration and personnel management
· Represents the City on the:
–Collin County Fire Chief’s Association
–Southeast Collin County E.M.S. Coalition
Operations
• Oversee proper use and maintenance of city facilities, vehicles, and equipment
• Pre-planning, risk identification, and risk mitigation through coordinated efforts with internal and external partners
Fire Marshal
· The City contracts with the Collin County Fire Marshal’s Office to enforce the provisions of the Fire Safety code and the laws and regulations of City of Lavon
· Acts as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ/Fire Code) for the City of Lavon; investigate fires and safety related complaints; reviews building and fire sprinkler plans to assure fire code requirements are met; perform fire inspections and maintains comprehensive records of all business transacted such as complaints, inspections, investigations, notices served and permits written.
Emergency Management
· Disaster Planning, Response and Recovery
· Local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
· EOC and Resource Management
· Collin County EM committee member
· HAZMAT Response Coordinator
· Emergency Public Information
· Outdoor Warning Systems administrator
Contact information
Emergency Contact: 911
Fire Marshal……………………………………Collin County Fire Marshal
For assistance or to schedule a fire inspection, please contact City Hall
Inspections
Fire Safety Inspections
Through an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, the Collin County Fire Marshal conducts fire safety inspections of public and private buildings and facilities throughout the City, including commercial buildings, daycare and elder-care centers, foster homes, hospitals, hotels and motels, university and college buildings, and other buildings upon request or complaint.
Inspections of storage, handling and use of flammable liquids are conducted at retail service stations as well.
Fire Safety Inspections Information and Questions
What is a fire inspection?
The best way to prevent a fire is to prevent them from occurring. Routine fire inspections are one of the most effective ways to do that. The purpose of inspections are multifold:
1. Identify and correct fire code violations.
2. Educate business and property owners about the fire code and general fire safety.
When is a Fire Inspection required?
Fire Inspections are required for any new commercial occupancy, change of occupancy or modification to any part of the building or facility.
How often is an inspection required?
In most cases, we strive to inspect all business semi-annually, with target hazards annually. The Fire Inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection or drop by your business and ask to do an inspection at a convenient time.
What will the inspector be looking for during an inspection?
Fire inspectors look at many items in your place of business. So that you may have a better idea and understanding of what to keep an eye on in regard to maintenance, we have provided the following checklist. (Needs an internal web page link that we can update)
Which code does the City of Lavon use for its inspection code?
The Current adopted Fire Safety Code is International Fire Code (IFC), 2018 as of 9/21/2018 with amendments.
Do I need an inspection if I provide in home child care?
Yes.
Do I need to install sprinklers?
Buildings more than 55 feet in height must have automatic sprinkler systems throughout the building. Any new building with a fire area exceeding 5,000 square feet, old buildings that have been remodeled or renovated, or any single tenant expansion requiring a new certificate of occupancy that increases the fire area beyond 12,000 must have fire sprinkler systems installed throughout the building.
We always recommend sprinklers in all facilities and even in new homes. With the cost of residential sprinkler systems now at all-time lows, new home owners should consider at R13 system during construction. See NFPA 13 for more details and occupancy requirements.
Fire Safety Links
Fire Safety Notices Issued by the State Fire Marshal.
State Fire Marshal’s Office Programs and Education Resources http://www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmpo.html
Collin County Fire Marshal’s Office
http://www.collincountytx.gov/fire_marshal/Pages/default.aspx
972-548-5576 (McKinney)
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
TIFMAS(Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System) is maintained by Texas A&M Forest Service
Burning
In order to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Lavon, Atricle 6.05 Open Burn of the Code of Ordanance prohibits burning within the City of Lavon, with only a few exceptions.
In addition, The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enacted legislation that prohibited most burning inside of Collin County due to air quality issues that exist.
Collin County no longer issues burn permits.
General FAQ’s
Below is a list of common questions we get at the Fire Department:
What is our current PPC (ISO) rating inside the City of Lavon?
Effective on Feb 1, 2023, the PPC (ISO) rating is a Class 3/3X, upgraded from the previous rating of Class 4/4X. Learn more here.
How do I report information about a possible arson?
Contact the Lavon Police Department at 972/843-4219
How can I learn more about home fire safety issues?
Please visit any of our fire prevention education pages at the LVFD website.
Do you offer tours of the Fire Station?
Yes! We love giving tours, please drop by weekdays between 9am-3pm.
For group tours and Birthday Parties, please contact us by clicking here and choosing Fire Department.
How can I dispose of household generated hazardous materials?
Household hazardous waste (HHW) can adversely affect everyone’s quality of life. That’s why it is important to properly dispose of these items. The City hosts a spring clean up day for residents to drop off HHW and other items and has a complimentary grease drop off location at City Hall. Collin County operates permanent collection centers for all County residents to drop off hazardous materials.
How can I get a copy of a fire report?
The Fire Department will provide these documents upon written request. Contact us by clicking here.
Please allow 15 days for delivery
Who is doing my fire protection inspection for new construction-related permitted job?
The Fire Marshal’s Office will do the inspection. Please use the contact us page to contact the inspection department.
How can I request a fire prevention presentation or appearance by the Fire Department?
All Public Relations activities are handled by contacting us here.
How can I report possible fire code violations in a business?
Please call or email the Fire Marshal immediately.
How many fire extinguishers are required for my building?
Generally speaking all commercial buildings in the City of Lavon (including multi-family apartments) are required to have a minimum 2A10BC fire extinguisher(s) within 75 ft. of all points of the building. Also one 2A10BC extinguisher can only serve a maximum 3000sq foot area. There are also other operations and buildings that will have different requirements. We highly encourage use of more than required.
How often must I have my extinguishers tested?
Normally, once a year. We encourage business owners to sign a service contract with a local extinguisher company and have them maintain them as required by NFPA.
Are fireworks allowed in the city of Lavon?
No. It is unlawful to possess, own or discharge fireworks inside of the City of Lavon at any time.
Violators are subject to hefty fines and all fireworks may be confiscated and destroyed.
What fire code does Lavon use and how can I obtain a copy?
The City of Lavon enforces the International Fire Code, 2018 edition with local amendments.
Copies of specific topics are generally available via the internet.
What do I do if I don’t agree with my fire inspection findings?
Please call the Fire Marshal’s Office to discuss your matter, and work to resolve the situation. We are open to suggestions and there is often more than one way to fix a violation.
How often am I required to conduct a fire drill?
Group Occupancy Frequency Participation
Group Assembly Quarterly Employees
Group Educational Monthly All Occupants
Group Institutional Quarterly on each shift Employees**
Group R-1 (Hotel/Motel) Quarterly on each shift Employees
Group R-4 (Residential) Quarterly on each shift Employees**
**Fire and evacuation drills in residential care assisted living facilities shall include complete evacuation of the premises in accordance with Section 408.10.5. Where occupants received habilitation or rehabilitation training, fire prevention and fire safety practices shall be included as part of the training program.