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System Maintenance
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The City of Boston is experiencing a maintenance update with the Special Item Collection system. Please check back on Wednesday, December 18.

Fire Prevention

To protect the public from fire hazards, we inspect properties and issue relevant permits, licenses, and certificates. We also educate the public on fire safety and prevention.

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As a division under the Boston Fire Department, we issue permits, licenses, registrations, and certificates. We also handle inspection requests. This includes smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance for the sale or transfer of residential property, environmental property searches, and obtaining fire reports.

Learn more about how our division helps the City of Boston.

Take Advantage OF our online portal

The online option saves you time — instead of visiting us at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, you can apply online and even print out your permit when it has been approved by us.

You can apply for some of our permits online, and the list will continue to grow over time.

Please note: As of June 27, 2024, all fees on Temporary Permits must be paid prior to being sent out for approval.

Go to our online portal

Contact

Jump right in

Applications, Forms, and Guidelines
Request a Paid Fire Detail
Certificate of Occupancy
Chemist
Construction
Fees and Guidelines
Fire Alarm and Sprinklers
Fire Education
Lab Registration
Learn About Fire Operations
Legal Unit
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspections
Special Events
Special Hazards
Special Occupancy
Where to Find What You're Looking For

Reports and Freedom of Information Act Requests

To request Fire Reports call or email us:

617-343-3402

bfdfirepreventioninfo@boston.gov

For Freedom of Information Act requests, visit the Public Records page.

Public Records 

Index

Index
Item Location
Abandon Underground Storage Tank Special Hazards
Alternation of Fuel Oil Burning Special Hazards
Annual Permit  Special Occupancy
Asbestos Removal  Construction
Bag Smoke Detector Construction
Blasting Permit Special Hazards
Chemist Certification Chemist
Construction Demo Reno Construction
Cutting Burning Welding Construction
Electrostatic Spray Paint Special Hazards
Exhaust Hood for Certified Cleaners Special Hazards 
Fire Alarm Installations Fire Alarm and Sprinklers
Food Trucks Special Events
General Permit Construction, Special Event
Intent to Comply  Construction, Legal
Install or Modify Underground Storage Tank Special Hazard 
Laboratory Registration Laboratory Registration 
License Registration Special Occupancy
Maintain Underground Storage Tank Special Hazard
Open Burning and Cooking  Special Events
Place of Assembly Special Occupancy
Portable Generator Construction, Special Events
Quarterly Inspection  Special Occupancy 
Self Service Fuel Special Hazards
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspection Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspections
Special Effect/Fireworks Special Events
Special Effects  Special Events
Sprinkler System Fire Alarm and Sprinkler
Stationary Portable Generator  Construction
Tank Removal Special Hazards
Tank Truck Special Hazards
Temporary Dumpster Construction
Temporary Fuel Storage Special Hazards
Temporary Heat Special Hazards 
Temporary Place of Assembly  Special Events
Tent with Assembly Special Events 
Transportation of Hazardous Materials  Special Hazards 
Use of Candles in Place of Assembly  Special Events 
Vent-less Fireplace Special Hazards 

 

Get an inspection

Inspections
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage

Does your fire alarm system require bi-directional amplification?
Fire Alarm System permitting

The following information is necessary for a review to begin, and must be submitted.

News and Announcements

Latest news

Chemist Applications Available On Fire Prevention Portal Starting October 1, 2023

Fire Prevention

Image for homes in a boston neighborhood

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspection Application now on Fire Prevention Portal

Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Program Manager Certificate

Fire Prevention

Paul F. Burke Named Boston Fire Commissioner

Fire Operations
More Fire Prevention news

Tips and resources

Tips and resources
Holiday safety tips from the Boston Fire Department

Important safety reminders for the holidays!
Fire Department's presentation at the March 14, 2018, meeting of AFAA NE

Get some Fire Alarm Permit Application tips from the Fire Marshal, as presented at the March 14, 2018, AFAA NE meeting.
Fire safety tips for your home

Fire prevention is just as important as fire fighting. Please follow these tips at home with your family.
Carbon monoxide safety

Learn how to protect yourself and your family from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay safe while barbecuing

Learn about our regulations and safety tips for residential outdoor cooking and heating.
What happens if you violate Fire law

The Legal Unit enforces all state and local fire prevention laws and regulations.
Exhaust vent cleaning and inspection

Learn about the rules for exhaust vent cleaners and inspectors in the City.

Fire websites

Fire websites

Meet the Fire commissioner

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