S&B Fire Prevention Program

The Safety and Buildings Division Fire Prevention Program provides services related to fire prevention and to the administration of the Two Percent Fire Dues Program. Staff also provide assistance to fire chiefs in Wisconsin in support of fire prevention inspections. Also see Fire Protection Systems Program, Fire Department Safety and Health Program, and Commercial Buildings Program.

NEWS

• Explanation of 2011 Fire Dues Program payments for 2010.
• A Statement of Scope has been issued in advance of beginning a code development project related to updating the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code to reflect and adopt the 2012 International Code Council code editions. The code work could possibly include several building codes related to the Commercial Building Code, including SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code.
• One and two family dwellings in Wisconsin need smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Fire Prevention Coordinators map PDF file
• Listings of fire departments and their chiefs.
• Email fire prevention code technical questions to DSPSSBFirePrevention@wisconsin.gov
  
• S&B Fire Prevention Supervisor, Brad Johnson, bradley.johnson@wisconsin.gov, 920-492-5605
• S&B Fire Prevention Program Manager, Sam Rockweiler, sam.rockweiler@wisconsin.gov, 608-266-0797, planning, code, policy, and procedure development
• SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code Advisory Council

Fire Incident Reporting: SPS 314.01(11) requires reporting of all fires within 60 days of the incident through NFIRS. We urge each department to report every incident that is encountered, not just fire incidents to give a clear picture of what you do as a department, keep your account active, and assist with grant requirements. 

S&B contact for NFIRS: Audrey Fries (Wed - Thurs 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.), 608-266-9375, audrey.fries@wisconsin.gov

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) Web site

Export/Import Process - Vendor Software
NFIRS Overview If you are not utilizing the NFIRS data entry tool (software) or the new internet-based Data Entry Browser Interface (DEBI) system, you must complete the export process within your vendor software (Firehouse, Fire Programs, etc.) and then complete the Bulk Import process from the NFIRS website in order to complete your incident submission. If you are using a vendor software and not completing the Bulk Import Process your incidents are not reaching the state or national levels.  If you need additional assistance with the Bulk Import Process please contact Audrey Fries.

• NFIRS Overview -- provides an overview of NFIRS Data Entry
• NFIRS Overview - DEBI -- provides an overview of Data Entry Browser Interface
• NFIRS Compatibility - the NFIRS Data Entry Tool is not compatible with newer operating systems, so a work-around has been developed
• NFIRS Definition - Exposure -- what is an Exposure
• NFIRS Definition - Mutual Aid -- what is Mutual Aid 

• Review of the SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code, January 1, 2011 changes, by Sue Birren and Terry Nolen, from meeting of Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association - PDF of PowerPoint presentation
• Technical comparison of SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code, January 1, 2011, changes - PDF file
• Memo about adding to automatic elevators according to sprinkler phase I and II fire service requirements, PDF file
• Copies of PowerPoint presentations by S&B staff at the Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association conference in Eau Claire, 2007:
• "Update to SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code," PDF file.
• "Wisconsin Commercial Building Code and International Fire Code - How They Work Together," PDF file.
• An information letter concerning propane storage cylinders, PDF file, October 2006
• U.S. Fire Administration Web site for training, funding, and educational opportunities
• FireX carbon monoxide and smoke alarms recalled by Maple Chase due to malfunction (CPSC)
• Other recalls and safety messages
• Smoke Alarms in Wisconsin Brochure, SBD-8282P (R3/09), PDF file
• Minimum Carbon Monoxide Detector Locations in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, PDF file. October 14, 2010.

• "The New SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code, Effective 3/1/2008," PowerPoint Presentation as a PDF file;
• Cross Reference Table, PDF file;
• Wisconsin Modifications of NFPA 1, PDF file
• "Update to SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code," PDF file.
• "Wisconsin Commercial Building Code and International Fire Code - How They Work Together," PDF file.

Official Code Interpretations

• Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable and Combustible Materials (PDF file)
• How to Specify Code References (Word document)
• Responsibilities of Fire Chiefs (Word document)

Forms/Publications

• SBD-10882P, Carbon Monoxide Alarms Brochure, about requirements for installation (PDF file) 
• SBD-10780P, Smoke Detector Alarms Brochure, about requirements for installation (PDF file)
• SBD-8568 WIFRS Incident Field Notes (R3/05) PDF file
• Wisconsin Fire Service Guidebook (PDF file)
• Fire Drills Required for Commercial Buildings (September 2003) (Word)
• Wisconsin Burning 2005 (PDF file)
• Wisconsin Burning 2004 (PDF file) - A printed copy was mailed to each fire department in Wisconsin in late June, 2006. Cover memo about Wisconsin Burning 2004 and 2003 (PDF file).
• Wisconsin Burning 2003 (PDF file)
• SBD-10615a (R11/11) Detailed Fire Prevention Report ("Northwoods") (PDF file)
• Supply Order Form (PDF file)
• Code Change Proposal Form (PDF file)

• Information on natural cut vegetation (i.e., Christmas trees and boughs) in buildings used for assemblies of people, PDF file
• Fire prevention requirements for crop mazes (PDF file) under 2006 NFPA 1, compiled by S&B Fire Prevention Coordinator Terry Nolen
• Guidelines (PDF File) for Halloween Houses / Setup and Operation of Special Amusement Structures
• Fireworks cause a lot of injuries says federal Consumer Product Safety Commission: PDF file
• Wisconsin Department of Justice, Fireworks in Wisconsin 2007
• Federal CPSC Warns of Deadly Dangers When Consumers Use Illegal Fireworks
  2003 Wisconsin Act 298 
• "Municipal Liability Exemption for Legal Issuance of Fireworks Permits" (PDF file)
• NFPA offers summer grilling tips to avoid outside fires (PDF file)

  Explanation of 2011 Fire Department Dues Payments for 2010

The Safety and Buildings Division (S&B) of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is arranging payments of monies to municipalities under the Wisconsin Two-Percent Fire Dues Payments Program. S&B is offering a list of the computed Fire Dues payments planned for each municipality. The link to that list is at the bottom of this explanation of the Fire Dues payments program.

What is the Two-Percent Fire Dues Payment?

The Fire Department Dues Fund is supported by fire insurance premiums paid in Wisconsin. The Insurance Commissioner’s Office annually collects two percent of premiums for the Fire Department Dues Fund. Money in this fund is distributed to municipalities to be used in one or more of four specified areas: 1) purchase fire protection equipment; 2) fire prevention inspection and public fire education; 3) training fire fighters and fire inspectors performing duties under s. 101.14 Wis. Stats; and 4) funding wholly or in part fire fighters’ pension funds or other special funds for the benefit of disabled of superannuated fire fighters.

How is the amount determined?

There are three key factors to consider in understanding the computation of fire dues payments and why the amounts may change for a municipality from year to year:

1. The Fire Dues fund amount is subject to change based upon the amount of fire insurance underwritten in Wisconsin in the year.
2. The percentage each municipality receives changes due to the relationship between the growth of the local community and the overall growth within the state.
3. The amount of disbursement is subject to change due to the hold-harmless provisions.
   

Hold-Harmless Amount: An important factor in the equation is called the “hold-harmless" amount. This amount, based on the payment received in calendar year 1979, insures that each municipality never receives less than the amount they received in 1979. For some municipalities the “hold harmless” amount is higher than the current calculation and for some it is lower. It’s also the reason why some municipalities fire dues payment remains the same from year to year.

Calculation: The Fire Dues payment is computed using the calculations described below:

1. Divide the municipal equalized valuation of real property improvements by the total state equalized valuation of real property improvements (this gives the municipal percentage);
2. Multiply the municipal percentage times the amount of funding available for distribution. The resulting number is the current fire dues amount.
3. Determine the 1979 base Fire Dues payment (“hold harmless" amount) for the municipality.
4. Compare the 1979 base Fire Dues payment with the current fire dues amount. The larger of the two numbers is the current Fire Dues payment for the municipality.
5. Re-compute the current Fire Dues payment for all municipalities after adjusting the amount available by the difference between the current Fire Dues amount and the hold harmless amount for those municipalities who are held harmless.
   

When can municipalities expect to receive the Fire Dues payment?

Wisconsin statute mandates the payment be made on or before August 1 of each year.

Link to PDF file list of Wisconsin municipalities. The list is first sorted alphabetically by county, and then, within the county, alphabetically in turn by towns, villages and cities. The amount of the check sent to the municipal treasurer is found under “Current Year Distribution.” This online list replaces the mailings that were done in the past to announce the amounts of the payments.

If there are questions concerning the list, contact Luann Robb, luann.robb@wi.gov, 608-266-5824.

  Wisconsin's Fire Program Online System

Registration of all fire chiefs and municipal clerks is needed to create an online system that will be used in the 2011 Two-Percent Fire Dues Certification process.  Registration is a two-part process requiring a distinct email address for each user. Registration Instructions.

• A question and answer page for Wisconsin's Fire Program Online Identification System is here, pdf file.
• Link to the Wisconsin's Fire Program Online System, here.
• Chiefs are able to view the information S&B has about their fire department and the municipalities they serve. Clerks can view the information S&B has about their municipality and the fire department(s) that serve it.  Changes to the information can be made at anytime.  Some of the information particpants will be able to change directly, while for other points they will need to contact the S&B Fire Prevention Program by email to complete changes.
• Please double-check the listed email. If it is incorrect or not listed, be sure to change it the the one to be used for Two-Percent Fire Dues correspondence.
• In January, 2011, S&B implemented an electronic Two-Percent Fire Dues Self-Certification Form for calendar year 2010.

An email was sent to let chiefs and clerks know it is time to complete their portion of the electronic certification process.  Chiefs and clerks were able to view the status of each party's participation at all times.

Upon successful completion by chiefs or clerks of their part of the process, an email will be sent to the other party to remind them to complete their portion. Upon successful completion by both parties, the program will offer printing of a copy of the completed Self-Certification for Two-Percent Fire Dues form.

  September 1, 2011, changes to SPS 340, Gas Systems

SPS 340, Gas Systems Code, establishes minimum safety standards for design, construction, installation, operation, testing, inspection, repair and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas systems, liquefied natural gas systems, compressed natural gas systems, gaseous hydrogen systems, and liquefied hydrogen systems – where these gas systems are used for fuel purposes, such as for heating appliances or engines.

The rule revisions primarily update SPS 340 to have it include newer editions of several referenced national standards from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and to make it consistent with current industry and regulatory practices. For example, the changes include more detailed requirements from a recent amendment to a national standard, for purging piping and equipment that use liquefied petroleum gas. The changes also clarify and refine administrative elements, such as where and how the chapter applies, and where department-level plan approval and inspection is required, such as for vehicle-fuel dispensing systems.

• See new SPS 340.11(2)(b), 340.42, and 340.43 for more details about vehicle-fuel dispensing systems.
• See the Note at the end of SPS 340.30 for sending departmental plan approvals to fire departments.
• See SPS 340.31(1) for submitting certificates of installation to fire departments.
• See SPS 340.34(1)(a)Note for the statutory authority of fire departments to investigate and eliminate any fire hazards relating to these gas systems.
• See SPS 340.34(2)(b)Note[2] for details on accessing departmental inspection reports.
• Contact Safety and Buildings Division staff who administer SPS 340.
• For requirements that apply to gas systems which are not used for fuel purposes, see SPS 341, Boilers and Pressure Vessels.

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