How does the Seattle Fire Department assess the need for fire safety inspections?

The Seattle Fire Department assesses the need for fire safety inspections primarily based on occupancy and risk assessment. This approach ensures that inspections are focused on locations that pose a greater risk of fire hazards due to their use, occupant load, or specific activities taking place within the premises. By evaluating both occupancy type—for example, residential versus commercial—and associated risks such as the presence of flammable materials or high occupancy levels, the department can prioritize inspections where they are most needed to enhance public safety.

This method fosters efficient use of resources and helps to mitigate potential fire hazards proactively, rather than conducting random inspections or only responding to complaints. Additionally, the requirement for every business to apply for a permit, while relevant to establishing operational standards, does not directly correlate with ongoing fire safety inspection needs. Community complaints can inform the department of specific issues but do not constitute a comprehensive approach to assessing inspection requirements. Thus, a risk-based evaluation is the most effective and systematic method for determining when and where inspections should occur.