Ryan Leonardo, Fire Marshal                Robert Cardenas, Fire Inspector

The Prevention Bureau is overseen by our Fire Marshal Ryan Leonardo. He is in charge of annual fire & life safety inspections, new businesses, hazard abatement, fire investigations, fireworks enforcement, and public education including our FISE Program. 

The annual fire & life safety inspection program is comprised of visits to all of the businesses of our community by a Fire Inspector or an Engine Company. A walk through of the site is conducted and staff is looking for any building deficiencies or hazards to life, safety or property that may exist. The primary purpose for our inspection program is to identify any hazards to life or property, and compliance is achieved by enforcing the laws of the California Fire Code. At the same time, Fire Department personnel can educate the community as to the many causes of fire. In doing so, we as a community, can reduce the occurrence of any future fires or other hazardous conditions. The effectiveness of the program as whole is dependent on Fire Department personnel encouraging building and business owners the need to make corrections when necessary and provide lawful reasons for the corrections. 

Apartment Inspections

The fire & life safety inspection program for multi-family occupancies (apartment complexes) is completed by a Fire Inspector. A walk through is conducted on a portion of the units and all common areas. Fire Inspectors are looking for any building deficiencies or hazards to life safety that may exist. The purpose of our residential inspection program is to identify any hazards to life safety, while at the same time, educating tenants as to the fire, and safety concerns associated with multi-family properties. Compliance is achieved by enforcing the laws of the California Fire Code, and the California Health & Safety Code and by working with tenants, property management agencies, and building owners.

Knox Box Program

The City of Tulare Fire Department has partnered with the Knox Company for many years. Knox provides several products that allow fire department personnel access during an emergency. These products are secure from tampering, reduce the risk of firefighter injuries, and minimize property damage by avoiding a forced entry. All new businesses with a fire alarm or automatic fire sprinkler system are required to have a Knox device installed. There is also an option for residential box. The residential boxes allow fire department access to citizens that are experiencing a medical emergency, or those that have limited mobility. Each box is keyed specifically for the city that you live in, so be sure to select "Tulare City Fire" if you are interested in purchasing a device for your home or business. 

https://www.knoxbox.com/

Fire Protection System Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

All fire protection systems in the City of Tulare are required by the California Fire Code to be inspected tested and maintained on regular intervals. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the system will operate properly in the event of an incident, ensuring a safe environment by minimizing the risk of life and property loss.

The Tulare City Fire Department has contracted with BRYCER, LLC to help manage the fire protections systems inspection, testing and maintenance program. All contractors who perform inspection, testing and maintenance services of fire protection systems are required to electronically submit all compliant and non-compliant reports to the department via www.thecomplianceengine.com

Fire Protections Systems electronically tracked by Tulare City Fire include:

• Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Fire Alarm
• Commercial kitchen hood suppression systems
• Standpipes
• Active smoke control systems
• Fire pumps
• Spray booth
• Special Suppression/clean-agent systems

Contractors are required to submit test results to the Tulare City Fire Department on behalf of their customers.  Register with The Compliance Engine here.  Contact BRYCER, LLC for any training/support related questions at 1-630-413-9511 or email support@mybrycer.com

Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections

It is important to maintain your building's fire extinguishers. They need to be serviced annually by a licensed C-16 contractor. In addition to this, you also need to complete a monthly fire extinguisher inspection checklist.

Weed/Hazard Abatement

The weed abatement program is accomplished by working with property owners in an effort to achieve voluntary compliance. Any vacant property that does not have a structure, and has overgrown, dried vegetation is considered a fire hazard.  Properties with tall weeds or problem vegetation are subject to the fire departments abatement standards.  To report any safety concerns or overgrown vegetation Contact Fire Marshal Leonardo at (559)684-4365 or by Email: Rleonardo@tulare.ca.gov