Questions & Answers

Q: Do I have to put fire sprinklers in my house if I remodel?
A: Culver City Ord. # 97-014, Section 1003.2.9. An Automatic fire-extinguishing (sprinkler) system shall be installed in every new building in the City, including any new residential building, hereinafter constructed or moved into the City, regardless of area separation or type of construction.
Section 1003.2.9(1) EXCEPTION: New buildings less than 500 square feet may be exempted with the concurrence of the Fire Chief and the Building Official.
Section 1003.2.9(2) In existing commercial, industrial and multi-family residential occupancies, fire sprinklers shall be required in existing and new portions of the building for height increase, area increases of 50% or more, and any occupancy change that increases fire risk or hazard.
Section 1003.2.9(3) Existing single family dwellings shall be required to install a full automatic fire sprinkler system in existing and new portions of the building when a story is added, more than 75% of the existing roof structure is replaced, or floor area is increased by more than 75%.

Q: I have to install fire sprinklers, do I have to put them in the new portions only?
A: When fire sprinklers are required the installation must be in the new and existing portions of the building.

Q: I have to put fire sprinklers in the new and existing parts of my building, do I have to put them in the garage?
A: If the garage is separated from the main building without any physical connection between the two buildings then fire sprinklers are not required in the garage.

Q: Where can I find a contractor who installs fire sprinkler systems?
A: The fire prevention department has a list of registered contractors who install fire sprinklers. You can also go to the yellow pages for any licensed contractor registered as a C-16 Fire Protection Contractor. You can also contact the California State Contractors License Board for a complete list of licensed C-16 contractors.

Q: Can I install fire sprinklers myself?
A: Yes, if you can show that you have the ability to perform this installation, contact Fire Prevention (310) 253-5925 for more information.

Q: I have fire sprinklers in my place of business, do I have to do anything with them for maintenance or service?
A: Yes, you are required to provide quarterly maintenance and inspections per the California Health and Safety Code, Title 19, and a complete inspection is required by a licensed C-16 Fire Protection Contractor every five years. Contact Fire Prevention (310) 253-5925 for the Title 19 quarterly inspection form and any questions regarding the state required five-year inspection. There is a special permit fee required as well as a witness of part of the testing.

Q: Will the fire department show me how to do my own quarterly inspection?
A: Yes, contact Fire Prevention (310) 253-5925 to make an appointment.

Q: I have a fire alarm system in my building, do I have to do anything to maintain or service this equipment?
A: Yes, per the California Fire Code, Article 10, you are responsible for the system and you are required to keep the system operating properly at all times and under the control of a qualified person. The standard for the testing, maintenance and record keeping can be found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pamphlet Standard 72 available from NFPA (800) 344-3555 or online at www.nfpa.org

Q: I have a security system in my home, can I connect the smoke detector so it dispatches the fire department?
A: No, the California Building Code requires that the residential smoke detector is local for occupant notification only.

Q: I know I can't connect my smoke detector for fire dispatch, but, I have expensive things, what can I do?
A: You can have a commercial type fire alarm system installed, and that system, after review and approval from the fire department can dispatch for fire response.

Q: I have a retail store and I'm concerned that someone can take our merchandise and use the emergency exits to run away, what can I do.
A: You can install, alarm devices or other equipment that can give a warning and provide a delayed exit, you shall however contact the fire department for the acceptable installation requirements before modifying or changing any exit door.

Q: How much are the permit and plan check fees for a suppression or detection system?
A: (Insert suppression/detection permit fee schedule)

Q: How much are the permit and plan-check fees for spray booths, above ground/below ground tank installations?
A: (Insert special permit fee schedule)

Q: I have fire extinguishers, considering the problems I have seen in the news, whom do I get to provide service?
A: Contact Fire Prevention (310) 253-5925 for the latest information on contractors who are acceptable to the state and Culver City.

Q: How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detector?
A: You should change your batteries twice a year and we recommend you change them each time you set your clocks for standard time and daylight savings time.

Q: Why do they always send a fire truck when I only called for paramedics?
A: Most medical emergencies require multiple personnel to perform the various tasks associated with patient care.

Q: Why are there fire trucks at the grocery store?
A: Because firefighters are required to work a 24-hour tour of duty they shop for and prepare their lunch and dinner each day. They do this because it is more convenient when responding to emergency calls.

Q: Why do I have to pay for transport/ inspections?
A: Because every member of the community does not utilize these services equally it is a way for the city to recover some of the cost associated with the operation of a municipal fire department.

Q: Why can't I go to any hospital that I want?
A: It is the Culver City Fire Department's policy to try, whenever possible, to transport each patient to their hospital of choice. However, depending on the severity of a patient's condition we cannot always spend the additional time it would take to reach their hospital of choice. Also paramedics are mandated to take certain types of patients, i.e. serious traffic accidents, to the nearest Trauma Center. Hospitals may also divert paramedics when they are extremely busy to allow for more rapid treatment.

Q: Why are fire trucks red?
A: Fire trucks have four firefighters and eight wheels.
Four and eight make twelve.
There are twelve inches in a foot.
Rulers are a foot long.
Queen Elizabeth II is a ruler and is also the name of the largest ship that sails the seven seas.
Seas have fish and fish have fins.
The Finns fought the Russians and the Russians are red.
Fire trucks are always rushin' to fires therefore fire trucks are red.

A: Some literature suggests that red paint was the least expensive to use so they painted fire trucks red. Since then it has become tradition that fire trucks be painted red.

A: I never did have a good answer for this one!! I do know that fire trucks come in all colors. In some areas they have red, white, yellow, lime-yellow, red & white and maroon. I have seen blue fire trucks, green fire trucks and brown ones too. Each fire company thinks that their colors are the best. I guess that is part of the pride that professionals have in their companies. I think that red was used at first because it reminds people of fire.

Q: Why are there so many different fire departments?
A: When fire brigades first began private citizens organized them to operate for profit. These companies would compete for the right to extinguish fires and would earn money for their services. The fire companies would become very competitive for the fires and would sometimes knock down or reverse road signs so that the other companies couldn't find the fire. Other times, when two or more companies arrived at the fire together, they would argue over the right to extinguish the blaze, often evolving into fistfights. Local communities and cities decided it would be better if they controlled who was responsible for the fighting of fires in their communities. This trend has continued and individual municipalities continue to maintain control over their fire departments.

Q: How do I get rid of the old paint stored in the garage?
A: Call 1-888-CLEANLA for Household Hazardous Waste Round up schedule.

Q: What is a hazardous material?
A: A hazardous material is any product that has a warning, danger, or caution sticker on the container and also presents a physical or health hazards. Example: I want to open a new plastics business in Culver City do I need to speak to anyone regarding the chemicals I use? YES! It is best to contact the hazardous materials specialist, prior to signing a lease to ensure that the building can be used for your type of operation.

Q: Whom do I call for a hazardous materials spill?
A: Call 911.

Q: Does Culver City have a Federal, State, or Local mandatory hazardous materials program I should know about?
A: YES, you should contact the hazardous materials specialist to ensure you are in compliance. (310) 253-5937.

Q: How do you become a firefighter?
A: If you have graduated from high school or have your GED it is best to find a local junior college that has a fire technology major and enroll. Another option is to find a fire academy and complete that training. Each department has different requirements for becoming a firefighter and by attending an academy or Jr. College you will be guided by your instructors. They will be able to recommend which programs and courses are the most important for your career development. Some of the local courses are located at:

Santa Monica College, El Camino College, Mt. San Antonio College, Rancho Santa Anna, Crafton Hills College.

Q: What are the qualifications for firefighter?
A: Each department has slightly different qualifications, but for Culver City you need to have received your Firefighter I certificate, have a valid California Driver's License, have a GED, or graduate from high school, currently work for a paid fire department, or be a reserve (volunteer) firefighter. These qualifications may change without notice so it is best to check with our personnel department prior to applying.

Q: When does the Culver City Fire Department hire firefighters?
A: The fire department hires additional firefighters when positions become available through retirements or after injuries. There is no specific time of year when they become available. The best way to check for openings is to visit the Personnel Department's section of the web page or give them a call at (310) 253-5640 and ask when they anticipate hiring entry-level firefighters.

Q: So there is a difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?
A: Yes, there is. A fire engine has hose, a water tank, a pump (to pump water), hose, and a small assortment of ladders. A fire truck usually does not have a pump, hose, or water tank, but has a tall ladder fixed to the truck and over 100 feet of portable ladders along with additional equipment. The fire truck most often thought of is the "Hook and Ladder" with a tillerman steering the rear of the trailer section of the ladder.