The Hartsville Fire Department is responsible for enforcing the regulations of the South Carolina Fire Code and ordinances adopted by the City of Hartsville and Darlington County. The jurisdictional area covers all City/County businesses, institutions, assemblies, industrial, and multi-family dwellings in the Hartsville Fire Department’s response area.

It is the goal of the Hartsville Fire Department to inform and assist the property owner and citizens with information and guidance in order to comply with the various Fire and Life Safety Codes and Regulations. The intent of the regulations is to provide a reasonable level of safety to the property owner, occupants, public, and our emergency responders. Maintaining high level of safety has a positive effect on our economy and quality of life.

The employees who perform fire inspections must maintain annual competencies and sworn to uphold State regulations. But more importantly, these individuals are your neighbors and fellow citizens that are fire service professionals who regularly see the injuries, deaths, property loss, and financial burdens created by fire and other hazards that are so often easily preventable. In order to assist you in complying with Fire Code issues, we have listed various information, common hazards and helpful hints that will enhance your protection and increase the efficiency of your annual inspection. You may contact us at 843-383-3000 during the regular office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Common Hazards and Violations

  • Exits and Overcrowding are a major concern. Throughout history, improper exits and occupancy have resulted in large loss of life. Designated exits must be unlocked, unobstructed and marked. This includes the path to the exit and the discharge on the exterior. Exit signs and lights must be in proper working order. Buildings are designed and permitted for certain occupancy and number of people. The occupancy limits must be adhered to. Venues of entertainment, places of assembly, and dining are subject to spot inspections due to the serious threat that overcrowding creates. Severe fines, closure, and legal actions may result even for initial violations.
  • Fire extinguishers must be present, mounted in a visible location, and unobstructed. Fire extinguishers must be inspected and tested annually by a qualified service company and display a current tag.
  • Extension cords may not be used in place of a need for proper permanent wiring. Extension cord use is limited to filling a need to power a temporary portable appliance or device while in use and the cord must be of proper size to handle the load. Extension cords may not be attached to the structure or run through walls, floors or floor coverings. Cords may not be subject to physical or environmental damage.
  • If you have required emergency power failure lighting, you must inspect and test the devices monthly and perform a 90-minute annual test for battery life. This document must be available for the Fire Inspector.
  • If you have a fire alarm system or a fire sprinkler/ suppression system, the systems must be maintained and tested by a qualified service company annually. The documents must be available for the Fire Inspector. Please assure that your Fire/Security Alarm Monitoring Company has current information for your property and the appropriate contact numbers.
  • If you have a Fire Department, emergency access “Knox Box Key Box” please assure the keys contained within are current and contact our office if changes are made to your locks.
  • If you make alterations, additions or deletions to your walls, doors, plumbing, heating, ventilation, electrical, etc. you should obtain permits through the City of Hartsville Business Navigator or Darlington County Code Enforcement if you operate outside of the City limits. This includes changes in the use or purpose of the property.

 

Sincerely,

Jeff Burr

Fire Chief