How to schedule an annual inspection for a licensed facility
(Day Care, After School Care, Foster or Group Home, Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home, Memory Care Facility, Hospital, Emergency Clinic, etc.)
Please contact the City of Katy Fire Marshal’s Office at 281-391-4080 and we will work with you to schedule the inspection.
Please block out at least one hour as a minimum for the inspection time.
For a successful inspection, please ensure that all fire protection systems (fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire extinguisher, kitchen hood extinguishing systems, etc.) have current inspections by their respective companies before calling for your fire and life safety annual inspection.
Ensure all emergency lights (if installed) are in good working order.
Top Reasons Fire & Life Safety Inspections Fail
Exit lights and emergency lights fail to operate on battery power
Extension cords are used in lieu of permanent wiring
Misuse of multi-plug adapter devices (surge protectors)
Storage is too close to sprinkler heads or ceilings (minimum clearance is 18" from sprinkler heads or 24" from the ceiling if no sprinkler heads are present)
Storage too close to electrical panels
Emergency exit doors are locked or obstructed
Combustible materials stored too close to water heaters and/or heating units
Combustible & flammable liquids not stored in proper cabinets
Missing Building address and/or suite address on front & back doors
Fire lane markings not maintained
Sprinkler suppression systems & fire alarm systems past due for annual inspections
Kitchen hood suppression systems and Alternative suppression systems past due for annual inspections
Loose electrical wiring, breakers missing from panels creating gaps, missing electrical box covers, missing cover plates for switches and outlets, etc.
Knox Boxes not maintained with Keys & identification tags (all necessary keys to gain access into the structure & internal spaces, elevator and fire alarm control units) for all Knox Boxes
Fire Investigations
All of our Fire Marshal personnel are licensed through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as Texas Peace Officers. They also hold Arson Investigator certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).
Fire Prevention
Close Before You Doze
Fire is getting faster! Because of synthetic and plastic materials used in home furnishings and construction, a fire can now spread faster than ever before. Did you know that the time to escape a fire has deceased from 17 minutes down to about 3 minutes?
It is very important that you close your door at night before going to bed. Having a closed door between you and a potential fire will give you valuable time to escape or to await rescue from the fire department. Remember "Close before You Doze", your life may depend on it. If you can escape remember: "GET OUT", "ONCE OUT, STAY OUT". and "meet at a designated place and STAY THERE".
Here is an informative video produced in conjunction with the Los Angeles Fire Department (the information is relevant in any jurisdiction) to help you learn more about smoke detectors and how to properly chose the appropriate type and how to install them:
Smoke Alarm Assistance Program
The Red Cross "Sound the Alarm" program assists those who cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install a smoke alarm. Click the link below to learn more.
Your ability to get out of your home during a fire depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and planning in advance.
Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
If further clarification is needed call (281)391-4080 for the Fire Marshal's Office or email us at katyfiremarshal@cityofkaty.com.
Outdoor Burning
If you have any questions about outdoor burning please call (281)391-3500.
Updated 6/16/2022 1:27 PM
KnoxBox® Order Link
What is a KnoxBox®?
A KnoxBox® is a secure key box that is manufactured by the Knox® company. The KnoxBox® can only be opened with a master key that is produced for first responders and must be ordered directly from Knox® through a secure account.
What benefits does a KnoxBox® provide?
In the event of an emergency, the KnoxBox® allows first responders to access secure locations in a timely manner while reducing, or potentially eliminating, property damage.
How do I order a KnoxBox®
Click the link below to order from the Knox® website.
If you have any questions about the placement or ordering of your KnoxBox® please call us at (281)391-4080 or email us at katyfiremarshal@cityofkaty.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are fireworks allowed within the city limits of Katy?
A: No, fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Katy per City of Katy Ordinance 253. If you are unsure if you are located within the city limits please use our Am I a Resident? portal to verify your address.
Section 5.07.000 "Violations" of City of Katy Ordinance # 253 states:
Any person who shall use, discharge, cause to be discharged, ignite, detonate, fire or otherwise set in action any fireworks in violation of this article shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200.00). Any parent or guardian of any minor child below the age of fourteen (14) who permits or allows such minor child to use, discharge, ignite, detonate, fire or otherwise set in action any fireworks in violation of this article shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200.00).
Q: Is it OK to burn items on my property or to perform an agricultural burn?
A; To schedule a fire inspection of a new business or change of ownership call the City of Katy Building and Permits department at (281)391-4830. To schedule an annual fire inspection of an existing occupancy call our office at (281)391-4080 or email katyfiremarshal@cityofkaty.com
Q: How do I report a fire code violation or life safety hazard?
A: To report a violation/hazard call the Fire Marshal's Office (281)391-4080, you may request to remain anonymous. Complaints may also be emailed to katyfiremarshal@cityofkaty.com.
Q: Where is the Fire Marshal's office located?
A: Our office is located within Fire Station 1 at 1417 Ave. D
