Frequently Asked Questions

Information about the current smoke alarm regulation can be found in the Smoke Alarm Requirement Informational Bulletin (PDF).

To learn more about San Bruno Fire's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and/or sign up for the next class, visit San Bruno Fire's CERT page. To find out more about Fire Department sponsored CPR classes, visit our CPR page.

Yes, for information about scheduling an appointment visit the Child Car Seat installation page.

Businesses requiring state-mandated inspections are visited annually.

The Fire Department can arrange CPR, fire extinguisher use, and general safety training upon request. Some training sessions have associated costs. Contact the Fire Department through the main business line at 650-616-7096 for scheduling.

The business compliance process for a new business begins at San Bruno's Finance Department, where a permit is issued requiring inspections from the Fire Department and Building Department. Scheduling of appointments for the Fire Department inspection should be coordinated by calling the Fire Department main business line, at 650-616-7096.

Once your business inspection is passed by the Fire Department, a Building Department inspection will be required. This appointment should be made after passing the Fire Department inspection. For your Building Department inspection, you should call 650-616-7074.

Plans should be submitted through San Bruno's Community Development Department, at City Hall, 567 El Camino Real. Only electronic submitals accepted. Visit the Building Department Website for more info

State Fire Marshal operational permits for temporary situations (tents, carnivals, temporary holiday businesses, etc.) are issued at the main fire station at 555 El Camino Real during business hours. Permits are assessed from $202-$301 per permit.

Annually occurring operational fire permit fees are automatically assessed with your business license renewal.

Generally, the Fire Prevention Division can accommodate your inspection request within two business days.

Common inspection violations include:

• Expired fire extinguishers
• Use of extension cords in place of permanent wiring
• Fire sprinkler systems damaged or not being current with 5-year certification date
• Excessive combustible storage in non-allowed locations, such as boiler and electrical rooms

Before you test a fire sprinkler system or fire alarm system you must notify Fire Dispatch at 650-368-1421 to prevent the Fire Department from responding. Upon completion of the testing you must call Fire Dispatch to advise that the system is back in service.

San Bruno Fire Department does not service fire extinguishers. Please find a professional fire extinguisher service company to perform that task.

San Bruno uses Knox Box brand security key boxes exclusively. These boxes provide emergency key access to businesses, and may also contain information for firefighters regarding such issues as on-site chemical storage. The Fire Department has exclusive access to the boxes, and they are keyed specifically for our city, thus are very secure.

Knox Box orders are performed online, through the Knox Box website.

The San Bruno Fire Department does not have jurisdiction for enforcing spare the air days. To report illegal burning on spare the air days, fill out the Wood Smoke Complaint Form at Bay Area Air Quality Management District's website.