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1. How can I get an investigation report?

Fire investigation reports done by Lansing Fire Marshal investigators must be requested with a FOIA through the City of Lansing Attorney’s office. This information should be available on the website for the City Attorney.

2. What is the difference between a fire investigation report and a fire suppression report?

A fire investigation report is a legal document determining the origin and cause of a fire. A fire suppression report or NFIRS (National Fire Incident Reporting System) report is the report of the fire crew’s response and their actions on the scene of the incident.

Fire investigation reports must be requested by FOIA through the City of Lansing Attorney’s office. An NFIRS report can be obtained for a small fee at the office of the Fire Marshal at 316 North Capitol in Lansing.

3. What kind and size fire extinguisher should I buy?

Fire extinguishers are rated for the type of fire they can put out- A are for ordinary combustibles, B are for flammable liquids, C are for electrical, D are for combustible metals, and K are for kitchen oil and/or fats. The numbers on the extinguisher indicates how much chemical is in the extinguisher. The higher the number on the label, the more chemical it contains, and the larger the fire the extinguisher can effectively put out. For example, Class A extinguishers are rated from 1-40 and Class B extinguishers are from 1 to 640. Extinguishers with higher numbers are bigger, heavier, and bulkier. It makes little sense to purchase an extinguisher that you cannot handle in an emergency.

A typical home extinguisher may be rated 2A:10B:C. The C has no attached number, it indicates the extinguisher may be used on energized electrical equipment that may be present at a Class A or B fire.

4. Where do I get fire extinguishers recharged?

Our best advice is to enter “Fire Extinguisher Recharge Lansing, MI” in a search engine to find a local company to do this service. There are a number of local companies that perform this service but, we cannot recommend one company over another. Please note some manufacturers required their fire extinguishers be returned to the factory for recharging.

5. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections can be scheduled by calling the Fire Inspector directly, or call the Fire Marshal secretary at 517-483-4087.

6. If I am opening a business do I need an inspection?

If your business will have a store front that the general public can enter to conduct business, yes you will need a Life/Safety Inspection. These inspections are done by the Fire Inspectors of the Fire Marshal’s office. This inspection is necessary prior to occupancy of the space by any employees or customers. There is a charge for this inspection of $75 per hour.

7. Are sky lanterns legal in Lansing?

No, sky lanterns are not legal in the City of Lansing. Sky lanterns are small paper balloons with a suspended fire source under the balloon opening. Once lit and airborne they can travel over a mile in distance. There is no way to determine where or what this fire will land upon. They are prohibited by the International Fire Code (IFC) which is adopted by ordinance for the City of Lansing. This is based upon language that states open burning must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished- which by the nature of sky lanterns cannot be done. Furthermore, sky lanterns do not meet the definition of fireworks based on the definition in the Michigan Fireworks safety Act, Public Act 256 of 2011.

8. Where do I get a Knox Box?

Knox boxes can be ordered online at the link below. Knox boxes are required for commercial occupancies. They are specifically keyed by zip code, and the access keys to the box are only used by Lansing Fire Department personnel for emergency access to the specific building. If you need assistance with where to mount the Knox Box, contact an inspector in the Fire Marshal's Office at 517-483-4087.

Knox Box Website

9. If I have a Knox Box and change my locks, what do I have to do?

The Knox box is used to allow emergency access by Lansing Fire Department. If locks are changed please contact a Fire Inspector from the Fire Marshal’s office to come to your address to take old keys out and replace them with the new keys. This will insure continued building access when necessary and avoid damage to the building caused by forced entry by fire crews.

10. How many fire extinguishers do I need, and where should I place them?

Visit our Fire Extinguisher Page.