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Fire Prevention & Code Enforcement

The Wakefield Fire Prevention / Code Enforcement Division is part of the Fire Department Administrative Team.  Fire Prevention Captain David Shinney is supported by the Chief of Department, the Deputy Chief, and administrative assistant Pamela Cruciani.

Captain Shinney serves the community Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and can be reached at dshinney@wakefield.ma.us or 781-246-6435 ext. 4.

The Fire Prevention/Code Enforcement Division is responsible for the enforcement of the Town of Wakefield’s Fire Ordinances and Adopted Fire Code, Chapter 148 of the Massachusetts General Laws, and Code 1:00 of Massachusetts Regulations 527.

Division Responsibilities

  • Manage the Wakefield Fire Department fire pre-plan and code enforcement inspection program for fire code compliance and follow up to over 600 businesses in the Town.
  • Plan review, working closely with the Inspectional Services and Zoning Department on all commercial and residential projects, including all renovations and new construction plans.  This often includes attending pre-construction meetings and working closely with project managers, building construction supervisors, and facilities management through final inspection in order to ensure all projects are safe for the people of the Town and in compliance with the most current building and fire code.
  • In collaboration with the Inspectional Services and Zoning Department, the Division provides research and technical advice to homeowners, developers, real estate agents, and those within the business community to increase efficiency of the plan review and inspection processes.
  • Issue permits for:
    • Above ground and underground tank removal and installations
    • Oil heating system installations
    • Combustible, flammable liquid, and propane storage
    • Fire alarm and sprinkler system repairs, renovations, and new installations.
  • Conduct all 26F & 26 ½F inspections and compliance (carbon and smoke detector installation)
  • Maintain and update department database of all permits issued, records of inspection, plans, sprinkler and fire alarm systems, and all fire-related building systems and locations within the Town.
  • Construction safety site inspections
  • Along with the Chief and Deputy Chief, assist the Zoning Board of Appeals in citing any fire safety related issues prior to any final order of conditions being released for specific project(s) within the Town.
  • Inspect and assign details for demolition (razing) of any commercial or residential structures.
  • With collaboration from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, provide safety and technical advice, site plan review, and details for all blasting projects within the community.
    • If a property owners believe that blasting has damaged their property, they can complete the Blasting Regulatory Review form and submit it to the Fire Department within 30 days of the blasting incident. The form needs to be submitted in person directly to the Wakefield Fire Department with proper signatures and information (Public Safety Building, 1 Union Street, Wakefield, MA). 
  • Perform annual inspections of restaurants and establishments that serve liquor.
  • Investigate and mitigate complaints received from the public, other Town agencies, and fire suppression personnel that may involve life-safety code violations or fire hazards.