Fire Prevention
The Bureau of Fire Prevention is charged with the overall responsibility of ensuring enforcement of the City's Fire Code. This bureau performs inspections, investigates fire code violations and assists with public fire safety education programs. This bureau is also responsible for reviewing plans for compliance with the City's Fire Code and reviewing and approving building construction plans and sprinkler and fire alarm plans. This bureau also coordinates relations with outside entities such as Wisconsin State Fair Park administration and Milwaukee Mile officials and performs fire investigations.
Landlord / Tenant Information
The landlord/tenant relationship is one built on mutual understanding and expectation of both parties. These below documents explain the rights and obligations of the landlord as well as the rights and obligations of the tenant. More information is available by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection website or by calling 800-422-7128.
Proper Dryer Venting
Did you know there are over 15,000 dryer-related fires a year? Review the information below regarding proper dryer venting and code requirements to ensure that your dryer is properly and safely vented.
Four-inch rigid or flexible metal is the correct ventilation duct to vent clothes dryers. Do not use flexible plastic or flexible foil.
The vent should be as short, straight, and with as few elbows/bends as possible. The more bends and turns, the greater the reduction in airflow there is and the more areas where lint can accumulate. More bends will also hamper vent cleaning which should be performed yearly, if not seasonally.
All manufacturers now state in their manuals not to use plastic flexible ducts. It is against the code to use flexible vinyl or flexible foil venting. They can sag, be easily crushed, and have excessive lint build-up. This can cause a build-up of heat and cause fires.
Code requirements
Clothes dryers shall be exhausted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Ducts shall not be connected or installed with sheet metal screws or other fasteners that will protrude into the inside of the duct and obstruct the exhaust flow of combustion gases, sending harmful carbon monoxide back into the home.
Exhaust ducts shall have a smooth interior finish.
The exhaust duct shall be four inches in diameter.
The male end of the duct shall face the direction of airflow.
The dryer duct shall be no longer than 25 feet long. It should be 2.5 feet shorter for every 45-degree bend and 5 feet shorter for every 90-degree bend. If the duct is more than 25 in length, the system requires a booster fan or a high-output dryer.
The dyer exhaust shall convey moisture and any products of combustion to the outside of the building and should be at least three feet from any other opening.
Refer to the International Mechanical Code section 504 for further detailed information, or contact the West Allis Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Additional Information
View the Online Municipal Fire Prevention Code for more information on Fire Code requirements for:
Christmas Tree Lots
Festivals
Fireworks
Hazardous Materials
Open Burning
Other Situations