Jan. 7, 2008 — The V.I. Fire Service is clamping down on businesses that need fire inspections to renew their business licenses.
"It's to keep the public safe," said Richard Lindo, fire marshal for the St. Thomas-St. John district. "That's why we're enforcing fire codes."
The fire-inspection process starts by applying for the inspection. Apply at the Fire Service Administrative Office on St. Thomas, reached by turning toward the water at Addelita Cancryn School. Drive until you see a two-story building on the right, Lindo said.
On St. John, apply at the Cruz Bay fire station. On St. Croix, the Fire Administration Office is at No. 1 Estate Slob, located behind the Fredensborg housing projects.
Business owners must apply in person, Lindo said. When applying, they'll make an appointment with Fire Services to make the inspection. Fire Services issues a fire-inspection certificate to the owner, then the owner sends a copy to the Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department.
Licensing Commissioner Kenrick Robertson was out of the office Monday and could not be reached for comment.
Home-based businesses and those such as carpenters that operate out of their trucks must apply for an affidavit indicating that they don't need an inspection, Lindo said.
There is no charge for the affidavit, but new businesses needing inspection are charged $100. Renewals run $100 for businesses with gross receipts under $150,000. Those grossing more than $150,000 pay $200.
Business owners applying for licenses must show a copy of their most recent business license. New business owners need a copy of their trade name certificate from the lieutenant governor's office.
Business owners who fail to get an inspection get fined 10 percent of their annual fee per month until they get inspected. Existing businesses that "fell through the cracks" and didn't get inspected will pay at the renewal rate, Lindo said.
What the fire inspector looks at during the inspection varies by business.
"A clothing store has different requirements than a restaurant," Lindo said.
The fire inspectors look for things like exhaust systems in kitchens, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, exit signs, blocked exits and sprinklers, egress, smoke detectors, emergency lights and exposed wiring.
For more information on St. Thomas/St. John, call Lindo at 774-7610. On St. Croix, call 773-8050.
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