10 Common Commercial Fire Inspection Failures
The Fire Code Authority · Updated November 11, 2026
Inspection failures usually come from a short list of recurring problems. Knowing them makes them easy to prevent.
The list
- 1. Overdue inspections or missing reports for one or more systems.
- 2. Fire alarm trouble or supervisory signals left unresolved.
- 3. Sprinkler heads that are painted, corroded, damaged, or obstructed.
- 4. Extinguishers missing, expired, blocked, or the wrong type.
- 5. Emergency or exit lights that fail their test.
- 6. Blocked exits, egress paths, or fire doors that don’t close.
- 7. Sprinkler control valves closed, inaccessible, or not supervised.
- 8. Kitchen hood suppression past its service date.
- 9. Fire department connection blocked, uncapped, or damaged.
- 10. Unapproved changes, such as new walls or ceilings that affect sprinkler or alarm coverage.
Educational summary, not legal advice or an engineering determination. Confirm requirements with your Authority Having Jurisdiction.