Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Testing Requirements

The Aspen Fire Protection District requires that all monitored fire alarm systems be maintained, inspected and tested annually, as per requirements of the International Fire Code and the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Codes (NFPA 72).

If your home or commercial building has a monitored fire alarm system, this system must be functioning and must be tested by qualified personnel. Per NFPA 72, only service personnel qualified and experienced in the testing and maintenance of alarm systems can perform the test and inspection.

The annual test incorporates only life safety devices, which includes smoke detectors, heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and sprinkler flow notification devices. Any other devices that may be part of a monitored system, such as a security system, motion detectors, etc., are not considered life safety devices and are not a required part of this annual test and inspection.

There are numerous reasons to maintain your fire and life safety systems, among them:

• Lives are at stake. Your fire alarm system will only operate properly if it is maintained. Some impairments to the system will not be obvious without testing.
• To meet the requirements of the Aspen Fire Department, the local building department and even your insurance carrier.
• Your insurance carrier may reject your claim if you do not have proof of complete annual inspections.
• To limit your liability for any potential injuries suffered by guests, tenants or employees.
• To assure that your fire alarm system does not create nuisance alarms that waste Fire Department resources, as this could put others’ lives in jeopardy, including the lives of our firefighters.
• It is required by the International Fire Code and the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72). It’s the law!

For more information, please contact the Aspen Fire Department at 970-925-5532.