ALL VARIANCE NOTIFICATIONS need to be emailed to cfdinspections@carmel.in.gov for review.

Fire Code Enforcement

The Carmel Fire Department performs final building inspections for all commercial construction projects within our jurisdiction prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the city department of community services. Fire inspections and pre-plan updates of businesses and multi-family apartment communities are conducted annually. Our fire prevention personnel also investigate citizen concerns regarding possible unsafe conditions or fire code violations. These inspections follow the Indiana Fire Code which has been adopted by the State of Indiana for the enforcement of fire protection and public safety laws.

Performing final construction and annual fire inspections minimizes the chances of fire and property damage and provides improved public safety. By providing these services the Carmel Fire Department serves residents and business owners as a valuable resource to safeguard their families and property investments.

• Contractor Construction Expectations
• Request a Final Inspection

The Compliance Engine

The Carmel Fire Department requires that specific fire protection systems and annual test reports be submitted to the department from the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Company. This is submitted via the web-based portal, The Compliance Engine (TCE). After submission of these reports, The Compliance Engine works on behalf of Carmel Fire Department to provide notification to building representatives/owners of needed repairs and the yearly reminder of necessary inspection. These efforts help ensure those fire protection systems comply with IN State Fire Code. Compliant fire protection systems reduce the risk to life and property in the City.

Fire Protection Systems requiring TCE test result submission include:

• Automatic Fire Sprinkler System
• Fire Alarm System
• Commercial Kitchen Hood Suppression System (Testing and Cleaning)
• Standpipe
• Active Smoke Control System
• Fire Pump
• Spray Booth w/Suppression System
• Emergency Generator
• Private Fire Hydrants
• Special Suppression System
• Gas Detection System
• Automatic Closing Fire Assemblies
• Emergency Radio Responder Coverage System

All fire and life safety contractors can register on The Compliance Engine’s website.

Plan Review

The Carmel Fire Department fire prevention bureau completes site plan reviews for proposed new developments within our jurisdiction. These reviews typically occur during the planning and zoning phase of a project. CFD personnel work closely with the city department of community services planning and zoning staff to ensure fire code rules are followed for new developments. Additionally, this division performs plan reviews on commercial construction projects to confirm fire and life safety code compliance with the current Indiana Fire Code.

• DHS: Building Plan Review

Web links: Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana International Conference of Building Officials* Underwriters Laboratories* United States Fire Administration National Fire Protection Association*

Fire Investigations

The Carmel Fire Departments investigation team is responsible for investigating fires that occur in the City of Carmel and Clay Township. Fire Investigations investigates all fires including suspicious fires and explosions to determine the origin and cause.

Certified investigators conduct all phases of the fire investigation including interviewing witnesses, evidence collection, background investigations, appearing in court and assisting other public safety and private agencies. They also are required to attend a minimum number of educational schools and seminars to keep current on all-new investigation techniques and skills.

Nationally, arson and suspected arson is the leading cause of property damage exceeding $ 2 billion annually. Arson is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths and accounts for approximately 25 percent of all fires in the United States. National statistics show that 52 percent of arson fires occur in structures, 26 percent in vehicles and 22 percent in other categories. Juveniles account for 55 percent of all arson arrests.

Many times children begin playing with fire by the age of three. Fire Investigations provides assistance to children and juveniles that have a problem with playing with fire or fire setting.

Anyone with information on suspicious fires may call the Carmel Fire Department at 317-571-2600. In cooperation with the Indiana Arson an Crime Association, the ARSON HOT LINE (1-800-382-4628) is stationed in the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Anyone with any information on leads to arson activity and alleged arsonists may leave information and a phone number.

Web Links: National Fire Academy* National Lightning Safety Institution* Consumer Product Safety Commission*

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Public Education Division

The Public Education Division is responsible for education of fire and life safety to citizens in Carmel and Clay Township schools, businesses, and community organizations.

The Public Education Division has many tools and programs in which to deliver its message to the public. The members of Public Education conduct demonstrations with various school grade levels, senior citizen facilities, home owners associations, community organizations, neighborhood events and fire station tours.

There are many programs that the Public Education Division manages.

Here is a list of a some current programs:

• Commercial Fire Drills
• CPR classes
• Elementary School Fire Safety
• Firefighter For-A-Day Camp
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Hazard House
• Juvenile Fire Setter
• Kasey Program
• Public Safety Day
• Safety House
• Smoke Detector Assistance
• WARN (Water Awareness in Residential Neighborhoods)

The Public Education Division also handles any special event that the CFD is directly or indirectly involved with.

If you have any questions or inquires, or if you want to schedule a demonstration or talk for a group in the Carmel/Clay community don't hesitate to contact the Public Education Division at the numbers listed above. 

Don't forget to check your smoke detector at least once a month, and replace the battery twice a year.

*The City of Carmel cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the information supplied to them by others, or any information on pages linked to the City of Carmel pages. No responsibility for this information can be, or is, assumed. Inclusion on this site does not indicate or imply an endorsement by the City of Carmel of any site or information.