Ensuring building safety

October was fire prevention month. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, three out of five fire deaths occur because homes don’t have functioning fire alarms.

Fire safety is one of the responsibilities of Elk River’s Fire and Building Safety Division. The division operates under the direction of Bob Ruprecht, building official. It conducts fire and rental inspections, working to minimize risk and enforce important Minnesota Building and Fire Codes.

The division is also in charge of construction permitting and is concerned with the general safety of both residential and commercial buildings. It oversees related concerns, whether they are mechanical, plumbing or fire-related.