Coronavirus: Easton Fire Chief Issues Fumigation Precautions

EASTON, MA — Easton Fire Chief Kevin Partridge issued a public alert to businesses on Monday about permits and requirements for fumigation amid the coronavirus health emergency. All fumigation work must be permitted through the town with building owners required to notify and evacuate all occupants, except those conducting the fumigation.

"While fumigation allows for business owners to disinfect their buildings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it does pose risks if not done properly," said Chief Partridge. "Due to this, we ask that all businesses inform the fire department before they conduct any fumigation. If a business owner has questions about the requirements for fumigation or fumigation safety, we encourage them to contact us."

Easton application permits can be found here. A $50 check or money order can be made out to the Town of Easton to the Easton Fire Headquarters at 413 Bay Rd., South Easton, MA 02375. Once the application and fee are mailed, business owners should follow-up by calling 508-230-0750 to inform the fire department that they have mailed both items.

Business owners need to provide the department with the dates and details of the fumigation. The fire department should be informed of fumigation a minimum of 24 hours beforehand. The department reminds business owners that if they don't take the necessary precautions to protect their fire protective devices the fumigation may trigger a false alarm and an Easton fire response during a time when resources are limited.

Other guidelines include:

• Business owners are required to inform occupants of the purposes, anticipated duration and hazards associated with the fumigation.
• Suitable warning signs indicating the danger, type of chemical involved and recommended precautions must be posted on all doors and entrances.
• During the fumigation process all occupants should be evacuated with the exception of the personnel conducting the fumigation.
• Any person conducting fumigation should comply with the following fire protection and safety requirements:
  • Electricity should be shut off, except circulating fans that are used during the fumigation process.
  • Fire, open flames and similar sources of ignition should be eliminated from the space under fumigation.
  • Fire protection system devices should be adequately protected by covering or other means to isolate insecticidal fogging liquids from rendering a fire system device inoperable.
• At the end of the fumigation, the premise should be properly ventilated, all materials used should be disposed of properly and obstructions should be cleared from fire or smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Those interested in fumigation or fogging treatments for pests should abide by these guidelines as well.

Business owners with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Easton Fire Department at 508-230-0750.