🔥 Daycare Fire Safety Inspections

All daycare facilities in Kuna are required to undergo a Fire Safety Inspection as part of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s daycare licensing process. Inspections are conducted for both new daycare license applicants and license renewals to ensure compliance with the minimum fire safety standards established by state law.

What the Inspection Covers

During your inspection, a fire official will review the following key safety areas:

1. Exiting Requirements

• At least two unobstructed exits are required, properly spaced and easy to open from the inside without keys or special knowledge.
• Sleeping areas must have an approved exit or egress window that opens easily from the inside.
• Daycare operations are generally limited to the first floor unless special conditions are met for a second-floor facility.

2. Fire Extinguishers

• A minimum 2A-10BC fire extinguisher must be securely mounted in the kitchen and other approved areas.
• Extinguishers must be easily accessible, properly maintained, and installed at the correct height.
• Larger facilities may require additional extinguishers, a hood suppression system, or an automatic sprinkler system depending on size and occupancy.

3. Smoke Detectors

• Smoke detectors are required in every sleeping room, in hallways near bedrooms, on every story (including the basement), and in stairways leading to or from basements.

4. Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan
Every daycare must have a written and approved fire safety plan that includes:

• Evacuation routes and assembly points
• Location of smoke detectors, alarms, and extinguishers
• Procedures for accounting for all children and staff after an evacuation
• A record of fire and evacuation drills conducted regularly

5. Facilities with 50 or More Occupants
Daycares with 50 or more children must also have:

• Exit doors that swing in the direction of travel
• Panic hardware on doors where required
• Illuminated exit signs and a fire alarm system

Occupant Load

The fire inspector will determine the maximum number of occupants allowed based on the square footage used for daycare purposes. This number will appear on your inspection form and must not be exceeded.

After the Inspection

Once the inspection is complete, the facility will either:
Pass, if all requirements are met, or
Need corrections, if deficiencies are found.

The inspector will provide feedback and guidance on any corrections needed to achieve compliance.