The fire safety inspections program in Salisbury is moving full steam ahead.

The program began in November 2014.

In 2015 alone, the fire inspectors have assisted the police department and fire departments with over 100 calls for emergency service.

In addition, the inspectors have performed approximately 100 fire safety inspections at commercial businesses in the township.

The four part-time inspectors are Dustin Grow, Dev Kannan, Kyle Mertl and David Tomcics, under the direction of Sgt. Donald Sabo, Jr., fire marshal for the township.

Assistant fire marshal is Sgt. Kevin Soberick.

All are under the direction of Chief of Police Allen W. Stiles.

The fire inspectors have also been updating ordinances pertaining to burning, false alarms and special enforcement zones for fire lanes and parking regulations which are currently in solicitor review.

The department is currently receiving 10 to 12 calls a week from citizens with questions having to do with burning, fire hydrant maintenance, fire evacuation plans, natural disaster plans such as hurricanes or tornadoes and hazard spills.

Prior to the introduction of the fire inspector program, there was no point of contact for residents.

The Salisbury fire inspectors have their own station, Station 59, overseen by the chief of police. They are available to assist for any call 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and could be called out evenings and weekends in Salisbury as well as providing mutual aid to neighboring fire departments.

"We have seen an increase in safety and open communication between departments and residents," Sabo said.

"We want to do more community outreach," Sabo said. "We want to make sure our residents are safe."

"Both Western Salisbury and Eastern Salisbury fire departments have a number of smoke alarms available for free to residents," Mertl said. Residents should call the police department at 610-797-1447 to speak to a fire inspector to obtain a smoke alarm. Both fire departments also provide training on fire extinguisher use during their community days.

Fire inspectors conduct a thorough inspection to ensure safety conditions of commercial properties in the township and the safety of those employees. They review the conditions of exits, operation of exit doors, emergency lighting, exit signs, components of fire-resistive separation, roadway access for fire department apparatus, maintenance of fire lanes, proper addressing of buildings, availability of current fire extinguishers, records for fire alarm and fire protection systems, test records for smoke control system and evacuation plans.

Sabo said there was some resistance by businesses at first to the program.

"Their opinion changes when they realize the plans in place will help them," Sabo said.

Another change was the requirement for a business to have a Knox Box [lock box] in place should emergency personnel need to enter the business after hours.

"The cost of the lock box is under $300 and is a one-time fee," Grow said. "That is less than the cost of a new door. The lock boxes help if there is a gas smell or a fire in a neighboring office," Grow said. "Now, when we leave the building, it is secure."

"This program [lock box] is no different than any other township," Sabo said. "It is a national fire code ordinance."

Currently, the fire inspectors program is being conducted in commercial buildings and not residences; however, the inspectors are very clear they are willing to assist residents who have concerns about their buildings.

"Residents stop us when we are out doing inspections, constantly asking safety questions," Mertl said. "We are glad to have open communication with the residents."

A big benefit of the program is the updated contact information provided by the area businesses. In cases of emergency, Lehigh County dispatch personnel are able to contact business representatives and alert fire and police personnel to hazardous products stored on site which provides another safety measure for all involved. Lehigh County dispatch personnel can also warn fire and police to properties deemed unsafe.

"This program has given the police department an extra set of hands," Sabo said. All four inspectors are certified in first aid and emergency management and 75 percent are EMTs. All inspectors are able to drive fire department apparatus as well.

Sabo also said because of this program, safety system violations have been identified and corrected or are in the process of being mitigated.

Stiles said he is very pleased with the success of the program.

We are well ahead of our strategic plan," Sabo said. "I'm impressed with how well the program has progressed."

Sabo said due to the overwhelming success of the program, he would like to see it grow.

"We have multiple grants in now for extra staffing and vehicles," Sabo said.

Future goals include improved fire prevention programs, summer camps and additional residential assistance.