Ala. Admin. Code r. 390-X-8-.05

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 390-X-8-.05 - Certification And Decertification Inspections

(1)Certification Inspections. When requested by a county fire association, the State Forester may direct that a volunteer fire department in such county, or a group seeking certification as a volunteer fire department in such county, be inspected to determine whether that department or group satisfies minimum certification requirements as specified in Ala. Admin. Code Rule 390-X-8-.02.

(2)Decertification Inspections. When requested by a county fire association, the State Forester may direct that an already certified volunteer fire department be inspected to determine whether grounds exist for decertification of that department, as specified in Ala. Admin. Code Rule 390-X-8-.04.

(3)Notice to Local Governments. Upon receiving a certification inspection request from a county fire association, the State Forester shall give notice of the request to the county commission and, if applicable, city council where such department is located. The State Forester will thereafter communicate and work with such local governments to facilitate provision of adequate community fire protection in those jurisdictions.

(4)Initial Inspection. After a county fire association has requested a certification or decertification inspection of a department or group, the State Forester (or his or her designee) may make such inspection upon 30 days' written notice to the affected department or group. This notice shall include a copy of any Alabama Forestry Commission forms that will be used in conducting the inspection.

(5)Report of Initial Inspection. After a certification or decertification inspection has been completed, the Alabama Forestry Commission shall prepare a written report detailing any certification deficiencies and/or grounds for decertification. This report shall be provided to the county fire association and the inspected department or group within 10 business days following the inspection. The inspected department or group may submit a written response to the Alabama Forestry Commission's findings within 30 days of receiving the report of the initial inspection.

(6)Second Inspection. If the Alabama Forestry Commission finds in an initial inspection that a group does not meet minimum requirements for certification, or if it finds that grounds exist for decertification of a department, the State Forester shall direct that a second inspection be conducted no less than 90 days following the initial inspection. This 90-day period may be shortened upon request of the inspected group or department.

(7)Report of Second Inspection. After a second inspection has been completed, the Alabama Forestry Commission shall again prepare a written report detailing any remaining certification deficiencies and/or grounds for decertification. This report shall be provided to the county fire association and the inspected department or group within 10 business days following the second inspection. The inspected department or group may submit a written response to the Alabama Forestry Commission's findings within 30 days of receiving the report of the second inspection.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 390-X-8-.05

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXV, Issue No. 08, May 31, 2017, eff. 7/10/2017.

Author: Scott L. Rouse

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 9-3-17(e).