High hazard structures are commercial buildings or multi-family occupancies where a fire could pose high risk to life. City codes and ordinances require that these buildings be routinely inspected by the Fire Marshal's office ensure that fires are prevented or result in less damage or loss. Inspections ensure that the commercial buildings and high occupancy residences remain safe.

By tracking the frequency of inspections Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) can ensure that it has the correct number of inspectors and assure the public that structures meet current standards. Since efforts were made to improve inspections in 2020, the percentage increased from 76% to 97% in 2024. The Fire Marshal’s office has a goal to reach and maintain 100%.

Underserved and underrepresented Portlanders disproportionally live in high hazard occupancies rather than single family homes. Enforcing the standards ensured that these Portlanders face less risk of losing life and property from fire.

Every inspectable property is maintained in a records management system where all inspections, infractions, re-inspections, and other information is tracked. The percentage that has been inspected in the last 27 months is calculated from this data. The standard is 27 months so that high risk properties can be inspected every two years with a short grace period.

Information about call counts, available resources, and other statistics can be found on the PF&R Annual Performance Reports webpage.

More information on inspections can be found on the Fire Marshal’s Inspection, Testing and Maintenance program webpage.