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1. When is a Blasting Permit required?

In accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code, a blasting permit must be obtained before a person is authorized to do any blasting or to use any explosive for the purpose of demolishing a structure or blasting out rock, gravel, earth, trees, or any other substance or material.  

2. Why is blasting necessary?

Blasting is often necessary in order to construct new roadways, homes, and commercial buildings.  Blasting operations are utilized to remove rock and is typically the least costly and most efficient way to keep projects affordable and on time for completion.  The City of Durham Fire Marshal’s Office on average, has between 7-10 active blasting permits at any given time throughout each year.   

3. Who issues blasting permits in the City of Durham?

The City of Durham Fire Marshal’s Office reviews all blasting permit applications for compliance with NC Fire Code.  Once the blasting permit application has been approved, the blasting company must schedule an on-site inspection and witness of the first blast by the assigned Assistant Fire Marshal. 

4. What are Blasting Company’s Responsibilities and Requirements?

• Blasting companies are required to be licensed and insured to conduct blasting operations in the City of Durham.  The blasting company is required to submit proof of license and insurance with their blasting permit application.
• The NC Fire Code does not provide a specific distance for when pre-blast surveys are required, and nearby jurisdictions require blasting companies to offer pre-blast surveys of any structures within 500’ of blasting. The City of Durham requires that blasting companies offer pre-blast surveys for any structures within 750’ of the blasting.
• The pre-blast inspection/pre-blast survey protects both the homeowner and the blaster by documenting the condition of the home before blasting. After blasting has started, any suspected that are found can be compared to the initial condition.
• Blasting operations shall be limited to daylight hours, no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and no later than 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Blasting operations are also prohibited on all City of Durham, State, and Federal Holidays.
• The NC Fire Code requires blasting mats when blasting in close proximity to structures and roadways, but the Fire Code does not provide a specific distance.  Many nearby municipalities require blasting mats when blasting is conducted within 500’ of structures or roadways. The City of Durham requires blasting mats when blasting is conducted within 750’ of structures or roadways.

 

5. What should you do if you think you have damage from nearby blasting?

Immediately contact the blasting company that is conducting the blasting activities. If you need the name and insurance certificate of the blasting company, you can submit a public information request.  Please visit the web link below to request this information and our office will provide the information. 

Make request - NextRequest - Modern FOIA & Public Records Request Software

6. Can the Fire Department help me assess damage I believe was caused by blasting?

The Fire Department does not have the expertise or authority to assess for damage that may have been caused by blasting.  All damage assessments should be conducted by the blasting company, their insurance company, and/or the homeowner’s insurance company.