Inspector general slams CFD Fire Prevention Bureau, citing critical shortcomings in operations

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There are new findings Thursday regarding the safety of Chicago's buildings.

The city's inspector general slammed the Chicago Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau, citing critical shortcoming in its operations.

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The OIG found the bureau failed to conduct mandatory annual inspections

Specifically, only 17 percent of buildings were checked in a recent 12-month period.

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Half of all buildings haven't been inspected in five years or more.

The inspector general is now urging CFD to immediately fix its record keeping, and complete its building inventory and inspections.

"In a city scarred and shaped by fire, the efforts of the Chicago Fire Department to prevent loss of life and property damage are vital, and the annual inspections required by law are critical. A longstanding lack of policies, procedures, and goals has left CFD unable to accurately assess which buildings are at greatest risk for fire. Additionally, CFD's mistaken belief that another City department would be responsible for fire code inspections has likely left some buildings uninspected for decades," Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said.