The Fire Marshal’s Guide to Third-Party ITM Reporting (and How to Make It Work for You)

Learn how fire marshals can streamline third-party 
ITM reporting, centralize inspection data, and resolve deficiencies faster with LIV.

Why Third-Party Reporting Can Be a Headache


If you’ve ever tried to track third-party inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) reports across your jurisdiction, you know the struggle. One contractor submits PDFs, another emails a scanned form, and a third might drop off paper reports. By the time those reports are filed, deficiencies may already be weeks old — and your team has no way to act on them in real time.
The result? Fire Marshals spend more time chasing paperwork than improving compliance.
But here’s the good news: third-party reporting doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right process in place, you can transform contractor reports into actionable compliance data that keeps you in control.

The Role of Third-Party ITM Reports


Third-party contractors play a critical role in fire and life safety. They’re on the front lines inspecting sprinklers, alarms, extinguishers, and other life safety systems in your community. Their reports are the bridge between building owners and AHJs. Done right, these reports should give you:

• A complete picture of system status across your jurisdiction
• Immediate visibility into deficiencies
• Documentation for code enforcement and permitting
• Data you can use to spot trends and direct resources

Done wrong, they create blind spots — leaving you unaware of critical impairments until it’s too late.

Where Traditional Reporting Breaks Down


Most AHJs face the same challenges:

• Inconsistent formats – Every contractor uses a different form or software.
• Incomplete data – Deficiencies may be missing, vague, or lumped into a single note.
• Delayed uploads – Weeks can pass before a report ever reaches the fire marshal’s desk.
• Limited visibility – Without a central system, reports get lost in emails or filing cabinets.

These gaps make it hard to enforce compliance, track deficiencies, or even know which buildings are overdue.