U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) will implement a new tiered fee structure for Special Event Inspection Applications throughout the territory, effective November 1, 2025.
The revised structure was developed following feedback gathered during the Vendor Compliance Forums held across the territory and is designed to establish a fair and consistent process for all vendors while upholding VIFEMS’ commitment to public safety at community events.
Updated Vendor Fee Structure (Per Event)
• Tier 1: $25 – Non-cooking vendors selling arts & crafts, clothing, jewelry, accessories, and other retail items, as well as baked goods or light refreshments prepared off-site and served without on-site cooking or heating equipment.
• Tier 2: $50 – Vendors preparing or cooking food on-site using open flames, deep fryers, grills, hot plates, or any other heat-producing equipment.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their Special Event Inspection no later than one week before the scheduled event date to ensure timely processing. Applications submitted less than one week before the event will not be accepted.
Fire Safety Requirements
To successfully pass inspection:
• All vendors must have a certified ABC fire extinguisher present at their vending area.
• Vendors using deep fryers must also have a Class K extinguisher on site, in addition to the required ABC extinguisher.
• All gas tanks will be inspected to ensure compliance.
Non-profit organizations must also complete an application, pay the fee for their vendor type, and meet all fire safety requirements — including having the required fire extinguishers on site.
“This update reflects our continued effort to strengthen fairness and safety across all community events,” said VIFEMS Director Antonio Stevens. “We value the feedback received during the Vendor Compliance Forums and remain dedicated to protecting the well-being of our residents, vendors, and visitors.”
Application Access and Locations
The new tier system also applies to the following existing inspection forms:
• Agriculture & Food Fair Inspection Application
• Festival/Carnival Booth Form
• Special Event Inspection Application (Vendor)
These forms are available at the following VIFEMS administrative offices and will soon be accessible online:
• St. Thomas Office – Omar Brown Sr. Fire Station, St. Thomas, VI 00802 | Phone: (340) 774-7610
• St. Croix Office – No. 3019 Orange Grove, St. Croix, VI 00820 | Phone: (340) 773-8050
For more information or assistance with completing an application, please contact your local VIFEMS administrative office.