FIRE PREVENTION
Function
The Bureau of Fire Prevention (BOFP) currently has six staff members: The Fire Marshal (division chief)
four Fire Inspector/Investigators and one administrative assistant . The Bureau of Fire Prevention is
responsible for the protection of life and property from fire, explosion and/or other related hazards
through the enforcement of adopted fire codes and standards.
Some of the activities it takes to achieve compliance with the applicable codes and standards include:
1. Plan review for new construction and fire protection systems
2. Inspection of new construction
3. Inspection of fire protection systems
4. Annual fire safety inspections of existing buildings
5. Investigating complaints of reported hazards
6. Business license inspections
7. Inspection of city buildings
8. Issuance of fireworks permits, blasting permits and special event permits
9. Inspection of apartment buildings
10. Inspection of hotel/motel occupancies
11. Inspection of assisted living facilities
12. Inspection of schools and daycare occupancies
13. Municipal Code and policy development and interpretation
These efforts promote a fire safe environment through engineering, education, and enforcement.
In addition to inspection activities, the Bureau functions as a coordinated team of fire investigators. Our
team is comprised of the Fire Marshal and four additional state/nationally certified fire investigators. This
group is charged with investigating the causes and circumstances of every fire occurring in the city which
is of suspicious nature, or which involves loss of life or injury to any person.
A tertiary function of the B OFP is the Office of Internal Affairs (IA). This role is fulfilled by two special
investigators who conduct unbiased investigations of work rule violations in addition to their primary
duties as fire investigators/inspectors. An IA investigator acts on behalf of the Fire Chief while conducting
these investigations or parts of t hese investigations. At the conclusion of the investigation, the BOFP
Division Chief may recommend modifications to current procedures or training based upon the outcome.
These investigators also perform pre -employment background investigations on fire d epartment job
applicants. This process aids in reducing personnel related issues once hired and minimizes overall risk to
the city.
Major Goals & Objectives (FY24)
212