Fire prevention activities are handled with three (3) members within the Life Safety/Internal Affairs Branch. The Fire Marshal conducts all complaint investigations and is the authority having jurisdiction for fire code enforcement. Two fire inspectors conduct fire safety inspections and enforcement of code violations of existing structures as well as plans review and inspections in new construction.
This Branch currently charges a fee for conducting these inspections which covers some portion of the cost of their services. Efforts within this Branch have been impacted by recent budget reductions that have resulted in the elimination of all public education activities. Public Education efforts included safety training for children and older adults, two of the groups most affected by fires and other injuries. The long term impact of these reductions will be difficult to quantify.
Mark V. Smith
Fire Marshal