Fire prevention is an important part of the work we do for the region. From public fire safety education to inspection duties, code enforcement and reviewing plans, we want to increase fire safety in our community.

Scheduled Building Inspections

The Fire Prevention division schedules building inspections to ensure life safety code compliance. We visit all types of buildings - from churches to garages, night clubs, grocery stores, places of public assembly and industrial complexes. The occupancy is inspected for potential safety issues, or to seek ways to improve safety. We work with owners and staff to ensure there is a clear understanding of the need for fire safety.

Reactive Inspections

We often get inquiries from concerned citizens on fire safety in properties. Reactive inspections are conducted after something happens, such as:

•  Complaint from the public
•  Incident (fire, alarm activation, hazardous condition)
•  Referral from another agency
• Observed unsafe condition
• Follow-up on violations or orders

They are not planned inspections like annual, periodic, or risk-based inspections.

Other reactive inspections include requests for home oxygen systems, burning permits, outdoor event applications and public assembly capacity calculations. These requests are assessed, assigned a priority standing and delegated to our staff.

Public Education

Our fire inspectors are committed to informing the public about fire safety. We educate the public about how to stay safe in the home or workplace, how to write or improve escape plans, and how to reduce the risk of fire and threat to safety.

Learn Not to Burn is an internationally recognized program for primary and elementary school students and is a part of their curriculum. Our Hazard House gets positive feedback from students, parents and teachers. We educate students on safety in the home, then ask them to develop a Fire Safety Plan for their own home and return it to school. Students who complete and submit the plan receive a certificate of participation and participant card.

We also have education programs about:

• the proper use of extinguishers
• placement of smoke and fire alarms
• evacuation plans
• interpretation of safety codes

Fire Safety Resources & Publications

Click on the icons below to learn more about each topic.