The Fire Prevention Bureau, also known as the “Fire Marshal’s Office” engages in a number of activities in an effort to reduce the occurrence of fire incidences and to minimize the loss of life and property damage if a fire should occur. 

The Fire Prevention Bureau attempts to minimize the loss of Life and Property by ensuring that commercial buildings are built with the proper building materials, the proper number and adequate means of egress are provided, and required fire protection systems are installed. This is accomplished during the review of building plans and by conducting field inspections. 

After buildings are built, the Fire Prevention Bureau continues to minimize the loss of Life and Property by conducting annual inspections. The inspections ensure that buildings and their systems are properly maintained and kept in Fire Code compliance and that operational functions are conducted in a safe and proper manner. 

The Fire Prevention Bureau continues to minimize the loss of Life and Property by conducting fire origin and cause investigations.  Data collected from investigations and inspection activities are evaluated to identify product deficiencies, improper or inappropriate safety behavior, and fire occurrence trends. The information is assessed; safety precautions are formulated, and then effectively conveyed to the community through a variety of public information programs and public service announcements.