Fire Inspectors
Additional Information
Duties
The following is a typical list of what fire inspectors do:
- Look for potential sources of fire.
- Buildings must be in compliance with fire codes.
- Fire alarms, sprinklers, and other fire safety systems should be tested.
- Make sure that the fuel tanks and air compressors are working properly.
- Ensure that evacuation preparations are up to date.
- Keep an eye out for repeat offenders by conducting follow-up visits.
- Discuss construction plans with architects.
- Educate the public about fire and safety precautions.
- Inspect fire safety records and keep them up to date.
- Administer permits for controlled fires and oversee the process.
They generally investigate the following:
- Investigate and collect evidence at the scene of incidents involving fire and explosions.
- Gather information from eyewitnesses.
- In the aftermath of a fire or arson, recreate the scenario.
- Test for fingerprints or accelerants at a laboratory.
- With the help of scientists, engineers, and attorneys, examine data.
- Taking photos and drawing diagrams is a great way to keep track of evidence.
- Investigate a fire's origin and cause.
- Keep meticulous records and safeguard evidence in the event of a legal case.
- To testify in both civil and criminal matters.
- Invoke police authorities like the ability to detain and carry a firearm while on duty.
Inspection and prevention professionals examine outdoor fire dangers in both commercial and residential settings. They are on the lookout for violations of the fire code and for situations that increase the risk of a wildfire. They also offer advice on how to lessen the risk of fire. During patrols, they police fire laws and report fire situations to the central command center.
Education
A postsecondary education program for emergency medical technicians is often required for fire inspectors and investigators, as they are often ex-firefighters (EMTs). Candidates with a bachelor's degree in fire science, engineering, or chemistry may have an advantage over those with only a high school diploma. A high school diploma or equivalent is normally necessary for people who want to become forest fire inspectors and prevention experts.
Training
In addition to classroom education and on-the-job training, most training programs incorporate some form of classroom instruction.
Several months of classroom instruction are typical in a fire or police school. Legal rules, courtroom etiquette, protocol for handling explosives and dangerous chemicals, as well as equipment safety are just some of the subjects that are addressed.
As a general rule, when inspectors and investigators complete their classroom training, they are assigned to a more experienced officer for on-the-job training.
Organizations like the National Fire Academy and the International Association of Arson Investigators, as well as companies like the ATF and the FBI, provide training in the field of fire investigation.
A Related Occupation's Work Experience
The vast majority of fire investigators and inspectors must have prior firefighting expertise. Before they may be employed, most forest fire inspectors and prevention experts need to have some prior firefighting experience.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-recognized certification examinations are available in several states. Many states mandate annual refresher training for inspectors and investigators in order to keep their certifications up to date.
These include Certified Fire Inspector (CFI), Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), and Certified Fire Protection Technician (CFPT). Applicants for private-sector positions may be required to hold these certificates already.
Investigators in the field of fire investigation have the option of earning accreditation from an organization with national acclaim. Such credentials and organizations include the International Association of Arson Investigators' Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) designation, or the National Association of Fire Investigators' Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) designation (NAFI). Certifying oneself may educate oneself new skills and establish one's competence.
Qualities that are critical to success
The ability to communicate. Fire code breaches must be explicitly communicated to building and property managers by fire inspectors. As part of their investigation, they'll need to speak with a variety of people.
Skills in critical analysis and evaluation. The ability to spot code breaches and provide recommendations on how to remedy them is a must for fire inspectors in every city. A fair judgment must be drawn from a fire's evidence.
Pay close attention to the smallest of details. For code infractions or the reason for arson, fire inspectors must pay attention to the tiniest details.
Strength of body. By moving debris at the scene of a fire, fire investigators can better grasp the situation.
Pay
For fire inspectors and investigators, the May 2020 median salary was $64,610. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. There was a wide disparity between the wealthiest and lowest 10% of earners, with the latter earning more than $100,000.
Job Projections
From 2020 to 2030, the number of people employed as fire inspectors is expected to expand at a rate of 11%, faster than the average for all occupations.