A fire inspector inspects structures to ensure that they are compliant with current fire codes and are safe to use. Inspectors can also detect violations and conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that the violations are corrected, as well as respond to incidents involving flammable or explosive materials. Fire inspectors are frequently involved in arson and fire investigations, and they contribute their knowledge to the team.
In most areas, a fire inspector is a member of the law enforcement community, which means that, in addition to receiving fire safety and inspection training, he or she must attend a training academy to gain knowledge and skills in the law enforcement field. In small towns, the fire inspector may also serve as the fire chief or a firefighter, allowing the local government to save money while still having a qualified fire inspector on staff.
When a new building is constructed, the fire inspector is usually allowed to inspect it before it can be certified as safe to use. He or she may also serve as a consultant during the planning stages to ensure that the structure is built to code. Fire inspectors are concerned with things like easy emergency exits, fire suppression systems in large buildings, doors that open in the correct direction, and fire safety precautions such as vent hoods for stoves. A fire inspector can also determine the maximum number of people who can safely occupy a room or structure.
Fire inspectors may be called out ahead of major events to inspect specific venues to ensure that they are safe to use and to assist in the development of an evacuation and fire safety plan so that staff is prepared in the event of an emergency. If the event will involve flammable or combustible materials, the fire inspector may need to inspect the systems in place and talk to the people who will be handling the materials about how they will be used.
Fire inspectors may inspect abandoned and derelict buildings on a regular basis to see if they pose a fire hazard, and in some areas, fire inspectors can condemn buildings that they believe are unsafe. Fire inspectors also inspect facilities that handle flammable and explosive substances, such as gas stations and oil refineries, on a regular basis.
The fire inspector is one of the first responders in the event of a fire or explosion, and he or she will also be involved in the creation of a report about the incident and how it was handled. If previous inspections failed to identify an issue that contributed to the emergence of an emergency situation, fire inspectors may be held liable.