Fire safety across Hillsborough County is the mission of the Fire Prevention Division.
The Fire Prevention Division plays a critical role in keeping people in Hillsborough County safe. This includes residents, businesses, visitors, and the first responders who fight fires and handle medical calls.
The division is staffed with a team of 30 inspectors, five fire investigators, one public relations officer, two public education techs, one deputy fire marshal, the fire marshal, and three administrative support staff.
The prevention division handles everything inspection-related in unincorporated Hillsborough County, including routine inspections of existing businesses, complex plan reviews for new construction projects, new construction inspections of buildings once construction begins, licensing inspections, complaints, and Company Officer inspection requests. The division has authority to inspect businesses and commercial properties. The inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with Florida Fire Codes and safety standards.
The mission is simple but vital: save lives and protect property. Every code that the division enforces helps to ensure people can evacuate safely and firefighters can get in and out safely during a fire or other life-safety emergency. Inspection of exits, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, and related systems is crucial to ensuring early notification and a safe escape.
- Fire inspectors conduct a wide range of checks, including:
- Routine inspections to verify fire alarms, extinguishers, and exits are maintained and unobstructed
- New construction inspections, starting from fire department access to underground fire lines, alarms, and fire sprinkler installations
- License inspections for child care and health care facilities
- Plan reviews, now fully digital for all commercial projects
The Fire Investigations Unit is another key part of the division. They perform an analysis after a fire to determine origin and cause. If it is determined to be arson, the investigators conduct a thorough investigation and reach a conclusion. Fire investigators have full law enforcement training and certification, which gives them the power to make arrests when needed.Nine years ago, a captain for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) was driving south on Interstate 75, heading to a cousin's wedding with his wife and children. Along the way, he witnessed a car accident and stopped to check on the people involved. Thankfully, everyone was fine, and the captain and his family continued on their way.
For this conscientious captain, there was more good fortune coming.
Moments after leaving the accident, the captain received a call from the County's fire chief. With his phone on speaker and his family listening, the captain was told he was being promoted to battalion chief.
It was a memorable moment and the beginning of a new role with significant responsibility for Fire Station 41's battalion chief.
This story is part of Hillsborough County's 50-for-50 Series, a historic review of some of the memorable events, dates, and people in the history of Hillsborough Fire Rescue, which was born on Aug. 27, 1973.
Want to know more? Read additional stories that show the growth, bravery, and specialized operations of Hillsborough County's largest department.