Fire Prevention
The Office of Fire Prevention, under the direction of Fire Marshal Frank Scates, performs Fire and Life Safety inspections, site, construction, and fire system plan review, as well as fire and arson investigations. The Office of Fire Prevention also provides free public education opportunities, and has an active juvenile firesetter intervention program.
The Office of Fire Prevention offers free courtesy inspections for businesses with fire/life safety questions regarding a potential new location or changes to an existing business to help avoid any costly surprises at a later date. If requested the Office of Fire Prevention will perform free home fire safety surveys.
Help for Businesses
The Office of Fire Prevention is fully aware that meeting the requirements of the Florida Fire Prevention Code can at times be confusing and costly. One of our goals is to make ourselves available to business owners so that we can answer their questions and help them in their efforts to have a successful business.
Request a courtesy inspection by email or call (321) 637-5660.
Home Fire and Life Safety Information
Fire and Life Safety Inspections
The purpose and goal of the fire and life safety inspection program is to eliminate where possible or at least minimize the hazards that contribute to the risk of fire, injury or death.
During a fire safety inspection, Inspectors look for the following:
Firesafety Systems
Properly installed and currently serviced fire extinguishers, sprinkler, standpipe and special extinguishing systems properly serviced and tested, Fire alarm systems properly serviced and tested, Ensures proper maintenance and operation of fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, alarm systems, hoses, sprinkler systems, and fire doors, and posted address.
Electrical Systems and Lighting
Electrical hazards, e.g. exposed/bare wiring, unapproved extension cords and multi-plug adapters. Functional and properly located Exit signs/lights and Emergency lighting.
Code Compliance/License
A business license, Code compliance specific to the occupancy inspected, Conducts inspections of facilities to determine compliance with applicable fire safety codes and standards and various state laws, rules, and regulations, Advises facility management of code violations and recommends necessary corrective action, Investigates complaints of possible fire hazards and code violations, prepares reports, and recommends remedial action, Testifies at hearings on matters relating to fire safety. For more information regarding licensure and permitting, contact the Brevard County Permitting and Enforcement Office at (321) 633-2072.
Health/Safety
Reduce the likelihood of fire emergencies and as a result, prevent the loss of property and personal injury, Exits that are clear, visible and correctly marked, Contribute to the safety of citizens, Other potential hazards such as proper storage of flammable materials, Identifies hazardous materials in compliance with the Right to Know Act and the Occupational Safety Hazards Act (OSHA), Plans and conducts fire drills, evacuation plans, and other fire prevention activities, Participates in fire safety committees, Conducts fire safety inspections of all facilities, businesses, and institutions regulated by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services or Department of Corrections.
Plans
Reviews, building plans, site access, and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable fire safety codes and standards. For example, area separation walls, Reviews plans of schools, colleges, universities, school dormitories, as well as adult foster care and health care facilities or correctional facilities; including site access concerns, Ensures local fire department’s approval and involvement in plan review. Conducts fire drills in schools, colleges, universities, and school dormitories or correctional facilities in conjunction with local fire departments. Commercial fire Inspections are conducted by the Fire Prevention Bureau on an tri-annual basis for all businesses within the County Jurisdiction. In the event discrepancies are found, the business owners are given a time period to correct any violations. The Firesafety Inspectors are Florida State certified through the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office. Inspectors attend several classes in order to become certified. Certification renewal is required to maintain the Firesafety Inspector certification. They assist in providing Fire Safety Inspector training to private and governmental agencies.
Fire and Life Safety Fees and Payments
We accept both credit card and check payments online. If you do not have access to a computer you can call (321) 637-5660 and we can take your payment over the phone.*
Payments for the following services are accepted online:
- Fire and Life Safety Inspections
- Construction and Site Plan Review for City/Town Projects (Eg. The City of West Melbourne, the Town of Palm Shores)
- Construction Inspection and Re-inspection for City/Town Projects
- Special Events (Issued by a city/town or BCFR only).
- Other service where an invoice is issued by The Office of Fire Prevention.
* Please note, payments for New Construction, Special Events, or Business Tax Receipts in unincorporated areas of the County cannot be paid via this method. Please contact the Central Cashier or Brevard County Tax Collector for more information.
Illegal Fires and Explosives
Rewards of up to $2,500 and more are being offered by the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention for information leading to the identification of persons responsible for any fire.
Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention
Call Arson Control 1-877-NO-ARSON (1-877-662-7766)
Forestry Arson Alert - Rewards of up to $5,000 are being offered by the Florida Forestry Arson Alert Association for information leading to an arrest for those responsible for any fire. 1-800-342-5869
For more information regarding Arson in the State of Florida
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is observed annually in the United States starting on the first Sunday of October during week in which the 9th day of the month falls. In 1925 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed this week long observance to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The Great Chicago Fire began on October 8th 1871 but did most of it's damage on October 9th, the tragic conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.
Fire Prevention Week is designed to help educate the public on fire prevention topics and promoting fire safety awareness. Fire Prevention Week is designated by a "theme" from year to year. Fire Departments across the U.S. use this week to promote fire safety by offering literature, activities, and fire safety demonstrations.
Florida Burn Laws
Burning Authorizations are REQUIRED for agricultural, silvicultural, land clearing, pile and acreage burning all require a burning authorization from the Florida Forest Service.
Burning Authorizations are NOT REQUIRED to burn yard waste as long as you meet the required setbacks and there are no local, city or county ordinances in place that prohibit burning.
Visit the Florida Forest Service website for the latest information regarding outdoor burning.
Florida's outdoor burning and forest fire laws - "Know the Law before you strike that match"
Florida Forest Service Field Office - (Covers Seminole, Orange, Osceola, & Brevard Counties)
Orlando District Office Manager
Sean Gallagher
Phone: 407-888-8767
Email:
Sean.Gallagher@freshfromflorida.com
Brevard County is currently in the process of implementing changes to increase the accessibility of information and documents on its website. If you require assistance to better access these documents or information contained therein please contact the County’s ADA Coordinator by phone at (321)-637-5347 or by email at ADACompliance@brevardfl.gov
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