The Fire Prevention Bureau was started on January 1st, 1923 under Asst. Chief E. A. Westra and one assigned inspector. The rapid growth of the City of Miami followed and by World War II a total force of ten inspectors was assigned to the bureau. However, it was not until 1966 when ten people died in a residential fire involving an overturned portable kerosene heater that prompted the City Administration to pass a fire code. Ordinance 7431 became the fire protection chapter of the City Charter. Presently, the Fire Prevention Bureau enforces extensive state and local fire and life safety codes.

Although not as glamorous or visible as the Emergency Response Division, the efforts of the Fire Prevention division are widely recognized as the fire service continuous to evolve. The Fire Marshal has the tremendous responsibility for prevention of death, injuries, and property loss caused by fire. This is accomplished through the strict enforcement of complex Building, Fire, and Life Safety Codes.

The importance of these efforts and the significant life safety improvements that have been made over the last few decades were brought to national attention with the tragic events of September 11th. Both World Trade Center towers withstood the initial impact of a catastrophic event, well beyond what the buildings were designed to handle. Modern building codes, public education, and life safety systems all worked together to allow countless people to evacuate safely.

DIVISION STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILTIES

The City of Miami Fire Prevention Division falls within the Operational Branch of the Department of Fire-Rescue. It consists of a Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, Special Assistant to the Fire Marshal, Water Supply/Haz Mat Officer, Special Events Officer, Fire Investigator Unit Coordinator and three Fire Investigators, two District Supervisors, District Fire Inspectors, Specialty Inspectors, New Construction Inspectors, Plans Reviewers, and Administrative Assistants. District Inspectors handle numerous referrals from various sources including but not limited to Fire Companies, Hazard Warning Tags, NET Offices, other departments and the general public. In addition, the Fire Prevention Bureau provides the public with fire prevention and life safety information and administers the Certificate of Use renewal program which provides for annual inspections of all existing buildings for the required life safety code violations.


CERTIFICATE OF USE INSPECTIONS

In 2009, the Fire Prevention Bureau assigned and completed 31,712 certificate of use inspections; in addition, they conducted 4,061 new certificate of use inspections. These annual Life Safety inspections ensure the safety of both the citizens and firefighters of our city. Our district inspectors corrected 7,144 violations, conducted 4,187 re-inspections, and referred 1,471 businesses to NET for not having a certificate of use.

SPECIALTY INSPECTIONS

This section of the Fire Prevention Bureau consists of three specialty inspectors that perform more complex inspections that require specialized duties, technical knowledge, and experience. These inspections include all Hospitals and Institutions, Educational Facilities and its Ancillary Buildings, and Code Enforcement.

PLANS REVIEW SECTION

The Fire Plans Examiners review all plans for new construction and remodeling done throughout the City of Miami. They are specifically responsible for reviewing fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, smoke evacuation systems, fire pumps, standpipes, generators, and tank removals and installations. In addition, they conduct on site inspections, review special event site plans, and conduct special consultation reviews.

NEW CONSTRUCTION SECTION

New Construction conducts highly technical inspections ensuring that all phases of buildings under construction meet the required Fire and Life Safety Codes. In 2009, this section conducted 6,474 New Construction inspections and issued approximately 142 Certificate of Occupancies and 92 Temporary Certificate of Occupancies. Moreover, this unit was an integral component of the building boom seen in Miami in the past decade. Recently, they passed the MET II, an office/hotel high rise in the heart of downtown and are presently working alongside the new Marlins Stadium.

WATER SUPLY/HAZ MAT

The Water Supply/Haz Mat Officer is primarily responsible for ensuring adequate water flow is available by enforcing the Dade County Fire Flow Ordinance. Duties encompass reviewing building and civil plans and conducting water flow tests prior to issuing of a building permit. In addition, other responsibilities are: placing new hydrants in service, conducting water main improvement projects, water main plan reviews, and plat and street reviews. Also with his dual role as the Haz Mat Officer, he is responsible for the hazardous material inspections consisting of marinas, gas stations, and fuel tank permits.

FIRE INVESTIGATION SECTION

This section is dispatched to property fires and conduct follow-up investigations on other type of classified fires. Our Investigation Unit act as liaisons with various law enforcement and investigative agencies; they train new officers and recruits in origin and cause determination as well as scene preservation. They are responsible for proper evidence collection and chain of custody, contact and follow-up with insurance company representatives in relation to fires, prepare for pre-file conferences and depositions on criminal and civil cases, and prosecute all criminal cases to the full extent of the law.

SPECIAL EVENTS SECTION

The Special Events Officer is the department’s liaison with all event promoters. He is responsible for the proper assignment of all the necessary fire and rescue units and inspectors at off duty events. He reviews and issues assembly, fireworks, and class one special event permits. He is also responsible for coordinating night inspections on entertainment establishments and conduct on site inspections of special events.