Fire Inspectors

Career summary

#no matching wois occupation

Fire inspectors inspect structures to prevent fires and to ensure compliance with fire codes. They usually work in the fire prevention division of fire departments.

Fire inspectors examine the inside and outside of buildings. They look for hazardous conditions or violations of fire codes. They test equipment such as fuel storage tanks. They also test fire prevention equipment such as fire extinguishers.

Fire inspectors who find violations discuss them with building representatives. They also recommend changes. They may instruct building representatives about fire safety.

Fire inspectors prepare reports of their inspections. They report code violations or recommended changes. Fire inspectors issue permits and enforce fire codes. If violations and unsafe conditions are not fixed, inspectors take legal action to require the changes. Fire inspectors also collect fees for permits and licenses.

Fire inspectors sometimes speak to public groups about ways to prevent fires. They also work with developers and planners to approve plans for new buildings.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Inspectors
• Compliance Officers and Inspectors
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Detectives and Investigators
• Fire Investigators
• Firefighters
• Forensic Science Technicians
• Forestry Technicians
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Safety Engineers

Military careers

• Environmental Health and Safety Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to fire inspectors.

• Inspect inside and outside of buildings to detect hazardous fire conditions or violations of fire codes.
• Test equipment, such as storage tanks, for fire safety. Test fire protection equipment.
• Discuss violations and unsafe conditions with building representatives. Make recommendations.
• Search for clues about the cause of a fire.
• Prepare reports of inspections, violations, and recommendations.
• Conduct follow-up tests to make sure recommended changes have been made.
• Develop and review fire exit plans.
• Collect and prepare evidence and present it in court.
• Conduct fire drills.
• Issue permits and enforce fire codes.
• Collect fees for permits and licenses.
• Work with developers and planners to check and approve plans for new buildings.
• Speak about fire prevention to the public.
• Attend training classes to keep skills and knowledge up to date.

Common work activities

Fire inspectors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Evaluate information against standards
• Document and record information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Use computers
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Schedule work and activities
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Perform administrative tasks
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Assist and care for others
• Teach others
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Develop goals and strategies
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, fire inspectors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of the public.
• Have a high level of job-required social contact. They work closely with the public.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also communicate by letters and memos, but less often.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations with building representatives.
• May on occasion deal with unpleasant or angry people who are stressed due to the loss of a home or office.
• Are responsible for the work done by others.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often wear a special uniform.
• Work both indoors and outdoors.
• Are exposed to loud sounds and uncomfortable noise levels on a daily basis.
• Wear protective or safety attire, such as goggles and hard hats, on a daily basis. Some equipment might be specialized.
• Are exposed to very bright or low light on a weekly basis.
• Are exposed to contaminants on a weekly basis.
• May work in very cold or very hot temperatures.
• Are exposed to hazardous equipment on a weekly basis.
• Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Travel to different fire sites via an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck, car, or van.
• Work near others, usually within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be sure that their work is very exact. Errors could result in serious safety hazards.
• Make decisions that strongly impact others, especially home, building, or office owners that were damaged in a fire.
• Make decisions that affect coworkers and the reputation of the firefighting department on a daily basis. They rarely consult another before making a decision.
• Very rarely consult a supervisor before deciding their daily tasks and goals.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
• May repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Fire inspectors frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for fire inspectors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for fire inspectors to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Fire inspectors need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Fire Protection Technology
• Fire Science and Firefighting
• Fire Services Administration

Other programs of study to consider

• Occupational Safety and Health

Training

To work as a fire inspector, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete formal training;
• have more than five years of related work experience; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Educational requirements vary by fire department. Many fire inspectors receive formal training as emergency medical technicians (EMTs). A number of colleges and universities offer courses in fire engineering, fire control, or fire science. Depending on the school, you can earn an associate or bachelor's degree in these areas.

Work experience

Fire inspectors typically have many years of experience as a fire fighter or police officer.

On-the-job training

New inspectors receive training in inspection techniques and procedures. Sometimes an experienced inspector or supervisor trains you. Otherwise, you attend classes at the fire academy or take college courses.

Many fire inspectors take courses at the National Fire Academy (NFA). The NFA offers courses to anyone working in fire fighting, inspection, or investigation.

Training may last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be environmental health and safety specialists. This occupation includes fire inspectors. Training lasts 11 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

#no active apprenticeships at this time, there are some for firefighters listed at L&I 4/20/07 lh

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Construction
• Driver Education
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Applicants must pass a written exam, and tests of physical strength, stamina, and agility. They also must pass a medical exam that may include drug screening. Exams are generally open to people who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Those who receive the highest scores have the best chances of getting a job. Taking community college courses in fire science may improve an applicant's chances.

Besides high scores, employers look for applicants with courage, self-discipline, and a sense of public service. Leadership qualities are important for fire inspectors. College-level training may also be helpful.

Licensing/certification

Many states require fire inspectors to be certified. Requirements vary by state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Fire Inspectors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by area of the country and the inspector's level of experience and training.

Fire inspectors who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Many fire departments give payment for tuition or higher pay for completing advanced training.

National wage information is not available specifically for fire inspectors. However, they are part of the larger group of "fire inspectors and investigators."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Local and state government-sponsored fire departments

National outlook

Growth in this occupation is expected to be about as fast as average. As the population grows, the demand for fire inspectors should increase. This is because there will be more buildings to inspect.

Competition for openings for fire inspectors is expected to be strong. Turnover is low and layoffs are uncommon. Most jobs open as workers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for fire inspectors. However, they are part of the larger group of "fire inspectors and investigators."

Other resources

Board of Certified Safety Professionals 

International Association of Fire Fighters 
1750 New York Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
202.737.8484

International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services 
1707 Ibis Drive
Buffalo, MN 55313
763.395.1207

National Fire Academy 
16825 S. Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

National Fire Protection Association 
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
617.770.3000

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

Society of Fire Protection Engineers 
9711 Washington Boulevard, Suite 380
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301.718.2910

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Fire Inspectors (33-2021.01) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Building Inspector (168.267-010) 
• Fire Inspector (373.267-010) 
• Fire Inspector (373.367-010) 
• Fire-extinguisher-sprinkler Inspector (379.687-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Realistic/Enterprising
• Conventional/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Service Skilled