# Tasks & work activities — fire inspector

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 33-2021.00 (Fire Inspectors and Investigators).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
- **[Core]** Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
- **[Core]** Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
- **[Core]** Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
- **[Core]** Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
- **[Core]** Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
- **[Core]** Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
- **[Core]** Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
- **[Core]** Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
- **[Core]** Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
- **[Core]** Inspect properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance.
- **[Core]** Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.
- **[Core]** Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives.
- **[Core]** Develop or review fire exit plans.
- **[Core]** Inspect and test fire protection or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
- **[Core]** Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
- **[Core]** Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
- **[Core]** Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
- **[Core]** Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.
- **[Core]** Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
- **[Core]** Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
- **[Core]** Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.
- **[Supplemental]** Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
- **[Supplemental]** Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.
- **[Supplemental]** Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.
- **[Supplemental]** Arrange for the replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible.
- **[Supplemental]** Issue permits for public assemblies.
- **[Supplemental]** Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.
- **[Supplemental]** Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze crime scene evidence.
- Attend training to learn new skills or update knowledge.
- Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.
- Develop fire safety or prevention programs or plans.
- Direct fire fighting or prevention activities.
- Educate the public about fire safety or prevention.
- Evaluate employee performance.
- Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
- Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires.
- Identify actions needed to bring properties or facilities into compliance with regulations.
- Inform others about laws or regulations.
- Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
- Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.
- Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.
- Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
- Investigate crimes committed within organizations.
- Issue permits or other legal documents.
- Maintain fire fighting tools or equipment.
- Prepare investigation or incident reports.
- Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
- Provide safety training.
- Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.
- Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
- Record information about suspects or criminals.
- Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
- Train employees in proper work procedures.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
- Train personnel to enhance job skills.
- Write operational reports.