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Fire Inspectors and Investigators - 33-2021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Arson Investigator
  • Fire Code Inspector
  • Fire Inspector
  • Fire Investigator
  • Fire Official
  • Fire Prevention Inspector
  • Fire Prevention Specialist
  • Fire Protection Specialist
  • Fire Safety Inspector
  • Fire Safety Specialist

SOC Occupation Groups

33-0000 Protective Service Occupations
33-2000 Firefighting and Prevention Workers
33-2020 Fire Inspectors
33-2021.00 Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
  • 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.
  • Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
  • Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
  • Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
  • Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
  • Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.
  • Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
  • Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.
  • Develop or review fire exit plans.
  • Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
  • Issue permits for public assemblies.
  • Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
  • Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
  • Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
  • Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.
  • Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
  • Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
  • Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.
  • Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.
  • Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
  • Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
  • Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
  • Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.

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.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Aircraft Handling (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cannon Crewmember (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cavalry Scout (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Medic Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Construction Inspector (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Crash and Salvage Fire Fighter (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Damage Control Assistant (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Damage Controlman (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Damage Controlman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Expeditionary Firefighting and Rescue (EFR) Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fire Marshall (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Fire Protection (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Fire Protection Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Fire Protection Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Fire Protection Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Fire Protection Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Fire Protection Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Fire Protection Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Firefighter (Army - Enlisted)
  • Infantryman (Army - Enlisted)
  • Intelligence Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • M1 Armor Crewman (Army - Enlisted)
  • Marine Safety Specialist Engineer (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Marine Science Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Material Maintenance Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Military Police (Army - Enlisted)
  • Ship Survivability Systems Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Ship Survivability Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Shipboard Aircraft Rescue, Firefighting and Salvage Specialists (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Shore Base Airport and Aircraft Firefighter (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Small Arms Repairer/Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Unit Supply Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Arson and Bomb Investigator
  • Fire Inspector
  • Fire Marshall

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Arson And Bomb Investigator
  • Building Inspector
  • Fire Inspector
  • Fire Marshal
  • Fire-Extinguisher-Sprinkler Inspector
  • Fire-Investigation Lieutenant