Fire Prevention Division

The duties of the Fire Prevention Division are multi-faceted; the ultimate goal is that of life safety and prevention of fire incidents. In the execution of our duties we work closely with other City Departments such as the Building Department, Code Enforcement, and Utilities. The Fire Prevention Division consists of six (6) fire prevention professionals, led by the Fire Marshal, whose team includes five (5) Fire Inspectors to accomplish the Divisions responsibilities:

Education: Education is the foundation upon which life safety is built. We prepare and budget for educational materials for all ages and life situations. From kindergarten to senior citizens, we deliver the message of personal fire safety in the home with the supreme goal of saving lives. We also address fire safety in the work place teaching people how to avoid fires at work, how to use fire extinguishers through hands on demonstrations, and how to better be prepared in the event of a fire.       

Inspection/Prevention: Entails the process of education while performing onsite inspections of all existing multifamily buildings, and commercial/industrial facilities. Annual inspections ensure that all existing life safety codes are being met as well as verification that all life safety systems and appliances are maintained and code compliant. The inspection process involves educating the business owner, (in the case of a commercial enterprise) or condominium manager/association, (in the case of a multi-family dwelling) regarding their current life safety responsibilities, and the continued maintenance of their life safety systems. The life safety systems include, but are not limited to, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, exit signage, emergency lighting/generators, egress maintenance, occupant loads, electrical safety, grease hoods, mechanical issues, fire hazard recognition and tenant separation, just to name a few.      

Code Compliance: Code compliance is not limited to existing facilities. Code compliance begins before a building is constructed. The Fire Prevention Division performs plan review for all new buildings on Marco Island, with the exception of single family and duplex homes which are exempt from the State Fire Code. We are intimately involved with all facets of new construction regarding fire and life safety issues. Our function begins with pre-construction meetings and site plan approval, and then progresses to plan review of the entire project. Our involvement continues throughout the building process with regular inspections relating to compliance with all pertinent fire codes and laws. The fire prevention bureau is instrumental in the regular maintenance and revision of our local Fire Prevention Ordinance. Our knowledge of changes in the code, and of the local safety issues, lends itself to a fair and seamless revision process, which translates into a safer, more compliant community.           

Enforcement: Enforcement is two-fold, as it pertains to existing facilities and new construction. Enforcement requires tact, diplomacy and flexibility to achieve our goals, which is compliance with all Life safety codes and laws. Oftentimes we find there is a need to issue notices of violation for existing buildings, or correct work orders for new construction. This particular aspect of prevention requires us to work in close coordination with both the building department and code enforcement. In this partnership of departments, we work to accomplish the desired outcome, the safety of the citizens of Marco Island, at home, at work and at play. 

Fire Investigation: The Fire Prevention Division is on call 24/7 to respond to all types of fire emergencies. Our function on the fire scene is to investigate and determine the cause and origin of the fire. This process involves taking statements from eye witnesses, victims and first arriving firefighters, collecting and photographing evidence, and then determining through scientific means, the cause and origin of the fire. 

Hurricane Standby: The members of the fire prevention bureau remain on duty at the station during all threatening hurricane events. Our duties are vast such as serving as a liaison at the Collier County EOC, Pre-hurricane station preparation, and reconnaissance missions to various parts of the island to evaluate the security of construction site materials and other possible problem areas, as well as post storm damage assessment as members of the damage assessment team.    

Civic functions: The Fire Prevention Division performs inspections, and special detail standby, for civic functions such as fireworks displays, and large event and event tents.

Affiliations: The Fire Prevention Division, in an attempt to “network” and stay informed, holds membership in several organizations.

Collier County Fire Marshals Association

Florida Fire Chiefs Association

National Fire Protection Association

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association

International Association of Arson Investigators

Collier County Arson Task Force