Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Human Advantage 74%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.6 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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.
Also Known As: Alarm Inspector, Alarm Sprinkler Inspector, Arson Investigator, Arson and Bomb Investigator, Bomb Investigator, Building Inspector, Canine Handler (K9 Handler), Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) +35 more
Core Tasks
- Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
- Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
- Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
- Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
- Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
- Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
- 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.
- 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.
- Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
- Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
- 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.
- Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.
- 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.
- Develop or review fire exit plans.
- 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.
- Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
- Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
- Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
- Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.
- Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
- Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
- Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.
Supplemental Tasks (8)
- Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
- Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.
- Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
- Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.
- 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.
- Issue permits for public assemblies.
- Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.
- Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (13)
Tools & Equipment (128)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Public Safety Financial Services
Zone 3
Fire Inspectors and Investigators You are here
Resume Builder
Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions.
Your Resume Bullets
Related Occupations
Show all 20 related occupations
Real Talk
Hear from real Fire Inspectors and Investigatorss about their work: