Fire Prevention

     Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention, directed by the City Fire Marshal, is responsible for the broad range of services and activities described below. The division is staffed by one individual who performs the duties of the Fire Marshal, Public Education Officers, and Fire Inspector/Investigators. In addition to the responsibilities and programs listed below, this division also gathers and maintains vital information for local, state, and national statistics, including total fires, arson fires, juvenile fires, etc. Unless otherwise noted, please call (318) 449-5666 if you have any questions regarding the activities of the Fire Prevention Division

    Fire and Arson Investigation

The Fire Prevention Office is responsible for determining fire causes within the City of Pineville, a service which is also available upon request to other area fire departments. The fire inspector assigned to this division performs all formal fire inspections, fire investigation, and assist with other activities assigned to Fire Prevention. The fire inspectors are the "police" of the Fire Department, and investigate all fire-related crimes within the city. Inspectors are State-certified firefighters, law enforcement officers, and arson investigators.

Inspectors are also responsible for investigating fires that resulted in burn injuries and/or fatalities, as well as all misdemeanor offenses involving fires, such as false alarms and criminal mischief fires. In cases involving juveniles, inspectors either counsel the juvenile and his/her parents, or refer the juvenile to the Police Department.

    Fire Code Enforcement

One of the primary duties of this division is administering and enforcing the Life Safety Code within the city. Inspectors work closely with Pineville building Inspectors to ensure consistent and accurate administration of the Life Safety Code in conjunction with the Southern Building Code. 

Special inspections are conducted at functions such as concerts, rodeos, circuses, etc., and spot inspections are conducted regularly in Pineville to prevent overcrowding. Inspections are also required prior to the issuance of a required permit. Permits are required for activities such as the installation or repair of fire sprinkler systems or fire alarm systems, the installation or removal of fuel storage tanks, bonfires, controlled burns, etc.

    State Required Inspections

Annual inspections of occupancies licensed by the State are conducted by the department's  fire inspector. Some examples of facilities requiring State inspections are hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, and foster homes.

    Plans Review for New Construction

The Fire Marshal is responsible for ensuring that all new building construction complies with the Life Safety Code and all State and Federal rules and regulations. Blueprints are initially reviewed by Building Inspectors and then routed to the Fire Marshal for his comments. Noted requirements are reviewed on-site as the building is being constructed. No building is permitted to be inhabited until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Fire Marshal or his authorized representative.