Hillsborough County’s unincorporated areas are receiving increased fire protection from the Fire Prevention Division, which works to keep the community and first responders safe.
According to Hillsborough County, the division includes 30 inspectors, five fire investigators, a public relations officer, two public education techs, the deputy fire marshal, the fire marshal, and three administrative staff. They handle responsibilities from routine business inspections to reviewing complex new construction projects.
The Fire Prevention Division’s mission is to save lives and protect property by enforcing safety codes and inspecting critical systems like smoke alarms and sprinklers, ensuring early warnings and safe evacuations during emergencies.
The division conducts inspections of fire alarms, extinguishers, and exits to ensure they work and pathways remain clear. Its Fire Investigations Unit analyzes fires to determine causes, and trained investigators can make arrests when arson is suspected.
Inspectors review fire access and underground lines during new construction projects and inspect child care and health care facilities to protect vulnerable populations. The division has also digitized commercial plan reviews to improve efficiency.
