Fire Marshall’s Office

The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for enforcing the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and the Code of the City of Newport News, Section 16.  Fire inspectors educate property owners and occupants of any fire hazards found in commercial properties and public buildings, and they review fire protection systems. They provide tent/vendor inspections, supporting the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.  Inspectors annually inspect more than 4,000 properties per year.

Five investigators assigned to this Office are responsible for investigating the origin and cause of fires, explosives, and threats to bomb or burn. They may also be called to investigate and prosecute other related crimes committed in conjunction with one of the above incidents. Those assigned to the Investigations Division are all sworn law enforcement officers and work closely with local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies.


Table 8-7 Fire Marshal’s Office Response 2001-2007 Source:  Fire Department
 

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Total Fire Investigations & Related Activities

683

582

441

424

368

400

243

Arson Inv. Only

158

141

152

99

79

81

93

Arson Clearance Rate

14%

24.6%

26.3%

47%

62%

60%

74%

Explosive K9 Response

        

12

35

32

Fire Code Inspections

3,766

3,445

4,045

4,779

4,920

4,055

4,257