Fire Prevention is under the direction of the Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief Debra K. Carlin and consists of the divisions of Fire Prevention Education and Inspection, Arson and Fire Investigation, and Internal Affairs.

The Fire Prevention Education and Inspection Division provides for the prevention of fire through fire inspections and code enforcement activities. Emphasis is given to education during the code enforcement process so that the owner or manager is made aware of the necessity for fire prevention measures. Also, enforcement of the fire code allows for identification of unsafe property such as open, vacant structures which are a danger to the community and firefighters. This division provides fire prevention programs tailored to specific audiences…from children’s puppet shows to industrial fire safety to programs that address the special concerns of the elderly.

Fire Prevention Officers, with the assistance of various volunteer groups, respond to citizens’ needs by installing smoke detectors in the residences of elderly, disabled, or home-bound people who lack this protection. After each preventable fire death, Fire Prevention Officers go door-to-door in the neighborhood where the fire occurred and talk to neighbors about the importance of fire safety. This offers an opportunity to install smoke detectors where none exist or provide fresh batteries for existing detectors. Those tragedies that occur close to home can often be used to make people more aware of the dangers in their own home and give them an opportunity to prevent such an occurrence.

The Arson and Fire Investigation Division is responsible for determining the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires and filing criminal charges. The division’s 19 arson investigators are sworn peace officers and enforce the laws of the State of Texas pertaining to arson and malicious false alarms. They are specially trained in the discovery, preservation, and presentation of evidence in proving the crime of arson. Also, the division administers the Juvenile Fire Setters’ Program which provides free counseling to juveniles suspected of setting fires and to their families.

The Internal Affairs Section is the primary investigative unit for the Department with respect to complaints and disciplinary action which involve Department personnel. The unit also manages the Department’s Random Drug and Alcohol Testing program.