Fire prevention bureaus have taken on additional functions beyond traditional fire prevention due to their relevant expertise in areas like construction, hazardous materials, and emergency response. These expanded roles can benefit public safety but also risk distracting from the core mission of fire prevention. Key expanded roles discussed include construction code enforcement, property maintenance inspections, investigating hazardous waste and vacant building issues, and assisting with homeland security and civil defense.

1. Other Fire Prevention Functions Chapter 8

7. FIGURE 8-2 Fire departments have a vested interest in regulating construction as evidenced by this blocked fi re department connection at a construction site. ( Photo courtesy of Duane Perry )

12. FIGURE 8-4 In many jurisdictions, fire departments and fire prevention bureaus were the logical pick to investigate hazardous waste crimes