Inspectors conduct on-site visits as various fire protection equipment and systems are installed within a structure. This is to ensure that the completed system was installed as designed and is functioning properly in order to afford the greatest level of life safety for the building occupants. Further testing and maintenance is the responsibility of the system's owner and must be verified to the Division. The installation and removal of underground storage tanks also falls under the Division's supervision.
Members of the Division provide a broad array of general and specific technical information to the public, developers, contractors, architects, and engineers within the City.
In order to ensure that all applicable Fire and Life Safety Code requirements are met, the Division reviews construction plans for codes compliance, making any necessary recommendations prior to the actual expenditure of construction funds. This begins with the examination of the general site plan, structural details, and the review of submitted changes during the construction project.
The Division is responsible for inquiry into the circumstances of suspicious, incendiary, and fires of undetermined cause that occur within the City. Investigators assist Operations personnel in the study of fires without an obvious cause.
A multifaceted Arson Task Force is supported by the Department and is called upon to assist with fires resulting in deaths, injuries, and large dollar losses. It is composed of members from SPFR, St. Petersburg Police Department, the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office, and the State Attorney's Office. Anti-arson efforts include the inspection of closed and vacant properties along with an open exchange of information between various agencies regarding the activities of known and suspected arsonists in the area.
The Division is frequently called upon to assist development interests in determining occupancy appropriateness, fire safety requirements, and fire codes compliance on properties under consideration for development or purchase.
The Division currently holds regular educational classes to address the concern of juvenile fire setting behavior. The program addresses a nationally identified need to further supplement fire safety education.
We have a full-time public education specialist. She carries fire safety messages to the public and industry through static displays at special events, personal appearances, television, radio, fire safety in Health Care facilities, Falls Prevention, and the print media. Of particular interest are the Fire Extinguisher Training Workshops, General Fire Safety Education, Kitchen Safety, and High Rise Evacuation Drills. Continued emphasis on the educational aspects of fire, bike, and water safety enhance the division's efforts to reduce property loss, accidental injuries, and deaths within our community.
Upon completion of any commercial construction project, a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection must be conducted prior to opening for business. SPFR is responsible for conducting this inspection in order to ensure that the new or remodeled structure meets the required Fire and Life Safety Codes of the specific occupancy for which it was built.
