Prevention

Overview

The Fire Prevention Division regularly inspects the premises of various occupancies within the city to assure that applicable fire codes are adhered to. Members are also responsible for constantly updating and upgrading fire codes as needed. In addition to the duties of building inspections, plan review, permitting, sale of fire reports, and participation in community fire safety awareness programs, division members also perform fire scene investigations including criminal follow-up of arson cases.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of the Fire Prevention Division include the enforcement of all laws and ordinances covering the prevention of fires; the storage, shipping and use of explosives; the storage, shipping, dispensing, and use of flammable liquids; the storage, use or handling of hazardous materials, substances and devices; the installation and maintenance of automatic sprinklers, standpipes, and fire alarms systems; and the adequacy of exits in all occupancies.

Safety and awareness programs and activities are aimed at providing fire education and awareness to prevent and/or reduce fires within Orleans Parish, however, those efforts most often impact fires which occur as a result of an accidental cause. The Fire Prevention Division duties also include investigation of the origin, cause and circumstances of fires, to determine whether arson has been committed and to conduct criminal follow-up investigations in order to determine the person(s) responsible for committing arson and effect arrests.

The Fire Prevention Division performs:

Inspections
Investigations
Plan reviews
Issuance of fire reports
Issuance various permits
Safety and awareness programs

Codes and Standards

In 1999 the New Orleans Fire Department adopted the Standard Fire Prevention Code, 1997 Edition as revised for the City of New Orleans. The model section of this code is published by Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), however, the amendment section, which was developed by supervisors of the Fire Prevention Division, makes the code specific for use in New Orleans. Structures within Orleans Parish must be built to the minimum standards of the SBCCI Standard Building Code and must be maintained to the minimum standards of the SBCCI Standard Fire Prevention Code.

Code Enforcement Process

The Fire Prevention Division code enforcement measures begin with the plan review process. Whenever a project requires a building permit, plans will most likely be required. Plans are submitted to the Department of Safety & Permits, to the Fire Prevention Division, and to the Office State Fire Marshal prior to obtaining a building permit to commence construction. During the plan review process, plan examiners review the building plans to ensure that the buildings' design complies with the minimum standards of the Standard Building Code, the Standard Fire Prevention Code, the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and all other applicable codes and standards which may be referenced.

The next phase of fire prevention measures involves conducting code enforcement inspections prior to the occupancy of newly constructed or renovated buildings to ensure that the buildings are built according to the approved plans. Annual code enforcement inspections are also conducted to ensure all fire protection and life safety features are maintained to the minimum standards of the Fire Prevention Code.

Once inspections are made, orders of corrections are given to property representatives stating allotted time to correct deficiencies. Failure to correct violations will result in the imposition of penalties, fines, and/or the filing of charges with the Environmental Health/Administrative Adjudication Office or Municipal Court.

Whenever it claimed that the provisions of the Fire Prevention code does not apply or has been incorrectly interpreted, the building owner may appeal the decision of the Chief of Fire Prevention to the Board of Building Standards and Appeals.

Community Programs

One of the most critical phases of fire prevention involves community outreach programs such as:

In 1999 the New Orleans Fire Department adopted the Standard Fire Prevention Code, 1997 Edition as revised for the City of New Orleans. The model section of this code is published by Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), however, the amendment section, which was developed by supervisors of the Fire Prevention Division, makes the code specific for use in New Orleans. Structures within Orleans Parish must be built to the minimum standards of the SBCCI Standard Building Code and must be maintained to the minimum standards of the SBCCI Standard Fire Prevention Code. The Fire Prevention Division code enforcement measures begin with the plan review process. Whenever a project requires a building permit, plans will most likely be required. Plans are submitted to the Department of Safety & Permits, to the Fire Prevention Division, and to the Office State Fire Marshal prior to obtaining a building permit to commence construction. During the plan review process, plan examiners review the building plans to ensure that the buildings' design complies with the minimum standards of the Standard Building Code, the Standard Fire Prevention Code, the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and all other applicable codes and standards which may be referenced. The next phase of fire prevention measures involves conducting code enforcement inspections prior to the occupancy of newly constructed or renovated buildings to ensure that the buildings are built according to the approved plans. Annual code enforcement inspections are also conducted to ensure all fire protection and life safety features are maintained to the minimum standards of the Fire Prevention Code. Once inspections are made, orders of corrections are given to property representatives stating allotted time to correct deficiencies. Failure to correct violations will result in the imposition of penalties, fines, and/or the filing of charges with the Environmental Health/Administrative Adjudication Office or Municipal Court. Whenever it claimed that the provisions of the Fire Prevention code does not apply or has been incorrectly interpreted, the building owner may appeal the decision of the Chief of Fire Prevention to the Board of Building Standards and Appeals.

Fire Safety Awareness Fairs
Smoke Detector Give-Away Programs
Fire Safety Presentations

Training & Certifications

The Fire Prevention Division is recognized as a Certified Bureau of the Louisiana State Fire Marshals Office. All Inspectors/Investigators are crossed trained and certified as a Fire Inspector by Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) or International Code Council (ICC) and are Certified Peace Officers commissioned by the New Orleans Police Department as Arson Investigators with full arrest powers. Inspectors/Investigators receive continuing education and practical training through LSU Fire Education Training Institute, National Fire Academy (NFA), Delgado Community College Fire Protection Technology program, and numerous other specialized seminars & workshops. Fire Prevention Division members belong to a variety of professional organizations including the International Association of Arson Investigators, Louisiana Association of Fire Prevention Chiefs, and the Louisiana Arson & Prevention Association.

Staffing

The Fire Prevention Division staff consists of:

Chief of Fire Prevention
Plan Examiner
(2) Senior Inspectors/Investigators
(9) Inspectors/Investigators
Administrative Support Specialist
Office Assistant III

Inquiries

You may contact the Fire Prevention Division at (504) 658- 4770 or 504 565-7851 Fax.

Office Location:
317 Decatur Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Hours Of Operation:
Monday thru Friday
9:00 am to 4:00 pm