Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
43 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Fire Inspectors and Investigators: $78,060 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Record information about suspects or criminals. | General |
| Prepare investigation or incident reports. | General |
| Testify at legal or legislative proceedings. | General |
| Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures. | General |
| Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning. | General |
| Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras. | General |
| Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires. | General |
| Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations. | General |
| Educate the public about fire safety or prevention. | General |
| Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations. | General |
| Issue permits or other legal documents. | General |
| Write operational reports. | General |
| Identify actions needed to bring properties or facilities into compliance with regulations. | General |
| Inform others about laws or regulations. | General |
| Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents. | General |
| Train personnel to enhance job skills. | General |
| Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures. | General |
| Provide safety training. | General |
| Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks. | General |
| Interview people to gather information about criminal activities. | General |
| Investigate crimes committed within organizations. | General |
| Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence. | General |
| Train employees in proper work procedures. | General |
| Direct fire fighting or prevention activities. | General |
| Analyze crime scene evidence. | Analysis |
| Evaluate employee performance. | Analysis |
| Develop fire safety or prevention programs or plans. | Development |
| Attend training to learn new skills or update knowledge. | Maintenance |
| Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations. | Maintenance |
| Maintain fire fighting tools or equipment. | Maintenance |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| Consolidated Model of Fire and Smoke Transport CFAST | Analytical or scientific software |
| Email software | Electronic mail software |
| Fire Dynamics Software FDS | Analytical or scientific software |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
| Xerox Government systems FIREHOUSE Software | Human resources software |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software |
| Code database software | Data base user interface and query software |
| National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS | Data base user interface and query software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Building Official | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Certified Fire Inspector I | National Fire Protection Association | Not Available |
| Certified Fire Inspector II | National Fire Protection Association | Not Available |
| Certified Fire Investigation Instructor | National Association of Fire Investigators | Not Available |
| Certified Fire Investigator | International Association of Arson Investigators | Not Available |
| Certified Fire Plan Examiner I | National Fire Protection Association | Not Available |
| Certified Fire Protection Specialist | National Fire Protection Association | Not Available |
| Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator | National Association of Fire Investigators | Not Available |
| Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Certified Residential Fire Alarm Inspector | Electronic Security Association | Not Available |
| Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator | National Association of Fire Investigators | Not Available |
| Commercial Fire Alarm Inspector | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Commercial Fire Sprinkler Inspector | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Fire Inspector I | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Fire Inspector II | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Fire Plans Examiner | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Fire and Smoke Damper Contractor | International Certification Board | Not Available |
| Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor | International Certification Board | Not Available |
| Fire and Smoke Damper Technician | International Certification Board | Not Available |
| Incident Safety Officer Certification | Fire Department Safety Officers Association | Not Available |
| Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies | Not Available |
| Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System Technician | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Smoke Control Systems Technician | International Certification Board | Not Available |