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Fire Inspectors inspect the premises and equipment of public buildings and industrial plants to detect fire hazards and make suggestions to eliminate them.

Job Duties 

Fire Inspectors may:

Examine interiors and exteriors of existing buildings for violations of local ordinances and state laws

Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to be sure the structures meet fire and safety building codes

Observe tests of equipment, such as gasoline storage tanks and air compressors

Inspect storage conditions of flammable and other hazardous materials

Check the number and working condition of fire escapes and doors

Use facts gathered during inspections to either issue permits attesting to safe operating conditions or to prepare reports of fire code violations

Inform the owner or manager of conditions requiring correction, such as faulty wiring or unsafe storage facilities

Issue summons for fire hazards not corrected before subsequent inspection and enforce fire codes when owner refuses to cooperate

Prepare reports on activities and keep files of fire inspection records

Tools, equipment, and work aids used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Fire Inspectors may specialize in these areas:

373.267-010 FIRE INSPECTORS inspect the premises and equipment of public buildings and industrial plants to detect fire hazards and make suggestions to eliminate them.

373.367-010 INDUSTRIAL FIRE INSPECTORS work in a manufacturing establishment. They inspect fire-extinguishing and fire-protection equipment to ensure it is operable and prepare reports listing any repairs or replacements needed. Industrial fire inspectors also patrol plant areas, noting and investigating unsafe conditions and practices which might cause or increase fire hazards. In addition, they may instruct employees in fire safety practices.

379.687-010 FIRE-EXTINGUISHER-SPRINKLER INSPECTORS inspect and test sprinkler valves, pipes, hoses, and hose houses of fire safety apparatus in industrial plants, offices, apartment buildings and similar structures.

373.267-014 FIRE MARSHALS are employed by the government to investigate and gather facts to determine the cause of fires or explosions and enforce fire laws.

373.267-018 FIRE-INVESTIGATOR LIEUTENANTS investigate and analyze evidence of fires, to determine the cause and may testify as an expert witness in court.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Fire Inspectors usually work under the general supervision of a head Fire Inspector or fire marshal. Most Fire Inspectors perform their work alone, although they may occasionally work as a member of a team.

They may work indoors as well as outdoors, depending on the inspection being performed. They may be exposed to excessive noise and fumes inside manufacturing plants, and to various weather conditions when performing outdoor inspections.

Fire Inspectors may work a full 40-hour, 5-day week when employed by large city fire departments, insurance companies, and manufacturing plants. Inspectors employed by small cities and towns are usually fire fighters who perform part-time fire prevention and inspection activities.

Some night and weekend work may be necessary to inspect establishments such as theaters and nightclubs which are not open during the day. A significant amount of travel is generally required. However, travel is limited to one geographic area and usually does not require overnight stays.

Depending on the employer, Fire Inspectors may be required to pay union dues to such unions as the International Association of Fire Fighters. Many Fire Inspectors join and pay membership fees to professional associations, such as the National Fire Protection Association and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving business contact with people

• Activities concerned with the communication of information

• Activities which help and protect people

You Should Be Able To:

• Make decisions using personal judgment, logic and verifiable

criteria

• Communicate effectively with others

• Visualize flat drawings or pictures as three-dimensional objects

• Deal effectively with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

How much current is drawn from a 12 volt battery when a 150 ohm resistor is connected across its terminals?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

This huge consumption of electricity has prompted the federal government to set minimum efficiency limits for refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water heaters, dishwashers, heat pumps, and so forth.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining the violations that are occurring at different places of business.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to inspect a structure and then decide what has to be changed so that the structure meets the fire code.

Fire Inspectors who are employed by fire departments must meet age and physical requirements, and pass written and medical exams. Some applicants may also be required to undergo a background investigation and pass a physical performance test. Although not required for employment, some Fire Inspectors may obtain certification from the Fire Fighter's Training Council of the Michigan Department of State Police. A maximum of 30 employees from fire departments across the state are selected each year by the Training Council and local municipalities to participate in a 4-week training program leading to certification.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2700 PHYSICAL EDUCATION , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

062 FIRE SCIENCE

Programs in Fire Science provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment as Fire Fighters, arson investigators, or Fire Fighting Supervisors.

On-the-job training requirements include a minimum of 66-hours of classroom instruction to become a volunteer Fire Fighter and 240 hours of classroom instruction to become a full-time professional Fire Fighter. Experienced Fire Fighters with demonstrated ability and training may become Fire Fighting Supervisors.

Course content may include:

                 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan . For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

FIREFIGHTERS

Military bases have their own protection services, including fire departments. Military firefighting units are responsible for protecting lives and property from fire. Firefighters put out, control, and help prevent fires in buildings, aircraft, and aboard ships.

What They Do

Firefighters in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate pumps, hoses, and extinguishers

• Force entry into aircraft, vehicles, and buildings in order to fight fires and rescue personnel

• Drive firefighting trucks and emergency rescue vehicles

• Give first aid to injured personnel

• Inspect aircraft, buildings, and equipment or fire hazards

• Teach fire protection procedures

• Repair firefighting equipment and fill fire extinguishers

Physical Demands

Good vision without glasses and clear speaking voice are required to enter some specialties in this occupation. Firefighters have to climb ladders and stairs. They must also be able to lift and carry injured personnel.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include health and general science. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to remain clam under stress

• Willingness to risk injury to help others

• Ability to think and act decisively

Work Environment

Firefighters work indoors and outdoors while fighting fires. They are exposed to the smoke, heat, and flames of the fires they fight.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 11 weeks of classroom training, including practice in fighting fires. Course content typically includes:

• Types of fires

• Firefighting equipment operations

• Firefighting procedures

• Fist aid procedures

• Rescue procedures

Further training occurs on the job. The Army and the Navy offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian firefighters work for city and county fire departments, other government agencies, and industrial firms. They perform duties similar to those performed by military firefighters, including rescue and salvage work.

Opportunities

The services have about 2,200 firefighters. On average, they need about 350 new firefighters each year. After training, new firefighters perform work under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and may supervise others. Eventually, they may become chiefs of base fire departments or similar units.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for experience include summer jobs with government employers, such as the National Park and Forest Service; with private employers, such as manufacturing companies; volunteer work as a part-time fire fighter; postsecondary fire science programs; and military service.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Fire Inspector employer

internships

volunteer work with a Fire Inspector employer

community service work with an agency

Methods of entering the fire inspection field include direct application to local civil service commissions and other employers. Assistance may also be available from high school or college placement offices, local unions, or a local office of Michigan Works!. Job openings may also be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

The National Park Service ( http://www.sep.nps.gov )

                You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Fire Inspectors vary depending on employer, geographic location, experience, and individual qualifications.

Nationally, the annual median salary for Fire Inspectors was $36,296 in 1998.

In Michigan , Fire Inspectors employed by the following city governments had annual earnings of (1998-99):

Fire Safety Inspectors employed by Oakland County earned from $33,350 to $43,412 per year (1999), while those employed by the State of Michigan earned from $27,477 to $52,125 per year (1999).

Most Fire Inspectors receive paid vacations and holidays; life, hospitalization, and disability insurance; retirement plans; and sick leave. Some also receive dental, prescription, and/or optical benefits. Fire Inspectors who work for fire departments may also receive death duty payments (special benefits paid to the families of workers who die on the job).

Fire Inspectors employed in industrial firms may follow a career ladder that goes from trainee, Fire Fighter, Fire Inspector to office or head of a Fire Prevention Bureau. Advancement opportunities depend on the employer and on factors such as seniority, demonstrated ability to perform increasingly more responsible work, ratings by supervisors, and scores on written and/or oral examinations.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 14,300 Fire Inspectors employed in 1996. Employment of Fire Inspectors is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Almost all of the fire inspectors were employed by local and state government agencies. A few were employed by manufacturers, insurance companies and other employers.

Nationally, Fire Inspectors in manufacturing and other private industries, and fire safety education specialists in general are needed. Employers look for experienced Fire Inspectors to reduce fire hazards, keep insurance premiums low and minimize property losses. Stricter safety codes are also increasing the need for Inspectors to make sure buildings qualify for permits.

Approximately 440 Fire Inspectors are employed in Michigan . Most Fire Inspectors were employed in urban areas.

The employment of Fire Inspectors is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations in Michigan through the year 2005. An average of 10 annual opening is expected to replace workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. A few job openings are expected to occur as some workers change jobs or occupations.

Budget cutting by many local governments has reduced the number of civil service employees in Michigan , including Fire Inspectors. Also, because of the unusually low turnover in this field, there are normally more applicants than jobs available.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Fire Inspector can be summarized by the following:

  MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development