Life Safety Division
The Life Safety Division is responsible for plans review, fire prevention enforcement, fire safety inspections, and fire investigations. The Fire Marshal is state certified firefighter, state certified fire safety inspector and state certified law enforcement officer.
The Fire Marshal is designated by the Fire Chief as the authority having jurisdiction and is empowered by state statute and City of Edgewater Code of Ordinance. The Fire Marshal is a sworn law enforcement officer with the Edgewater Police Department.
The Fire Marshal is responsible for determining the cause and origin of all fires in the City of Edgewater. During a fire investigation the Fire Marshal will photograph the scene, collect evidence, interview witnesses, victims and owners.
Edgewater Fire Rescue crews and department staff attempt to inspect each commercial business in the City annually in an effort to reduce fire and life safety issues in the community. All new businesses in the City are inspected for building, fire and life safety code compliance prior to opening. All new commercial construction receives a review of the building plans to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes. Any new subdivision plans are reviewed to ensure all areas are accessible by emergency vehicles and to make sure there are adequate fire hydrants.
In 2015, 224 business inspections were completed by the Fire Marshal. Additionally, approximately 300 business inspections were performed by on duty fire personnel. The Fire Marshal reviewed 14 plans (building and site development) in 2014. Fire investigations are conducted by the Fire Marshal with assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s office if necessary. In 2015, 25 fire investigations were conducted in Edgewater.
Residential home safety surveys are available by calling 386-424-2400 Ext. 2200. These informal inspections will ensure smoke alarms are present and working, check heating and cooking systems for safety and make other recommendations about fire extinguishers, trip and fall hazards and safe chemical storage.
