Fire Prevention Bureau

The Fire Prevention Bureau is a critical component of the Porterville Fire Department's effort to protect the citizens of Porterville against the loss of life and property due to fire.

Under the leadership of the Fire Marshal, the mission of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to prevent or limit the occurrence of fire incidences, to make sure buildings are safe to occupy, to ensure proper egress is always available, to make certain fire protection systems are in place and maintained, and effectively utilize the principles of engineering, education and enforcement to protect our citizens, our workplace, our homes and our environment from the ravages of fire.

The Fire Prevention Bureau enforces all applicable life safety and fire protection requirements of the California Fire and Building Code, Mechanical and Electrical Code., Title 19, California Residential Code, City of Porterville Municipal Code and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards.

Fire and Life Safety Inspections

The Bureau reviews all new commercial building plans prior to permits being issued. A fire inspector works with Building Department plan reviewers to ensure all building plans comply with national, state and local codes. A fire inspector inspects new construction sites to ensure that the final product reflects the design criteria on approved building plans.  The fire inspector tests all fire protection, smoke evacuation and fire alarm systems to ensure they are functional and meet fire code compliance.  A certificate of occupancy (CO) or completion is not issued until all fire and building inspections have passed. Once a CO has been issued, fire inspectors continue to conduct annual inspections to ensure compliance is maintained.

Fire Investigation Unit

Another important function of the Fire Prevention Bureau is the investigation of fires to determine the origin and cause. The Bureau has established a Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) for that purpose. The FIU is staffed with four on-call fire investigators. The Unit responds to fire and/or hazardous incidents when called out by an on-scene Incident Commander (IC).   

Fire investigators generally respond to incidents involving:

• Fires believed to be intentionally set
• Fires involving juveniles (includes gang activity)
• Fires that require additional alarm response
• Fires involving a fatality or injury to civilians and/or firefighters
• Fires involving high dollar loss
• Acts of terrorism (i.e. fire bombing, other related types of bombings, structural sabotage, etc.)
• Hazardous conditions that present an immediate threat to life safety (i.e. assembly overcrowding, blocked exits, building collapse, compromised fire protection and detection systems, etc.)
• Other related hazards and/or fires when requested by an on-scene incident commander

Public Education

The Public Education Officer functions in the Fire Prevention Division and is overseen by the Fire Marshal. Personnel are primarily responsible for fire prevention education and outreach services in the City of Porterville. Some of these services are:

Preschool Fire Safety Education

Emphasis is placed on specific fire safety knowledge and actions. This program teaches fire safety awareness and skills to children aged 3-5 years in the local pre-schools.

Elementary School Fire Safety Education

Fire Safety at this level is based on the E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills in the Home) programs. Behaviors include, but are not limited to:  Stop, Drop, and Roll, playing with matches, crawl low under smoke, calling 911, kitchen fire safety and testing and maintaining smoke alarms.

Fire Station Tours

We open our doors to interested groups and schools that want to view our fire stations. An age appropriate fire safety message is included in all fire station tours. Every visitor leaves with a better understanding of fire safety and fire department operations.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Having a fire extinguisher on the wall of your office is a good thing, but do you know how to use it? Is it the right type? Do you know what it's there for? The Public Education staff of the Porterville Fire Department will help provide the answers to these and other important questions about fire extinguishers. Our Fire Extinguisher Training Program is a digital, interactive, hands-on program that's fun, exciting and informative. This hands-on class is also offered to local businesses. Different types of fire are discussed, as well as how to choose the correct fire extinguisher. Using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep), participants are instructed on proper and safe use of extinguishers. Our realistic, self-generating digital flames respond directly to the trainee’s actions. The self contained system can be safely operated where live fire training is not possible.