A fire inspector works to make sure that homes and businesses are safe and secure for those people that live and work there.
If you have a good eye for detail, are interested in construction and fire management, and enjoy a job with a lot of variety, then you might like to become a fire inspector.
When you become a fire inspector, your job will involve attending new and existing buildings to analyze fire risk.
You will look at the structure of the building and ensure it adheres to safety regulations.
It’s also the role of a fire inspector to make sure there are adequate escape routes in case of emergency.
Education Requirements to Become a Fire Inspector
There are a few different paths you can take if you would like to become a fire inspector.
The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or a GED.
However, to secure a role without a college degree only usually occurs when a person has significant work experience in a similar area, such as in law enforcement or as a fire fighter.
These candidates are trained on the job and gain experience that way.
Another way to become a fire inspector is to complete a associates degree at community college with an emphasis on law enforcement and fire safety.
You could also complete a four year fire science degree at a traditional college.
In this setting you’ll learn about fire practices and safety, fire and arson investigation, fire regulations, and building codes.
In some states you may need licensure to become a fire inspector.
This usually involves paying a fee and taking a licensing exam.
Fire inspectors are also required to take part in continued education and professional development.
Fire Inspector Job Description
A fire inspector attends a range of structures such as businesses, offices, homes, and factories to ensure that they comply with local, state, and federal fire safety laws and regulations.
This could include the way dangerous materials are stored, that fire extinguishers are one hand, and that there are planned escape routes.
A fire inspector also attends a building to assess the risk of fire.
Some places may be of a high risk of fire, for instance if they were storing or transporting dangerous good such as fuel.
High rise apartment buildings may also need to adhere to special requirements, or buildings close to heavily forested areas.
If a fire inspector notices a regulation not being met, they will give the owner of the structure a written order to comply within a certain time period.
In some instances they may also be issued with a fine.
Often, a fire inspector will need to make a written report of all of their findings on an inspection.
Here are some of the duties of a fire inspector:
- Attend homes, buildings, offices, and factories
- Conduct fire safety inspections
- Note any regulations not being met
- Prepare a list of recommendations after inspection
- Prepare a written report of inspection findings
- Report and failure to meet a regulation to relevant authorities
Fire Inspector Salary and Career Path
A fire inspector is usually employed by a fire department, a law enforcement agency, or a state government.
A small proportion of fire inspectors are employed by large companies, and will visit different branches of the company to conduct inspections and make recommendations.
Working as a fire inspector is a good job to have if you want to make a difference to your community.
The findings you make when you become a fire inspector can help prevent a fire, the loss of property, as well as the possible injury or deaths.
The median salary for a fire inspector is between $46,000 and $61,000 a year.
The top 10% of earners make more than $69,000 a year.
Job prospects are good, as is job security.
Fire inspectors are often promoted to other roles within law enforcement.
They may become head investigators, or work to develop fire prevention plans.
Some similar roles to that of fire inspector include:
Working as a fire inspector is a good way to work in a secure role that also offers a good salary.
Currently there are good opportunities in this field, with predictions of strong growth in the future.