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Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
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$61,360
Average Salary
Fire inspectors examine buildings to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions.
DutiesFire inspectors typically do the following:
Fire investigators typically do the following:
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess fire hazards in both public and residential areas. They look for fire code infractions and for conditions that pose a wildfire risk. They also recommend ways to reduce fire hazards. During patrols, they enforce fire regulations and report fire conditions to their central command center.
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Fire inspectors and investigators typically have previous work experience as a firefighter or police officer, where many have completed a postsecondary educational program for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Workers attend training academies and receive on-the-job training in inspection and investigation.
Fire inspectors and investigators usually must pass a background check, which may include a drug test. Most employers also require inspectors and investigators to have a valid driver’s license, and investigators usually need to be U.S. citizens because of their police powers.
EducationBecause fire inspectors and investigators typically have previous work experience as a firefighter or police officer, many have completed a postsecondary educational program for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Some employers prefer candidates with a 2- or 4-year degree in fire science, engineering, or chemistry. For those candidates interested in becoming forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists, a high school education is typically required.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationMost fire inspectors and investigators are required to have work experience in a related occupation, such as firefighters or police officers. Some fire departments or law enforcement agencies require investigators to have a certain number of years within the organization or to be a certain rank, such as lieutenant or captain, before they are eligible for promotion to an inspector or investigator position. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists also may need experience working in the fire service before being hired.
TrainingTraining requirements vary by state, but programs usually include instruction in a classroom setting in addition to on-the-job training.
Classroom training often takes place at a fire or police academy over the course of several months. A variety of topics are covered, including guidelines for conducting an inspection or investigation, legal codes, courtroom procedures, protocols for handling hazardous and explosive materials, and the proper use of equipment.
In most agencies, after inspectors and investigators have finished their classroom training, they also receive on-the-job training, during which they work with a more experienced officer.
Employers, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and organizations, such as the National Fire Academy and the International Association of Arson Investigators, offer training programs in fire investigation.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsMany states have certification exams that cover standards established by the National Fire Protection Association. Many states require additional training for inspectors and investigators each year in order for them to maintain their certification.
The National Fire Protection Association also offers several certifications, such as Certified Fire Inspector and Certified Fire Protection Specialist, for fire inspectors. Some jobs in the private sector require that job candidates already have these certifications.
In addition, fire investigators may choose to pursue certification from a nationally recognized professional association, such as the Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) certification from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) or the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also offers a CFI certification, although the program is available only to ATF employees. The process of obtaining certification can teach new skills and demonstrate competency.
Fire investigators who work for private companies may have to obtain a private investigator license from their state.
Important QualitiesCommunication skills. Fire inspectors must clearly explain fire code violations to building and property managers. They must carefully interview witnesses as part of their factfinding mission.
Critical-thinking skills. Fire inspectors must be able to recognize code violations and recommend a way to fix the problem. They must be able to analyze evidence from a fire and come to a reasonable conclusion.
Detail oriented. Fire inspectors must notice details when inspecting a site for code violations or investigating the cause of a fire.
Integrity. Fire inspectors must be consistent in the methods they use to enforce fire codes. They must be unbiased when conducting their research and when testifying as an expert witness in court.
Physical strength. Fire inspectors may have to move debris at the site of a fire in order to get a more accurate understanding of the scene.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Fire Alarm Inspector
Top Careers After Fire Alarm Inspector
Gender
Male
91.2%Female
8.4%Unknown
0.4%Ethnicity
White
80.9%Hispanic or Latino
11.1%Asian
5.7%Unknown
1.9%Black or African American
0.4%Languages Spoken
Spanish
100.0%Fire Alarm Inspector
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
ECPI University
8.8%Heald College - Central Administrative Office
8.8%Porter and Chester Institute
8.8%Liberty University
8.8%Des Moines Area Community College
5.9%Pennsylvania State University
5.9%University of Phoenix
5.9%Massasoit Community College
5.9%Illinois Central College
5.9%Jackson State University
5.9%Trine University
2.9%Central Washington University
2.9%Louisiana State University and A&M College
2.9%Lexington Community College
2.9%ITT Technical Institute - Indianapolis
2.9%Lincoln Technical Institute
2.9%University of Dubuque
2.9%Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
2.9%Southeast Community College Area
2.9%Saint Joseph's University
2.9%Majors
Degrees
Other
34.8%Associate
28.5%Bachelors
21.5%Certificate
9.5%Diploma
4.4%Masters
1.3%Fire Alarm Inspector
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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SimplexGrinnell
Simplex Grinnell
Communications Engineering Company
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Fire Alarm Inspection at a Local High School
Fire Alarm - Inspection and Servicing