Division of Code Enforcement / Fire Marshal

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The mission of the Fire Prevention Division it to prevent the loss of life or injury and property damage through code enforcement, fire prevention education, and fire investigations. The code enforcement program includes routine inspections of all commercial occupancies for compliance with the NC Fire Prevention Code, construction plan reviews and inspections for new construction, additions, and alterations, and other fire protection system inspections when required.  Our fire prevention and education program offers several education programs on a wide variety of fire safety topics.  Some of these programs include general fire safety education, fire extinguishers in the workplace, station tours, and participation in many charity and community events. Lastly in our efforts to reduce loss of life and property damage we are responsible for the investigation of fires to determine their origin and cause.  The primary purpose of the investigations is to prevent future fires.  

Fire inspections in North Carolina are governed by a combination of state statutes and administrative codes, which outline the procedures, responsibilities, and importance of these inspections in ensuring public safety and compliance with fire safety standards. Although the specific documents from the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) or administrative code detailing fire inspections were not directly accessible through the provided resources, the framework for these regulations is established under the broader scope of the state's building and fire safety codes.

The purpose of fire inspections in North Carolina, as in other jurisdictions, is multifaceted and includes:

1. Ensuring Compliance: Fire inspections help ensure that buildings and facilities comply with established fire safety standards and codes. This includes checking for proper fire exits, functioning fire alarms and sprinkler systems, appropriate storage of flammable materials, and adherence to occupancy limits, among other criteria.

2. Identifying Hazards: Inspectors identify potential fire hazards that could pose risks to occupants or property. This proactive approach helps in mitigating risks before they can contribute to a fire incident.

3. Educating Property Owners and Occupants: Fire inspections also serve an educational role, informing property owners, managers, and occupants about fire risks and prevention strategies. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining ongoing compliance and enhancing safety awareness.

4. Enhancing Public Safety: Ultimately, the primary importance of fire inspections lies in their role in enhancing public safety. By ensuring compliance, identifying hazards, and educating the public, fire inspections help reduce the likelihood of fire incidents, minimize potential damage from fires when they do occur, and save lives.

For specific regulations and detailed procedures related to fire inspections in North Carolina, reference to the North Carolina General Statutes and the administrative codes is necessary. These documents outline the legal framework and authority for conducting fire inspections, including the roles and responsibilities of fire inspectors, the frequency of inspections, and the enforcement actions that can be taken in case of non-compliance.

It's important for those involved in property management, construction, and safety compliance to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure their properties are safe, compliant, and conducive to the well-being of their occupants. For the most current and comprehensive understanding of fire inspection requirements in North Carolina, consulting the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal and the relevant state statutes and administrative codes is recommended.

The City of Thomasville publishes our Code of Ordinances to Municode. This is a free service for visitors to access documents and ordinances. To visit this site, please follow this link to https://library.municode.com/nc/thomasville.

If you have questions about the Fire Prevention Division or the services we provide to our community please feel free to contact us. 

G Pressley
Glen Pressley
Division Chief of Code Enforcement
Fire Marshal
(336) 475-5527
Glen.Pressley@thomasville-nc.gov