• Mission
• Fees (PDF)
• Fire Departments
• Firefighter's Museum
• Fire Investigations
• History
• Prevention & Safety
• Staff

MISSION STATEMENT

The Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office assists in coordinating fire department functions in the County, while keeping the Board of Commissioners informed of fire department activities by working with and through the Director of Emergency Services. The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for conducting a regular fire inspection program of all public buildings to improve public safety. This office strives to combat the crime of arson and unlawful burning by working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies. Fire Prevention & Safety Education remains a constant goal. The Fire Marshal’s Office endeavors to make every citizen aware of the dangers of fire, and continues a viable fire safety program with the school system and other interested parties. A division of Emergency Services, the Fire Marshal’s Office also assists with Emergency Management needs in Hazardous Incident responses, testing and certification of fire department equipment, and other related functions.

FIRE INSPECTIONS

Many fires can be prevented through fire inspections and code enforcement. Fire inspections are performed by certified code enforcement officers on a predetermined schedule. The North Carolina Fire Prevention Code serves as the required compliance code along with other building and safety codes. Other inspection responsibilities include issuing permits on 29 different areas including permits for above ground and underground tank installation and removal, fireworks, blasting, tent structures, and inspections of facilities selling alcoholic beverages. The Fire Marshal’s Office also assists with building plans review of new and remodeled buildings. For more information on Fire Inspections, contact the Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office at 828-465-8238.

FIRE INVESTIGATIONS

Another part of preventing fires is by fire investigations. By determining the cause and origin of a fire, the Fire Marshal’s Office can better educate and protect the public from the dangers of fire and possibly prevent repeat occurances through public education. If a fire is determined to be suspicious or the result of arson, a full investigation is done by certified fire scene investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire and to work through the courts to bring the fire setter to justice. Any information concerning suspicious fires should be reported to the Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office by calling 828-465-8238. After hours call 828-464-3112 (Communications Center).

FIRE PREVENTION & SAFETY EDUCATION

The best way to reduce the damages of a fire is to prevent it. Fire Prevention & Life Safety Education is one way to do this. Organized safety training and classes are performed throughout the county by local fire department personnel and certified fire safety educators from the Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire prevention guidelines and safety tips are made available to the public through the use of lectures, visual aids, hands on practice, puppets, robots, and tours of the Catawba County Firefighter’s Museum and local fire departments. For more information about available programs, activities and scheduling, contact the Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office at 828-465-8238.

FIRE MARSHAL OFFICE STAFF