Preventing fires is just as important as fighting them. At the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, that philosophy is front and center within the Fire Prevention Division, which is led by Chief Kevin Jones. Chief Jones also serves as Jacksonville's Fire Marshal.

Each year, the personnel within Fire Prevention interact with more than 20,000 local businesses and places of assembly, including schools and churches, to ensure fire safety and compliance with fire codes. The division also reviews commercial plans for new business construction so these facilities will meet fire codes, which protect the safety of all occupants, as well as the fire suppression requirements of first responders, such as points of access and adequate water connections. These fire inspections are authorized by state laws adopted by the City of Jacksonville and the local Fire Marshal’s Office, which is housed within JFRD’s Fire Prevention Division.

Fire Prevention also oversees the fulfillment of the Mayor’s Home Fire Safety Program through the installation of free smoke detectors for any qualifying Jacksonville resident living in a single-family or two-family residence. Call 630-CITY (2489) for more information.

Public education and outreach regarding home fire safety is another responsibility of Fire Prevention. This programming mainly includes fire safety presentations at schools and to various community groups including an annual Fire Prevention Week community event for local schools in October.

Click here for more information on home fire safety