BUREAU OF FIRE Prevention

The Smyrna Bureau of Fire Prevention (BOFP) is a division of the Smyrna Fire Department and is under the leadership of the Fire Marshal, Division Chief Dustin Davey. The BOFP was established in 1970 after the city adopted its fire prevention code for the very first time. In 2022, the BOFP had a staff of four in addition to the fire marshal and administrative assistant positions. Sworn members of the Bureau are state certified inspectors, investigators, and state certified peace officers with general police powers as outlined by state law. The Bureau’s primary mission is to create a safer environment for our valued residents, members of our business community and all who visit our great city!

The BOFP accomplishes its mission through the enforcement of the state minimum fire safety standards and adopted municipal codes.

Primary functions of the BOFP include:

• Code compliance inspections through all phases of construction

• Review construction documents to ensure code compliance of proposed buildings and remodels

• Review business license applications

• Issue various permits

• Issue of Certificates of Occupancy

• Conduct fire & Life safety inspections of existing buildings and structures

• Ensure ADA compliance

• Conduct fire investigations

These efforts promote a fire safe environment through engineering, education, and enforcement.

Prevention 2021 Accomplishments

• Participated in the Smyrna 150th Celebration planning and execution.

• Attended training related to Community Risk Reduction.

• Fully implemented a web-based permit application process.

• Selected a vendor to complete Community Risk Assessment and Develop a Standards of Cover document.

• Filled an Administrative Assistant position.

• Initiated Part-Time Inspector Program with a focus on life safety system code compliance.

Fire Investigation

In addition to inspection activities, the Bureau functions as a coordinated team of fire investigators. Our team is comprised of the Fire Marshal and four additional state/nationally certified fire investigators. This group is charged with investigating the causes and circumstances of every fire occurring in the city which is of suspicious nature, or which involves loss of life or injury to any person.

In 2022, there were total of 129 fire incidents in the city. Of those 129 incidents, 21 were investigated to determine the origin and cause by fire investigators.