Fire Inspection and Fire Safety Education FSE

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Strong written and verbal communications skills are needed. Students will be required to write essays, and do public speaking and presentations.  Read and interpret statutes, regulations, directives and communiques. High school courses in Business and Technological Communication would be good preparation.

Math and Science Strong math skills needed to solve arithmetic problems (including geometry) quickly and accurately.  Calculations include building occupant loads, egressing capabilities, fire flows, flammable/combustible liquid volumes and flows. Data and statistical calculations and interpretations.
Strong interest and ability in chemistry and physics needed for work in fire dynamics and for fire investigations.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily). Mobile / tablet skills required (includes Windows based/Andriod/iOS devices)

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Self-motivated and ability to work independently
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Cope with, acknowledge and comply with authority
• Able to take charge and give up control to others as necessary
• Strong leadership abilities; able to provide clear directions to clients/public
• Work well under pressure
• Sound decision making and critical thinking skils
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Ability to work with a high attention to detail/ accuracy and procedural requirements
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (listening, fostering relationships, explaining, facilitating, mediating)
• Public speaking (presentations and providing education/training)
• Strong ethical standards, including personal integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Maturity and good judgment
• Ability to self-reflect
• Able to empathize with others
• Ability to comply with professional (industry) standards & expectations, i.e. wear uniform, follow rules of conduct, maintain honesty & integrity
• Able to manage emergencies and high risk situations; Able to manage personal stress and identify triggers
• Interest in vulnerable populations and working with diverse populations
• Willingness to do volunteer work, involvement in community is integral to career

Useful background experience for this program would be

• First Aid and CPR training
• Leadership experience
• Volunteering and commitment to community.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Within either the Public or Private sectors of Fire and Life Safety, graduates may:

• Perform building fire and life safety inspections to ensure compliance with applicable legislation (ie: Ontario Fire Code)
• Review and comment on building/site plans on matters of fire and life safety as per the Ontario Building Code
• Provide education and training in fire and life safety to a variety of audiences
• Understand and perform the basics of a fire scene investigation under the supervision of an experienced mentor/trainer.
• Define the community fire risk and determine operational requirements and public education and awareness initiatives

Places you may find yourself employed include

• Fire Prevention Officer with Municipal Fire Service (includes Fire Inspector, Public Fire Safety Educator, Public Information Officer)
• Fire Prevention Officer/Role at Municipal/Provincial/Federal levels (includes Fire Inspector, Public Fire Safety Educator, Public Information Officer)
• Fire and Life Safety Professional in the Private Sector (insurance, property management, asset management, certification/testing industry, private life safety, insurance industry, engineering/technical Industry)
• Provincial Offences Officer (Fire, Bylaw, Building etc.)

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• May work a regular five day, 40-hour week or a compressed work week with 10 or 12-hour shifts. Working after normal business hours, weekends and holidays is often required
• Work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather
• May be required to stand or walk for hours at a time - inspections, public information booths
• May work in stressful, emotional situations and sometimes work in dangerous situations such as post-fire scenes for investigations or with hoarding situations.  Observe safety precautions to avoid injury when working in these situations

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Inspect buildings and premises for compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and other statutes, regulations and standards
• Review building plans and inspect new construction for compliance with fire safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
• Perform investigations of post fire scenes to determine fire cause and origin and to determine fire safety issues related to the cause.
• Develop and deliver fire safety education programs to members of the community.
• Detailed notes of all activities and prepare accurate reports, sketches and summaries of findings.
• Provide testimony in Court and before boards
• Evaluate fire protection systems including municipal water supply for firefighting, fixed extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems and automatic sprinkler systems.
• Provide training to various client groups on fire prevention and protection subjects.
• Attend emergency situations to provide support and information to operations crews as needed.
• Prepare press releases, articles and web site presentations in support of fire department activities

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program:
• Students are eligible to write National Fire Protection (NFPA - www.nfpa.org) 1031 Inspector (1 and 2), Educator (1&2) and Information Officer through the Office of the Fire Marshal (https://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/FireMarshal/OFMLanding/OFM_main.html)
• Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE - www.ife.ca) - Graduates are eligible for certification as GIFireE.
• Opportunities for further development
• Graduates employed by a Municipal Fire Service will have continued education that is dependent upon what the Fire Department/Municipality delivers
• Continuing education may include fire prevention continuing development, fire officer training, supervisory education, enhanced education and investigation skills/tools etc.
• Associations and Organizations in the field of fire and life safety offer training, symposiums, continuing education credits 
• Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association (OMFPOA) - https://omfpoa.com/
• Canadian Fire Safety Association (CFSA) - www.canadianfiresafety.ca 
• Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) - www.ife.ca
• Canadian Fire Alarm Assocation (CFAA) - www.cfaa.ca
• Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA) - www.casa-firesprinkler.org

• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates have opportunities to transfer credits to a university degree program at Davenport 

Last Modified: November 22, 2022