Fire Prevention Unit

The Fire Prevention Unit is comprised of two sections - Fire Marshals & Fire Inspectors. Fire Marshals conduct investigations of fire and explosion related incidents, as well as, incidents involving the release of hazardous materials and environmental crimes. Fire Inspectors enforce the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Property Maintenance Code and Fire Prevention Code, as well as, city ordinances such as; rodent abatement, inoperable vehicles, trash & debris disposal and unfit properties.

Supervisor
Robert Rodriguez, Chief Fire Marshal
703.746.4184
robert.rodriguez@alexandriava.gov

Staff Directory

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Fire Prevention Unit manages the following programs

Property Maintenance Inspection Program - assist in maintaining a standard of living in the City’s housing stock through the enforcement of minimum standards of the Virginia Maintenance Code, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and local ordinances. These laws regulate issues involving structural soundness, fire prevention, life safety, trash and debris, inoperable vehicles, tall grass and weeds, rodents, insect infestation and structural deficiencies. Inspections are conducted by staff throughout the City on a pro-active and complaint basis. Refer to the Nuisance Complaint Matrix for city departments responsible for specific type of complaints.

Vacant Building Registration Program - catalogs structures that have been unoccupied for a period in excess of a year that are not in violation of Code. Data is collected about the property owners and vacant properties must meet minimum exterior structural standards to avoid nuisance issues. Staff conducts inspections throughout the year to ensure that the buildings are maintained in a safe condition.
- Vacant Building Registration Form
Residential Rental Inspection Program - are annual inspections of rental properties. The inspection identifies possible violations of the Virginia Maintenance Code and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code regarding exterior and interior conditions of rental structures. The goal of the program is to ensure that property managers maintain rental units to the minimum standards of Code as defined in the Virginia Maintenance Code and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
Fire Prevention Permit Program - provides for annual inspections of properties that store or use hazardous materials or conduct hazardous processes such as welding, auto repair and processes involving the use of flammable or combustible liquids and gases. Additionally, the program includes annual inspections of all assembly and educational occupancies within the City to include restaurants, schools, churches, hotels and day care facilities. Permits are issued annually as part of the inspection process.
Unfit Property Program - is a program that maintains data on properties that have been declared unfit for human habitation. These properties are monitored for progress in correcting cited conditions to return to the housing stock to the minimum standards established by Code.
Daycare Inspection Program - ensures that proper fire safety and property maintenance measures are in place for in-home daycare operations. These inspections are conducted on an annual basis.
- Social Services, In-Home Daycare
Investigations Program – Fire Marshals conduct investigations of fire and explosion related incidents within the City, as well as incidents involving the release of hazardous materials and environmental crimes. Fire Marshals are empowered to conduct criminal investigations, make arrests and prepare cases for prosecution. Fire Marshals also investigate burn related injuries and construction accidents.