Office of the Fire Marshal

Office of the Fire Marshal

The Office of the Fire Marshal works to protect the lives and property of those who live, work, and visit Auburn. Our responsibilities go beyond responding to fires. We work with business owners, contractors, property owners, and other City departments to identify fire and life-safety concerns, assist with new construction and development, investigate fires, and help ensure businesses operate safely.

Our work is centered around four primary areas:

Existing Building Surveys

Fire Department personnel conduct building surveys to become familiar with businesses and other buildings throughout the community. During these visits, personnel gather important information that could assist firefighters during an emergency, such as building access, fire protection systems, utility locations, hazardous materials, and other special conditions.

Building surveys also provide an opportunity to identify common fire and life-safety concerns, such as blocked exits, improper storage, or problems with required fire protection equipment. The goal is to work with property owners and businesses to correct hazards before they contribute to an emergency.

How do I request a building survey? A request can be made by emailing fireinspections@auburnal.gov or by calling 334-501-3231 ext. 4

Plan Review / Construction Permitting & Inspections

Throughout the plan review, permitting, and construction process, fire and life-safety requirements are addressed from the planning stages through completion of a project. Our office reviews plans for new construction, renovations, changes in building use, and fire protection systems. Depending on the project, this may include reviewing fire department access, fire hydrants and water supply, sprinkler and fire alarm systems, means of egress, occupant loads, and other fire and life-safety features.

Our office works closely with contractors, design professionals, property owners, and other City departments from permitting through final inspection and approval.

Do I need a permit? A list of applicable projects can be found through Inspection Services.

How do I obtain a permit? All permitting is conducted through our online permit portal.

Who do I contact if I have questions pertaining to plan review, permitting, and construction process? Information can be obtained by emailing fireinspections@auburnal.gov or by calling 334-501-3231 ext. 4

Fire Investigations

The Office of the Fire Marshal investigates fires and explosions when an investigation is needed to determine where and how an incident began.

Fire investigators examine the scene, document evidence, interview witnesses, and evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigations are conducted using recognized fire investigation practices with the goal of determining the origin and cause of the fire whenever the available evidence allows.

Information learned through fire investigations can also help identify fire hazards, improve public education, and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Business Licenses

Through the City’s business license process fire department personnel review businesses for applicable fire and life-safety requirements.

Depending on the type of business and how the building will be used, a fire and life-safety inspection may be required before the business opens or as part of the licensing process. During these inspections, personnel may review exits, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, occupant loads, storage practices, and other conditions related to the safe operation of the business.

Our goal is to help business owners understand the requirements that apply to their property and address potential safety concerns so they can operate safely within our community.

Where do I start with obtaining business license? Forms can be located through the City of Auburn Revenue Department.

What do I do after getting the form? After completing the entire business registration form and speaking with a representative from the revenue department, please email page 3 with applicant information and Section 1 completed to fireinspections@auburnal.gov.

Once received, a staff member will reach out to you to setup an inspection.