Fire Prevention Division

The Fire Prevention Division of Flagler County Fire Rescue is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property through a comprehensive approach to fire safety and prevention. A key responsibility of the division is conducting fire safety inspections of commercial buildings and vacation rentals, making sure business are safe for visitors and identifying potential hazards. While working with the Building Department, the division reviews new construction plans to confirm compliance with fire safety standards into the county’s growth and development. The division also conducts fire investigations to determine the origins and causes of fires. Beyond these technical roles, the Fire Prevention Division actively engages in public education and outreach, offering programs designed to inform residents and visitors about fire safety practices. Through community events, educational workshops, and partnerships with local organizations, the division fosters a culture of fire awareness and prevention, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of Flagler County.

Contact Information:

Phone – 386-313-4258

Email – firemarshal@flaglercounty.gov

Have 'Two Ways Out'

Flagler County fire officials continually urge residents to plan two ways out of each and every room.

“You may have as little as two minutes to safely escape a typical home fire from the time you hear the smoke alarm,” said Flagler County Fire Marshal Jerry Smith. He said escape planning and practice are critical.

Nearly 23 percent of Americans are aware that each room in a home should have at least two exits, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Three in five people think they have longer than two minutes to escape safely.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out.”

Flagler County Fire Marshal Jerry Smith said a home escape plan should include the following:

Working smoke alarms – on every level, in every bedroom and near all sleeping areas.
Two ways out of every room – typically a door and a window.
A clear path to an outside meeting place – like a light pole or mailbox that is a safe distance away from the home.

“Don’t just practice during the daylight, but practice at night too,” Smith said. “Your house looks very different when it’s dark.”

Home Fire Safety Checklist(PDF, 58KB) (Printable Copy)

Be Firewise!

Homeowner Checklist

Clear needles, leaves and other debris from the roof, gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This reduces the chances of embers igniting the home.
To reduce ember penetration, replace or repair loose or missing roof shingles or tiles, and caulk any gaps or openings on roof edges.
Cover exterior attic vents, and enclose under-eave and soffit vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent embers from entering the home.
Remove items stored under decks or porches; replace vegetation in these areas with rock or gravel.
Replace mulch with hardscaping, including rock, gravel or stone. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch the house, deck or porch.
Remove flammable items within 30 feet of all structures including firewood piles, portable propane tanks and dry and dead vegetation.
Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire so keep the lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, trim it to reduce fire intensity, and don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
Fire can spread to tree tops. For tall trees on the property, prune low hanging branches 6 to 10 feet from the ground and for smaller trees, prune low hanging branches no more than a third of the tree’s height. Remove tall grasses, vines and shrubs from under trees.
Talk to neighbors and create a plan for how to address challenges together.

Wildfire Home Safety Preparedness(PDF, 348KB) (Printable Copy)

Annual Fire Inspection Checklist

(PDF, 549KB)