The Newport News Fire Marshal's Office takes a proactive approach regarding the protection of lives and property by ensuring safe fire protection practices within the business and industrial community.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for enforcing the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code as well as applicable sections within the Code of the City of Newport News. Through a comprehensive combination of code enforcement and education, fire inspection personnel work with property owners and occupants to eliminate fire hazards that are found in commercial properties and other public buildings. They also issue permits for activities such as tents and public fireworks displays, and investigate complaints from the public.  Inspectors, who are sworn as conservators of the peace, provide annual inspections to an average of over 4,000 properties per year.

Investigators assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Office are responsible for investigating fires, explosives, explosions, and threats to burn. They may also be called to investigate and prosecute other related crimes committed in conjunction with one of the above incidents to include environmental issues. All uniformed personnel assigned to the Division are sworn law enforcement officers and work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Meet the Fire Marshal's Office Staff