Fire prevention programs and public education make our city a safer and healthier place.

Areas Within Public Safety

Fire Investigations

Any fire or explosion that results in property damage, injury or death (as well as those considered to have been deliberately set) is thoroughly investigated by the Fire Investigation team to determine the origin, cause and circumstance(s).

When required, Fire Investigators will consult experts from other city departments, government agencies and private organizations to determine the cause of fires.

Some of the duties performed by Fire Investigations include:

  • Examining and photographing the area of the fire, preserving valuable evidence
  • Working with specially trained fire dog Grover to search the fire scene for the presence of accelerants
  • Interviewing building owners and occupants, witnesses and responding rescue crews for any information relating to the fire
  • Working with the Emergency Support Response Team (ESRT) to assist displaced persons or families
  • Liaising with insurance adjusters
  • Assisting the Edmonton Police Service whenever Fire Investigations determine that criminal activity has occurred

Learn more about how to prevent arson at home and what to do after a fire.

Fire Inspections

Through the City's Quality Management Plan (QMP), Fire Prevention Officers are charged with conducting an average of 16,000 inspections each year to ensure buildings in Edmonton are in compliance with the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition), reference standards and bylaws.

The QMP also includes all other requests for services such as shut off notices, fire drills, business licences, occupant load calculations and Fire Safety Plan reviews. About Fire Prevention.

Fire Prevention and Public Education

Fire Prevention employees are responsible for providing services and implementing programs that help reduce the number of fires that occur in Edmonton.

Engineering Learning and Innovation

Engineering Learning and Innovation (ELI) strives for technical and operational innovation by providing expert opinions, engineering analysis, education, and recommendations for constant improvement for both Public Safety and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief of Public Safety, ELI is broken into 2 disciplines:

  1. Engineering application
  2. Learning/education

The group consists of 3 Fire Protection Engineers and 2 Safety Codes Officers who are responsible for the development, planning and coordination of technical training for Public Safety staff and partner agencies. They are also responsible for the review and application of fire and life safety standards through the entire development process of the City.