Fire Prevention

The Fire Prevention Bureau is under the direction of Administrative Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal, Michelle Rudaitis.

Fire Prevention’s Role

Fountain Valley Fire Department’s  Fire Prevention Division  is responsible for community education and preparedness, emergency planning, fire prevention, code enforcement, fire inspections, Hazardous Materials Disclosure, and plan check services for new and tenant improvement construction projects. The Fire Prevention Division is focused on the prevention of the loss of life and property and damage to the environment through education, enforcement, and preparedness. We are committed to providing the highest level of service and expertise in partnership with our community

Fire Investigation

Our fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires. With additional focus is on identifying factors that can be used to lessen the number of fires in the future. Data from fire investigations can help enhance inspection procedures, public education programs, and fire suppression activities. 

Fire Safety Inspections

Commercial occupancies are included in the inspection program; the majority of which are conducted by the Department’s firefighters. Highly technical inspections, such as schools, care facilities, hospitals, and similar institutions are inspected by the Fire Prevention Division's staff.

Hazardous Materials

The Hazardous Materials Disclosure / Business Emergency Plan (HMD/BEP) for questions or assistance on this program, please contact Fire Prevention Analyst, Thang Nguyen at 714-593-4542 or  Thang.Nguyen@fountainvalley.gov

Plan Review

Fire Prevention staff works with developers, architects, and engineers to ensure that fire protection requirements are met for building improvements, new development, and structural modifications. Plans are reviewed to ensure the proposed fire suppression systems meet the California Fire Code, Fountain Valley Municipal Code, and the National Fire Prevention Association codes and standards. Conducting plan reviews ensures the safety of the building occupants, guests, and first responders. 

The following codes are enforced:

• California Fire Code
• Fountain Valley adopted amendments to the California Fire Code
• National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards

Public Education

Public education is a joint effort by the entire staff of the Fountain Valley Fire Department, whether it be requests for school fire safety programs, fire station tours, disaster preparedness talks for community groups, or our annual fire station Open House in October, public education is a high priority for all members of the department.