Fire Marshal

Purpose of Inspections
In order to preserve and protect public health and safety and to satisfy the requirements of N.C.G.S. 153A-364 and N.C.G.S. 160A-424, political subdivisions assuming inspection duties, as set out In N.C.G.S. 153A-351 and N.C.G.S. 160A-411, shall have a periodic inspection schedule for the purpose of identifying activities and conditions in buildings, structures and premises that pose dangers of fire, explosion or related hazards.

North Carolina Fire Code
The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

Southern Pines Fire & Rescue Fee Schedule

Fire prevention is everyone's responsibility. Keeping your surroundings accident free is also extremely important to avoid injury and even death.

Please apply for permits through the SmartGov link below.

Fire Prevention and Education

The goal of the Fire Department’s Fire & Life Safety Education Program is to prepare all shareholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to become safer, healthier citizens by enhancing their awareness of overall life safety.

The mission of the Fire & Life Safety Education Program is to increase the public’s knowledge and skills in areas of life safety and injury prevention. By educating shareholders about everyday hazards, we aim to make life safety education a lifelong learning process. Traditionally, fire departments have focused mainly on fire safety and fire education. However, as modern fire departments respond to a broader range of emergencies, our public education efforts must also evolve. Since our department responds to emergencies both large and small, we are committed to educating shareholders on how to handle and prevent a variety of emergencies.

The Fire & Life Safety Education Program promotes safety, prevents unintentional injuries, and teaches survival skills for a wide range of everyday hazards. Presentations are customized to meet the specific needs of the audience and may include follow-up sessions or activities if necessary. Educational sessions typically feature visuals, such as videos, working and non-working smoke detectors, and hands-on opportunities. Children can participate in the Fire Safety House, where they practice home fire safety, while adults can benefit from fire extinguisher training.

Examples of available presentations include (but are not limited to):

• Senior Citizen Fire Safety
• Beginning Bike Safety
• Evacuation Planning
• Home Fire Hazards
• Severe Weather Preparedness
• First Aid Basics
• Water Safety
• Pedestrian Safety

Educational opportunities can be offered in a variety of settings, including businesses, schools, community organizations, and social groups.

Fire Investigations

In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes, all fires—regardless of size, location, or circumstances—are required to be thoroughly investigated. Fire investigations are a critical function within fire service operations, serving not only legal and insurance purposes but also public safety interests. The primary objectives of an investigation are threefold: to determine the origin (or seat) of the fire, to establish the most likely cause, and to classify the nature of the incident.

Investigators begin by methodically examining the fire scene to pinpoint where the fire started. Understanding the origin is crucial, as it often provides vital clues to how the fire developed and spread. After identifying the origin, investigators work to determine the cause, which involves analyzing physical evidence, witness statements, and fire behavior patterns. Potential causes can range from electrical malfunctions, unattended cooking, mechanical failures, acts of nature such as lightning, or intentional human actions.

Once the investigation is complete, the fire is classified into one of four categories:

• Accidental: The fire was unintentional and resulted from an unplanned event.
• Natural: The fire was caused by a natural event without human involvement, such as a lightning strike.
• Incendiary: The fire was deliberately set with the intent to cause damage or harm.
• Undetermined: When, despite thorough investigation, the specific cause cannot be confidently established.

Accurate determination of fire causes serves an essential role beyond legal accountability. It provides critical insights that allow the fire department to design and implement targeted public education initiatives. By analyzing trends and common factors behind fire incidents, the department can proactively address risks, promote fire safety awareness, and ultimately work to prevent similar fires from occurring in the future.

Through diligent fire investigations, the department upholds its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the community’s overall well-being.