The Fire Prevention Office provides for the safety of the citizens through inspections and strict enforcement of the Melbourne and state fire prevention codes, through fire investigations, and through community education. The office is a section of the Code Compliance Division of the Fire Department. To request inspections, information, classes, or presentations, or to give confidential information concerning a fire, or to request investigation reports, call the Fire Prevention Section at 321-608-7900.

Community Education Activities

Community educators of the Fire Prevention Section provide citizens with current fire and life safety information and techniques as well as safety tips for your home. Presentations include fire/life safety for children in day cares, pre-schools, elementary schools, and youth groups. Training is available in portable fire extinguisher use, hurricane preparedness, fire/life safety techniques, as well as fall prevention for the elderly, and fire drill procedures.

Juvenile Fire-Setter Intervention

This program was developed in response to an increasing need to educate children on the consequences of playing with fire. The program also teaches families to identify and control hazardous behaviors. The two-hour program allows families to identify the difference between natural curiosity and a behavioral problem, educates family members about behaviors that pose hazards, and develops an intervention plan. The final segment of the class focuses on fire safety in the home, including cooking safety and the effective use of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency escape drills. For information contact the Melbourne Fire Prevention Office at 321-608-7900.

Fire Inspection

All fire inspections, other than those for new construction, are assigned to the Fire Prevention Office. Inspections include day care, annual state required fire inspections, special activity permits, and commercial inspections. The office also reviews fire and evacuation plans for facilities including commercial and medical/health.

Fire Investigation

All fires within the City of Melbourne that cannot be readily identified as to the origin or cause are investigated by fire inspector/investigators. Trained fire investigators respond upon request of Fire Department operations personnel. Fire investigators also work closely with the Melbourne Police Department and State Fire Marshal's Office in the prosecution of arson crimes.

Assistance in Making Key Box Arrangements

The Fire Prevention Section can assist homeowners and business owners in arranging the purchase of “Knox Box” containers that can be mounted to structures to provide a key for emergency services personnel to enter their buildings without causing damage. Applications can be submitted online on the Knox website or at the Fire Prevention Office, along with payments. The boxes are then shipped directly to customers. For information call 321-608-7900.

Open Burning

For open burning (for clearing land, controlled burns, etc.) please complete the Florida Forest Service's Web-Based Open Burn Authorization Request or call 407-888-8760. The Forest Service will perform on-site inspections and compliance checks to ensure all restrictions are met and followed.