Fire Prevention Section

The Sonoma Valley Fire District's Fire Prevention Section is committed to a safe community for the residents and visitors of Agua Caliente, Boyes Hot Springs, City of Sonoma, Diamond-A, El Verano, Fetters Hot Springs, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Mayacamas, Temelec, and Seven Flags. We accomplish this through the principles of engineering, enforcement, and education, applying applicable international, state, and local fire codes, regulations, and standards to protect property from the hazards of fire, explosion, and dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, and to ensure the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during operations. The Section also coordinates fire and life safety review of incoming development projects, conducts regular commercial occupancy inspections, provides education and outreach to at-risk populations, and manages public information and fire investigations.

Plan Review

The Fire Prevention Section ensures that California Fire Code and NFPA standards are engineered into future projects throughout our community. Prevention staff conduct plan reviews and approvals, and provide technical expertise to developers, architects, contractors, the District's community development partners, and operational personnel. This review process is essential to ensure that current code requirements are applied to new and remodeled buildings, safeguarding life safety for occupants.

Special Events

The Prevention Section also oversees the extensive use of the Sonoma Valley's outdoor facilities for temporary special events during the summer months. Prevention staff coordinate life safety reviews and inspections of these events to protect public safety at large gatherings, including fairs, concerts, sporting events, and festivals, and conduct inspections related to outdoor cooking, trade shows, and other high-profile events involving tents.

 

Fire Investigations

Fire investigations are a crucial component of closing the loop after a fire occurs. An investigation determines whether the cause was arson, accident, equipment failure, or an act of God. When equipment failure is identified, it can be reported to national agencies to determine whether a broader pattern of faulty equipment exists, potentially triggering a recall or further investigation.