Fire Prevention Division

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Our division is committed to safeguarding our community through a comprehensive range of services. We focus on community education and preparedness, emergency planning, fire prevention, and code enforcement to ensure safety at every level. Our responsibilities include conducting fire inspections, managing vegetation to reduce wildfire risks, and providing thorough plan review services for new developments and tenant improvement projects.

Our mission is to prevent the loss of life, protect property, and preserve our environment through proactive education, diligent enforcement, and strategic preparedness. By partnering with the community, we strive to deliver the highest level of expertise and service, working together to make Newport Beach a safer place for everyone.

Below, you will find details about the various programs we offer. We encourage you to explore them and learn more about how the Fire Prevention Division serves our community.

James Gillespie, Fire Marshal

jgillespie@nbfd.net

Fire Inspection Programs

The Newport Beach Fire Prevention Division oversees inspections for over 1,300 commercial occupancies. The majority of these inspections are conducted by the Department’s firefighters, ensuring that businesses comply with fire safety standards. For more specialized facilities, such as schools, care facilities, hospitals, and similar institutions, inspections are performed by the Fire Prevention Division’s highly trained staff.

These inspections play a critical role in maintaining a safe environment for building occupants and first responders, ensuring compliance with applicable fire codes and standards.

Fire Plan Check

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, Newport Beach Municipal Code and the National Fire Prevention Association codes and standards. This review process ensures the safety of the building occupants, guests, and first responders.

The following codes and standards are enforced:

Plan Review Information:

Over-the-counter reviews on Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and on Friday by appointment only.
100 Civic Center Drive, Bay C, 1st Floor.
Call for an appointment 949-644-3106.
Plan Check Status

Wildfire Mitigation Programs

Fire Prevention provides annual inspection services for residential properties within the city’s wildland interface areas. Special Fire Protection Areas are inspected annually to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Structures built adjacent to these areas must meet specific building code requirements outlined in the City of Newport Beach Municipal Code.

Fire Special Event Permits

The Fire Prevention Division supports special events within the city by ensuring that fire safety measures are in place. Whether it’s a large public gathering or a private event, our team works to minimize risks and maintain a safe environment for attendees.

Community Outreach / Public Education

Community education is a cornerstone of our mission. The Fire Prevention Division provides programs and resources to educate residents and businesses about fire safety, emergency preparedness, and risk reduction. Through partnerships with schools, community groups, and local organizations, we aim to empower the community with knowledge and tools to stay safe.

Hazardous Materials

The Hazardous Materials disclosure / Business Emergency Plan (HMD/BEP) is administered by Orange County Health Care Agency's Environmental Health Division (OCHCA). New businesses can complete its HMD/BEP electronically at Cers.calepa.ca.gov. Fore questions or assistance on this program, please contact OCHCA at 714-433-6000 or ocelectronicreporting@ochca.com.

Reporting a Fire Code Violation or Concern

Fire safety is a top priority in Newport Beach, and your concerns help keep our community safe. The Newport Beach Fire Department investigates all fire-related complaints, ensuring buildings and public spaces meet fire code requirements. If you notice blocked exits, faulty fire protection systems, or other potential hazards, we encourage you to report them.

To take action, please complete our Online Form. If the issue falls outside fire safety, we will ensure it reaches the appropriate department.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen anytime—being prepared saves lives. The City of Newport Beach encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to take proactive steps to stay safe during disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Create an emergency plan, build a disaster kit, and stay informed through official alerts.

Visit the City's Main Disaster Preparedness page for resources and guidance to help you stay ready and resilient.

~ Safety, Service, Professionalism ~

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