South Bend Fire Prevention & Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division

Inspection

Inspections are a means to identify and eliminate unsafe conditions or practices that may contribute to loss of life or property. Fire inspections are conducted to aid businesses or building owners in meeting code requirements in which our inspectors enforce with the intent to “prevent” incidents from happening. Code enforcement is a proactive and cost-effective approach to community risk reduction.

Inspections are also conducted to ensure that fire protection systems such as fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and kitchen hood systems are inspected, tested, and maintained according to code requirements.

Other duties of our fire inspectors include inspections for city business licenses’, building plans-review, final inspections of new buildings, fire drills, construction site visits, food truck/trailer inspection, and fireworks display approvals.

Contact & Building Information

Contact & Building Information Form

Do you own a business, commercial building, or apartment building? Do you need to update your contact or building information? Use the form above to update your information.

Variance Applications

All variance applications submitted to the state shall include the following email in relation to the fire department official: derquhart@southbendin.gov

Investigation

Fire investigations are completed on all structure fires that occur in the city of South Bend. The intent is to protect lives and property by investigating and determining the fire’s origin and cause. In doing so, statistics and trends can then be used for the purpose of developing programs to reduce the risk of fire in the future.

Our investigators work closely with the South Bend Police Dept. and State Fire Marshals Office when needed. Investigations may include but are not limited to interviewing witnesses, evidence collection, scene documentation, and appearing in court.

Public Education and Community Outreach

The South Bend Fire Department’s Public Education Program is responsible for engaging in the community to spread the message of fire & life safety to all ages. Our goal is to take a proactive approach to educate the public on fire safety in order to protect their family, home, or business. This program is led by our public education coordinator and the help of our shift educators.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Request Form

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Request Form

You can request to receive free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for your home. Please use the form to provide your information and you will be contacted by the Fire Department to schedule a date and time for your instillation.

Fire Safety Presentation or Community Event Request Form

Public Safety Education Request Form

The following list are some of the programs that we offer:

• Fire Safety Presentations
• Fire Safety House Program
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Station Tours
• Fire Truck Visit
• Table Set-up with Safety Handouts