FY27 Proposed Budget

Fire Prevention The Fire Prevention Division continues to serve the citizens of Iowa City through fire code enforcement, plans review, fire origin and cause determination, and public education programs.

Activities:

• Fire Prevention staffing in this division includes the Fire Marshal and three ancillary duty Fire Inspectors with responsibilities that extend to more than 1,800 occupancies requiring annual inspection. Approximately 60% of inspections require one or more re inspections, reflecting the need for sustained enforcement to achieve compliance. In addition to code enforcement, the division provides review of building and fire protection system plans, ensuring that new construction and renovation projects meet safety standards before occupancy. • The Fire Prevention Division also leads fire origin and cause investigations for all significant incidents, providing critical data for trend analysis, code development, and community risk reduction strategies. Public education programs — including fire safety presentations, community outreach, and youth education initiatives — extend the division’s impact beyond compliance, fostering a culture of safety throughout Iowa City. • Investment in Fire Prevention directly reduces fire risk, minimizes property loss, and enhances community resilience — ultimately lowering the long-term costs of emergency response • Maintained a cadre of certified Car Seat Installation Technicians. • Hosted Youth Emergency Services camps for junior and senior high students. • Revitalization of the Fire Safety House to delivery home fire safety education . • Fire safety educational presence at numerous community events- Eid, Pride, Downtown Farmers Markets, Juneteenth as examples. • Conducted fire drills at all University of Iowa dormitories. • Enhance professional collaboration with peer groups and agencies to include Quad Cities Fire Marshal Association, Corridor Fire Marshal Association. • Collaborated with other fire agencies to produce a common food truck inspection program from Iowa City to Waterloo. • Increased fire protection system compliance with the use of technology. • Updated and adopted the fire code to the most current version.

Recent Accomplishments:

Upcoming Challenges:

• Division is staffed by one FTE and is task saturated. • High reliance on duty fire engine to complete inspections is unreliable due to call volume. • New construction plan review occasionally delayed due to staffing.

124