Fire prevention is a function of most fire departments. The goal of fire prevention is to educate the public to take precautions to prevent potentially harmful fires, and be educated about surviving them. It is a proactive method of preventing emergencies and reducing the damage caused by them.

Fire Prevention, headed by Fire Marshal Perry Elliott, is responsible for applying and enforcing the International Fire Code as adopted by the City of Murphy. Duties include the areas of enforcement, engineering, and investigations. 

Enforcement Activities

• Issuing permits
• Counseling juvenile fire setters
• Fire investigations
• Conducting inspections on existing buildings
• Providing training to Emergency Services personnel on fire inspections, investigations, and fire protection systems

Conducting Investigations

While each fire officer is trained in fire origin and cause investigations, Fire Prevention members are certified to conduct a basic level of investigation, including the filing of arson charges when criminal acts have been committed and providing expert courtroom testimony.