Fire Prevention Division
The AIM of the Fire Prevention Division is to help achieve the objectives through Education, Consultation and Enforcement of the Fire Safety Act 2014.
Duties of the Division
To ensure the safety and welfare of all citizens of the community is achieved, the following duties are conducted by members of the Division:
- Examination of architectural drawings of new projects, alterations or extensions of existing properties, for compliance with National Fire Protection Association’s Codes and Standards.
- Advise Private and Government entities on Fire Protection, Fire Safety Procedures, and Evacuation Procedures.
- Consultation with Architects, Engineers and Developers for the purpose of designing Fire Protection features within buildings. Such features include Fire Alarm Systems, Sprinkler Systems, Access Control, Means of Escape and Passive Fire Protection.
- Conduct Progress Inspections on Building Development, Routine Inspections of Licensed premises, Re-inspection of Hotels, Senior Care Facilities and Nursery Schools.
- Conduct Home Fire Safety visits and assist home owners with reducing the risk of potential fire hazards.
History of the Division
The Fire Prevention Division was formed by Mr. Martin E. Grimes, Q.F.S.M., the then Fire Commissioner of the Hamilton Fire Brigade, whose main task was to incorporate and organize a professional Fire Service.
In this position Mr. Grimes attempted to introduce Fire Safety and Protection recommendations to members of the Public.
After the Bermudian Hotel Fire in 1958, he was tasked with the creation of a full-time, paid Fire Service. Mr. Grimes also successfully lobbied to have a full-time Professional Fire Prevention Officer.
With the lack of adequate Fire Protection throughout the Island and the work involved in accomplishing this task, he convinced the Corporation of Hamilton of the need for a professional Fire Prevention Officer.
In 1963, Mr. Joseph P. Murphy, joined the Fire Brigade to develop the Fire Prevention Division.
Mr. Murphy was the first Fire Prevention Officer and was responsible for many of the changes to local regulations and the drafting of many new Requirements and Acts.
Mr. Murphy was the first Fire Prevention Officer and was responsible for many of the changes to local regulations and the drafting of many new Requirements and Acts.
In 1969 Mr. Grimes left Bermuda and joined the staff of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which is responsible for the Code and Standards that are the law in Bermuda today.
Mr. Murphy remained attached to the Division until 1970, at which time he became the Chief Fire Officer, a position held until his retirement in 1976.
