Prevention
The mission of the Rio Vista Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau is to prevent injury to people and prevent damage to the natural and built environment within the City of Rio Vista. We use a customer-centered approach to public education, plan review, code development, and inspections, which is designed to prevent harm to our community. We support the success of all Department employees through sound financial practices, staff support, and personnel services.
The Fire Department is responsible for the safety and preservation of the built environment. We inspect new buildings for compliance with the plans that were approved to code. We inspect approved changes to existing buildings. We conduct periodic inspections of all business, public assembly, school and multi-family residential occupancies. We also conduct annual brush clearance inspections during the spring and summer.
Our Fire Department is committed to to engaging in fire prevention activities that make Rio Vista a friendly – and safe – community in which to live, work and play. We also believe that fire prevention is a shared responsibility with the community and we strive to actively encourage citizens, community groups, and local businesses to join our prevention efforts.
Fire prevention is, first and foremost, about stopping fires from occurring. However, included in that term is the prevention of explosions, accidental release of hazardous materials, and other conditions hazardous to life. property, or public welfare.
The Rio Vista Fire Department Fire Prevention Program consists of three components; Education, Engineering and Enforcement. Together these three components are known as the “Three E’s" of fire prevention.
Education:
Members of the Department provide numerous educational programs and special events to a variety of audiences throughout the year. For example, young children benefit from learning the difference between “:good” and “bad” fires, learning to crawl low in smoke, and practicing “stop, drop, and roll". We help educate adults of all ages about the need for developing home exit plans and conducting home exit drills, the proper placement and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and the use of portable fire extinguishers. Importantly, we interject education into our fire inspection program by taking the time to explain why a particular violation is hazardous and how it can be corrected. We believe that business owners and employees who have been educated about the “whys” of fire safety will be more vigilant about maintaining a fire safe place of business year around.
Engineering:
The Fire Prevention Bureau conducts plan reviews of proposed construction projects, building remodels, and developments projects in the City and Delta Fire Protection District, including the review of fire and life safety systems and their intended use. Field inspections are conducted to ensure that newly-constructed buildings meet the latest local and state building and fire codes and that fire and life safety systems have been properly installed, helping to ensure the safety of those in the City and District.
Enforcement:
Members of the Department inspect existing businesses and properties for fire code violations and educate owners, managers, and employees about the safe handling, use, and proper storage of hazardous materials per the California Fire Code and other state laws. We also conduct testing of fire and life safety systems, such as fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems and conduct inspections of special events such as fairs, carnivals, and fireworks displays.
