Fire Prevention and Life Safety responsibilities are assigned to the Fire Loss Management Division. The focus of the Fire Loss Management Division is to maintain a comprehensive set of programs and activities that complement the mission of the organization with respect to the prevention of fire and safety of our citizens. The Fire Loss Management Division is responsible for a broad range of functions including; plan review and inspection of new buildings and developments; public information and education programs; plan review and inspection of fire suppression and extinguishing systems in new and existing buildings; vegetation management, weed abatement programs; fire cause and origin determination; hazardous material management; Juvenile Fire Setter Counseling and fire and life safety inspections.

The Fire Loss Management Division is headed by the District Fire Marshal who holds the rank of Division Chief. The Fire Marshal reports directly to the Fire Chief. In addition to the Fire Marshal the Division is staffed by one Deputy Fire Marshal, one Fire Inspector and one Fire Prevention Specialist.

The Fire Marshal is responsible for supervision of the Fire Loss Management Division to insure the effective enforcement of all applicable State and local codes, ordnances and regulations governing the prevention of fires and elimination of fire hazards. The Fire Marshal works closely with the City of Novato’s and County of Marin Code Enforcement Officers to ensure all structures meet the State Fire Code Standards.

The Deputy Fire Marshal is responsible for vegetation management programs in the high fire hazard severity areas of the District, the senior vegetation management program, and chipper days with matching grant opportunities. The Deputy Fire Marshal also has the primary role and responsibility of fire cause and origin determination and citation code enforcement activities under the District Code Enforcement Ordinance.

The Fire Inspector inspects hazardous occupancies, general business occupancies, State Fire Marshal Occupancies, Schools, weed complaints and skilled nursing-care facilities. The Fire Inspector assists Operations personnel with the R-1 inspection program.

The Fire Training Specialist is responsible for the Business and Residential HEART programs as well as marketing community fire and life safety programs to neighborhoods, businesses and civic groups. The Fire Training Specialist participates in school safety programs, the County’s life safety fair and coordinates the District Open House. In addition, the Fire Training Specialist assists in juvenile fire setter programs, Public Service Announcment development and implementation through the local media and theaters.

Citizen Volunteers

The District has a Citizen Volunteer Program. Citizen Volunteers support the daily non-emergent operations of the District by assisting with Public Education, updating data, running errands and providing logistical support as needed.

Classes for the Public

The District provides a wide range of public education material which includes brochures and a video tape library. This can be accessed at the headquarters station at 95 Rowland Way.  In addition the District provides classes in CPR, Fall Prevention and Disaster Preparedness.

CPR - The Novato Fire District provides classes in CPR on a regular basis. In this class students learn how to recognize the signs of a cardiac emergency, and how to sustain life with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation until emergency medical help can arrive. This is a skill anyone in the community can learn. To find out more about the Districts CPR Training Program or to register for a class call 415/878-2623. There is a $15.00 fee for each class per student.

First Aid Classes -  The Novato Fire District provides classes in First Aid on a regular basis. In this class students learn how to deal with basic emergency medical situations until emergency medical help can arrive. This is a skill anyone in the community can learn. To find out more about the District First Aid Training Program or to register for a class call 415/878-2623.  There is a $15.00 fee for each class per student.

Fall Prevention - The District sponsors a Fall Prevention Program which was designed and implemented in cooperation with the Novato Independent Elders. For more information on the District Fall Prevention Program call 415/878-2623.

H.E.A.R.T. - The HEART program or Homeowner Emergency Action Response Team training is a comprehensive award winning service that the District also provides. Citizens and businesses are taught by Novato Fire personnel in variety of subjects including First Aid, CPR, Urban Search and Rescue, Disaster Preparedness, Water Safety, Fire Prevention, Hazardous Materials, how to protect your home from a wildland fire, and how to organize your neighborhood emergency response team. This is the Fire District's version of a citizen police academy - participants are given lifesaving skills that will be needed in our next disaster. It's not a matter of if, but when. To schedule classes or learn more about our Public Education programs please call 415/878-2623.

Services for the Public and Schools

In addition to emergency response services,  the District provides Station Tours, School Visits, Open House and Brush Clearance and Weed Abatement Programs.

Station Tours – The District requests whenever possible that Station Tours be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, although drop in tours or visits are not discouraged. Tours can be scheduled at any of the five fire stations by calling 415-878-2623.

School Visits – Novato Fire District personnel and equipment frequently visit local schools to pass on fire safety training for the children of our community. The District requests that school visits be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. School visits can be scheduled by calling 415-878-2623.

Open House – October is Fire Prevention Month. The Novato Fire District promotes Fire Safety Month by holding an Open House at all five of its fire stations. Each station provides a different and unique opportunity to learn about fire safety and the services that are provided by the Novato Fire District. The best part of the Open House is that the firefighters and citizens they protect are able to interact in a fun and friendly environment. To determine the date of the next Open House please call 415/878-2623.