Fire Prevention Division
Who We Are
The Arlington Fire Department has an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team. This team includes Fire Prevention Inspectors, Specialists, and Investigators who are trained to handle bombs and other explosive devices. The EOD Team has fifteen dogs trained to find explosives (K9s) and their handlers, plus eight certified bomb experts. Some team members are both K9 handlers and bomb experts. They check large event locations in Arlington and nearby areas before events, and they also investigate bomb threats.
Fire Inspectors
Fire Prevention Inspectors help stop fires before they start by regularly checking local businesses, schools, and public buildings in Arlington.
They also have a huge job keeping people safe at crowded places like AT&T Stadium, Six Flags, Choctaw Stadium, and Globe Life Field. When big events happen, these inspectors manage the crowds and make sure all the emergency exits stay completely clear.
On top of fighting fires, many of these inspectors are trained to do other important security jobs. For example, some become peace officers, some handle bomb-sniffing dogs, and others are trained to safely disarm explosives on the bomb squad.
Fire Prevention Specialists
Fire Prevention Specialists have an important job. They inspect new or remodeled buildings to make sure they are safe before anyone moves in. They also test fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and check new buildings to hand out official "Certificates of Occupancy" (the paperwork that says a building is safe to open).
Many of these specialists are also trained to do other jobs. Some are certified as Peace officers, some work with dogs that sniff out explosives, and others are trained as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians who safely handle dangerous explosives.
Fire Investigations
The Arlington Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit works hard to figure out how and why fires start in the city. Because these investigators are also certified police officers, they do the full police work for fire-related crimes. They build their own cases, interview witnesses, arrest suspects, and testify in court during arson cases (when someone starts a fire on purpose).
This unit also handles internal investigations. They work closely with the City Attorney and HR department to make sure everyone is treated fairly and that the rights of both the public and the employees are protected.
EOD and K9 Team
The Arlington Fire Department’s Bomb Squad (officially called the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team) is made up of fire inspectors and investigators who have special extra training to handle dangerous explosives.
The team has 15 bomb-sniffing dogs with their handlers, as well as 8 certified bomb technicians. Some multi-talented team members do both jobs—they handle a dog and are also trained to disarm bombs.
This team has a few main responsibilities:
- Pre-event "sweeps": They search major stadiums and venues before big events to make sure the area is completely safe.
- Suspicious packages: They check out strange bags or boxes that people report.
- Disposal: They safely get rid of dangerous explosives.
Services
Request an Inspection
Annual
If you have questions about your past or upcoming Annual Fire Inspection (AFI), just call our main office number.
Certificate of Occupancy
If you applied for a new Certificate of Occupancy (the official paperwork that says a building is safe to move into), you can call the main office to pick a specific date for your fire inspection.
Here is how the scheduling works:
- If you choose "Ready for Inspection" on your application: Your inspection will automatically be set for the very next business day after your application gets approved.
- If you do not choose that option: You must call the Fire Prevention Office to get yourself on the schedule.
Keep in mind that inspectors don't give exact appointment times. When you pick a date, the inspector might show up at any time during regular business hours, so someone will need to be there all day.
Systems/Permits
If you are a general contractor or sub-contractor and would like to request an inspection for a permit, please send an e-mail to FireSystems@arlingtontx.gov. When requesting these inspections, please include important information such as the address of the project, permit number, and the type of inspection being requested. Only the person/company that was issued the permit may request an inspection. Please note that inspection times are given based on availability and type/size of the inspection.
Obtain Fire Reports
If you would like a copy of a fire report or make an open records request (FOIA) please contact us or visit online at:
Fire Prevention
405 W. Main St.
Arlington Texas 76010
Ph 817-459-5539
Fax: 817-459-5521
Open Records Request
Operational Permit Information
ERRC Radio Testing
If you build a new building in Arlington that is bigger than 50,000 square feet. You must complete ERRC Radio Testing. This test makes sure emergency radios (like the ones police and firefighters use) work perfectly inside the building. Even if everything else with construction is finished and your permits are all closed, no one is allowed to move into the building until the city official watches and approves this radio test. To learn more about the steps and rules for this testing, please contact FirePlanReview@arlingtontx.gov.”
COA Enhanced Radio Coverage Information(PDF, 244KB)
Contact Us
405 W. Main St.
Arlington Texas 76010
Phone: 817-459-5539
Fax: 817-459-5521
fire@arlingtontx.gov