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Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.

What you’d do

  • Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
  • Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
  • Inspect buildings or building designs to determine fire protection system requirements and potential problems in areas such as water supplies, exit locations, and construction materials.
  • Review building plans to verify compliance with fire code.
  • Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, such as work performed, revised codes or standards, and proposed review schedules.
  • Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
  • Evaluate fire department performance and the laws and regulations affecting fire prevention or fire safety.
  • Direct the purchase, modification, installation, testing, maintenance, and operation of fire prevention and protection systems.

Skills that matter

  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Engineer
  • Fire Protection Consultant
  • Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)
  • Professional Fire Protection Engineer
  • Consulting Engineer
  • Forensic Fire Protection Engineer

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