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The 5 Critical Updates From The Fort Worth Fire Marshal’s Office You Must Know Now

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The Fort Worth Fire Marshal's Office, officially known as the Bureau of Fire Prevention, is currently navigating a period of significant change and regulatory updates in late 2025. This division is the central authority for fire code enforcement, fire safety inspections, and arson investigation within the city limits, and recent shifts in departmental leadership and major fee increases are impacting how businesses and residents interact with the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) as a whole. Staying informed about these changes, from new permit fee structures to the adoption of the latest International Fire Code, is critical for maintaining compliance and public safety in one of Texas's fastest-growing cities. The Bureau of Fire Prevention’s mission is to safeguard the community through proactive measures, including rigorous plan review, comprehensive inspections, and specialized investigations. The work of this office is more crucial than ever as the FWFD undergoes a massive organizational shift to integrate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fully into its operations.

The Fort Worth Fire Marshal's Office: Structure and Key Personnel

The City of Fort Worth does not have a single "Fire Marshal" title for the head of the division, but rather operates the function through the Bureau of Fire Prevention under the larger Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD). The department itself is currently led by an interim chief, which affects the entire executive structure.

FWFD Executive Leadership (Current as of late 2025)

  • Interim Fire Chief: Raymond Hill. Chief Hill is a 31-year veteran of the department, stepping into the role after the former Fire Chief was placed on administrative leave.
  • Executive Services Division Oversight: Assistant Chief Rick Hicks. This division directly oversees the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Arson/Bomb Investigations, and Community Risk Reduction.
  • Arson/Bomb Squad Captain: Captain Wayne May. Captain May leads the specialized Arson Unit, which is tasked with conducting fire and arson investigations, as well as handling calls related to bomb threats and suspicious packages.
This structure ensures that the core functions of fire prevention and code compliance continue seamlessly, even amidst major departmental transitions like the shift to fire-based EMS, which the FWFD officially took over from MedStar on July 1, 2025.

Critical Regulatory Updates: Code and Fee Changes

The most impactful recent updates from the Bureau of Fire Prevention involve significant changes to the city's adopted fire code and a new fee structure for services. Businesses and developers must be aware of these ordinances to ensure budget and project compliance.

1. New Increased Fee Ordinance (Effective October 1, 2024)

A major financial change for anyone requiring services from the Fire Marshal's Office is the New Increased Fee Ordinance. The Fort Worth City Council adopted this ordinance, which became effective on October 1, 2024. The ordinance increases most Fire fees by approximately 12.5%. These fees cover essential services such as the review of Site Plans Review, issuance of Fire Safety Permits, and various system inspections. This increase reflects the rising costs associated with providing essential life safety and fire protection services across the city.

2. Adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)

The City of Fort Worth has adopted the 2021 set of International Codes, which includes the latest 2021 International Fire Code (IFC). This adoption, formalized by Ordinance 25388-03-2022, incorporates specific local amendments. This is a critical detail for architects, engineers, and fire protection contractors, as all new construction, renovation, and system installations must comply with the updated standards. The core goal of this adoption is to enhance life safety and property protection across Fort Worth.

Essential Services and Compliance Focus Areas

The Fort Worth Fire Marshal's Office is the first line of defense in fire prevention, utilizing a multi-faceted approach that spans from initial design review to post-incident investigation.

The Mandate of Fire Code Enforcement

The Bureau of Fire Prevention is charged with the enforcement of the Fire Code within Fort Worth. This responsibility involves a comprehensive Plan Review Process for new and existing structures to ensure compliance before construction begins. Key review areas include:
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems: Ensuring adequate design and coverage for automatic fire suppression.
  • Fire Alarm Systems: Reviewing plans for proper notification and detection systems.
  • Fuel Systems and Tanks: Overseeing the safe installation and permitting of systems handling hazardous materials.
  • Special Events Permits: Issuing permits for public gatherings and pyrotechnic displays to ensure crowd and fire safety.

The Fire Safety Inspection Process

Regular Fire Safety Inspections are mandatory for businesses to maintain compliance. The Fire Marshal's Office uses these inspections to verify that fire protection features are functional and that all occupants are aware of safety protocols. The process is now streamlined, with the city utilizing the Accela system for permit applications and tracking, allowing contractors to access both the self-service Permit Assist tool and Accela with a single log-in. This digital transition aims to improve efficiency for contractors licensed by the State Fire Marshal who submit for fire protection system permits.

Arson and Bomb Investigations

The investigative arm of the Fire Marshal's Office, the Arson/Bomb Squad, plays a crucial role in determining the cause of fires. This section is responsible for investigating fires of suspicious origin and coordinating with law enforcement to prosecute arson cases. The collaboration between the Fort Worth arson unit and other agencies ensures that criminal activity related to fire is thoroughly investigated, reinforcing the city's commitment to public safety and justice. The ongoing work of the Fort Worth Fire Marshal's Office is the bedrock of the city's fire safety strategy. With the recent adoption of the 2021 IFC and the new fee ordinance, all stakeholders—from property owners to fire protection contractors—must actively engage with the updated regulations. These changes, coupled with the executive leadership shift, underscore a commitment to modernizing and enhancing the city's fire and life safety infrastructure for the future.
The 5 Critical Updates From The Fort Worth Fire Marshal’s Office You Must Know Now
fort worth fire marshal
fort worth fire marshal

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