Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

52090.4 Institution’s Fire Chief’s Responsibilities

• The Fire Chief:

  • Performs administrative duties and manages the fire department’s operation and personnel.

  • Develops training programs for fire fighting personnel (including inmates) utilizing the California Fire Service Training and Education Program (CFSTEP), and Certification Programs, recognized by the State Fire Marshal (SFMState Fire Marshall).

  • Develops work schedules for firefighters/personnel under their jurisdiction.

  • Coordinates staff training in fire prevention and suppression methods and technology through, and with the cooperation of, the ISTIn-Service Training Office.

  • Makes or provides for frequent inspections of the institution for fire and life safety hazards and reports findings from the inspections to the Warden/designee.

  • Participates in the safety program of the institution.

  • Provides inspection and maintenance of fire fighting equipment/systems throughout the institution.

  • Takes command during a fire /hazardous material or other life safety related emergency implementing the incident command system as required by the CCRCalifornia Code of Regulations (19) Standardized Emergency Management System including:

    • Directing fire fighting operations, rescue operations, building evacuations, etc., with the assistance and cooperation of custody personnel.

    • Ensure that water from fire hoses is not directed into occupied inmate housing units, cells, or dormitories, unless absolutely necessary to extinguish a fire.

  • Requests mutual aid in accordance with established facility plans and procedures.

  • Conducts post-fire investigations after the fire is suppressed to determine the cause and prepares required reports.

  • Notifies the SFMState Fire Marshall’s Office, Arson and Bomb Investigation Unit, of all fires and explosions pursuant to H&SCHealth and Safety Code 13107.

    • Note: SFMState Fire Marshall may choose not to investigate every fire. The decision rests with the SFMState Fire Marshall.

  • Maintains the fire station, adjacent grounds, all hydrants, exterior standpipes, etc., in conjunction with the Correctional Plant Manager.

  • Assists the SFMState Fire Marshall’s representative on all SFMState Fire Marshall inspections or surveys.

  • Performs as lead person and staff resource for developing and maintaining an effective emergency evacuation plan for every area of the facility in cooperation with all departments. The plan shall provide for quarterly fire drills, the manner in which they are to be conducted, and the designated staff responsible for evacuation procedures.

  • Develops fire prevention programs and fire safety procedures in cooperation with appointed facility personnel and the office of the SFMState Fire Marshall.

  • Performs custodial duties relating to inmates assigned to the fire department.