Services
- Building Inspections
- Car Seat Installation
- Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad
- Commercial & Residential KnoxBox
- CPR Training
- Meeting & Public Space
- Residential Home Inspections
- Smoke Alarms
Types of Inspections
We use periodic inspections to ensure the safety of newly constructed and existing commercial and multifamily buildings. We also offer these inspections upon request. Inspections include:
- Fire hood suppression
- Fire pumps
- Smoke alarms
- Sprinklers
- Other specialty elements as needed
Our Inspectors
Our inspectors are certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia and work closely with other city, county, and state agencies to ensure code compliance and provide technical assistance in the application, enforcement, and interpretation of codes and standards.
Passing the Inspection
To determine whether your business will pass a fire inspection, ask yourself these questions:
- Are fire extinguishers charged and functioning properly?
- Do the smoke alarms function properly?
- Does your sprinkler system have an annual system test?
- Are exit signs clearly posted and lit?
- Does your emergency lighting system function properly?
- Are written evacuation plans posted at major exits?
- Is anything blocking the exits?
- Are extension cords used properly?
- Do you practice a monthly fire drill?
- Are combustible materials kept away from children?
- Are appliances properly maintained?
- Do the heating, ventilating and air conditioning units function properly?
- Is your numeric address posted on the front of your building?
- Does each sleeping area have a smoke alarm?
Contact
Call the Fire Marshal at 434-970-3247 with any questions.
Installation & Contact
Car seat installation is performed by Albemarle County Fire and Rescue. Call Albemarle County Fire and Rescue at 434-531-6614 with any questions you may have.
About the Squad
Since 1960, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue (C-ARS) Squad has been providing emergency medical services (EMS), heavy rescue, water rescue, and technical rescue to the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities. C-ARS is the primary EMS agency for the City of Charlottesville, the University of Virginia, and parts of Albemarle County. It is completely staffed by volunteers year-round and its weekday daytime staffing is supplemented by the Charlottesville Fire Department.
For More Information
For more information about C-ARS, visit the C-ARS website.
Knox Rapid Access Solutions
Trusted by thousands of fire and law enforcement agencies for over 40 years, Knox Rapid Access Solutions have provided first responders with immediate access into secure buildings, campuses, residences, and commercial properties when it matters most. Removing barriers to entry reduces injuries to responders and minimizes property damage. That’s the power of the Knox rapid access system.
Purchasing
Property owners are responsible for the purchase and installation of the KnoxBox. The KnoxBox should be installed on the street address side of the building and should be installed 5 feet above the finished grade. Please call the Charlottesville Fire Marshal’s Office at 434-970-3328 with any further questions.
Training Classes
Charlottesville Fire Department offers American Heart Association courses in CPR and first aid to individuals, companies, healthcare and childcare providers, and community-based organizations. Courses are held at a Charlottesville Fire Department facility or may be conducted at other locations that meet course requirements. The cost of the course per person includes all materials and certification card.
Heartsaver® CPR / AED
Teaches adult CPR and automated external defibrillation (AED) and how to help a choking adult. This class is for nonmedical personnel. The certification lasts 2 years. The course requires 3 hours. The cost is $85 per person.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
Adult, child and infant CPR, foreign-body airway obstruction and automated external defibrillation. This class is for healthcare providers. The certification lasts 2 years. The course requires 4.5 hours. The cost is $100 per person.
HeartSaver® First Aid
Emergency management skills including how to treat emergencies until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives:
- Bleeding
- Broken bones
- Shock
- Sprains
This class is for any adult participant. The certification lasts 2 years. The course requires 3 hours. The class cost is $75 per person.
HeartSaver® First Aid CPR / AED
Critical skills and knowledge to respond to and manage a first aid or sudden cardiac arrest emergency until EMS arrives, including how to treat:
- Bleeding
- Broken bones
- Shock
- Sprains
- Other first aid emergencies
You will also learn how to perform CPR and use an AED. This class is for nonmedical personnel. The certification lasts 2 years. The course requires 6 hours. The class cost is $125 per person.
HeartSaver® Pediatric First Aid-CPR / AED
How to respond and manage illnesses and injuries in a child or infant until EMS arrives. This class is for anyone who is in regular contact with children, including parents. The certification lasts 2 years. The course requires 6 hours. The cost is $125 per person.
Online BLS Healthcare & Skills
Call us at 434-970-3357 to learn more about the online BLS Healthcare and Skills course.
Contact Us
Call us at 434-970-3357 for more information.
Meeting Spaces
Please note: Fire department training and emergency must override any reservation of any room at any fire station. This policy may be updated at any time, without prior notice to external customers.
Charlottesville Fire Department has two meeting spaces that are available for use by the public. These rooms may be used by governmental and non-governmental groups for:
- Classes
- Meetings
- Training sessions
- Workshops
Group Size & Meeting Location
Ridge Street Station
Ridge Street Station is located at 203 Ridge Street. The station holds 20 people with tables in the media center.
Station 10
Station 10 is located at 2420 Fontaine Avenue. Station 10 holds 40 people with tables in the 3rd-floor meeting room.
General Meeting Space Rules
- There can be no charge for attendees.
- Respect space limit on the number of persons.
- Use within the scheduled time frame.
- Remove trash.
- No food in carpeted spaces.
- Any cleanup or repair will be billed to the individual/group that reserved the room.
- No alcohol allowed on-site.
- No smoking is allowed on-site.
- No recurring meetings or events.
Station 10 Use Considerations
The availability of the room is limited to Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is not available for weekend or evening use, as administrative coverage cannot be provided on a consistent basis. Call us at 434-970-3240 for more information.
There are three Fire Department parking spots located on Summit Street beside Station 10. Additional parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood and cannot be guaranteed.
The organizer of the event must receive a 15-minute tour of the facility and orientation to the security system prior to the beginning of the scheduled event. This orientation may be scheduled on a day prior to the event.
Inspections Are Essential
It is essential to ensure your home is safe from fire hazards and other potential dangers. Upon request, a representative of the Fire Marshal’s Office can come to your residence and assist you with a home inspection. You may also conduct the inspection yourself and call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 434-970-3247 if you have any concerns or questions.
Our inspectors will check all areas of your home and let you know of any potential hazards. They will also give you ways to mitigate or eliminate them.
See the Home Inspection Sheet (PDF) for the inspection sheet that the Fire Marshal’s Office will use to inspect your home and contact them with any questions.