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The High Point Fire Department's fire prevention bureau, led by Fire Marshal Michael Levins, conducts fire inspections and fire origin and cause investigations.
Assistant Fire Marshal Donald Hinshaw and fire inspectors Chris Weir and Terry Gardner and Danny Barham inspect buildings to ensure compliance with state and local codes. This is accomplished through conducting pre-construction plan reviews, fire inspections, sprinkler, fire alarm and fire pump testing and issuing certificates of compliance.
During the past year, fire inspectors conducted 4,775 inspections, 1,141 plan reviews and 103 fire investigations.
The fire prevention bureau is still utilizing the laptop tablet computers. This technology is continuing to assist inspectors in the course of their inspections. Inspectors are capable of entering data while in the field, rather than returning to the office to write reports. The bureau is continually looking towards technology to aid us in making greater strides in the area of fire prevention and investigations.
To set up an inspection, or plans review or for questions about Arson: Contact: Fire Marshal, Mike Levins: (336) 883-3276 or Mike Levins
Fire Prevention Bureau
Who: Fire Marshal — Mike Levins (email)
Assistant Fire Marshal — Don Hinshaw (email)
Community Relations — Denita Lynch (email)
Fire Inspector — Terry Gardner (email)
Fire Inspector — Chris Weir (email)
Fire Inspector — Danny Barham (email)
What:
| Inspections | Media Releases | Senior Adult Safety |
| Investigations | Station Visits | Fire Prevention Week |
| Plans Review | Juvenile Firesetter | Contractor Information |
| Permits | Citizens Academy | Fire Safety House |
| Arson | FireSafety Information | Move Over Law |
| Fire Safety | Public Education | Vacant Property |
| Incident Reports | Product Recalls | Presentations |
| Complaints | Burn Ban | Kids Fun Stuff |
When: Business Hours are 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday—Friday Investigations and Media Information 24/7
Where: Offices are located at 434 S. Elm Street, High Point, NC 27260
Why: The members of the High Point Fire Department are dedicated in providing the highest quality of professionalism, to protect the lives and property of the citizens of High Point through education, prevention and mitigation of emergencies.
How: All our personnel are well trained and educated in their area of expertise. Many hours have been spent increasing their knowledge in their the field of fire inspection, investigation, community relations and customer service.
Safety Information:
Free Smoke Detectors from the City
Teaching Preschoolers to be Fire Safe
A Match is a Tool
Fire safety: Tips for Baby-sitters
Inspections:
- Fire Inspections in North Carolina went generally unrecognized until the Hamlet chicken processing plant burned to the ground and there was a significant loss of life. Because of this incident fire inspections are conducted on a 1,2 or 3 year basis.
- All fire inspectors are certified by the State of North Carolina to conduct fire inspections. Also fire code and specialty classes are held continuously to keep inspectors updated on fire codes and code changes.
- Fire inspections are also conducted by fire fighting crews. These crews are certified by the State of North Carolina to conduct fire inspections. Also fire code and specialty classes are held continuously to keep inspectors updated on fire codes and code changes.
- All fire inspectors have basic and advanced training and many hours of practical experience in fire investigation origin and cause determination.
- Fire inspectors work 8-5 Monday thru Friday.
- Each inspector is assigned the on-call-investigator for one week at a time. While assigned on-call-investigator, the inspector must be available to respond 24 hours a day to investigate the a fire.
“Remembering When…” for senior adults – This program targets senior adults and focuses on fall and fire prevention.
College Fire Safety – “College Fire Safety 101” and “Leaving Home Safely” are programs designed for college students and young adults.
Fire Extinguisher/Safety Program – This program is for both the public and private sectors of the community. The program goes over fire behavior, the different classifications of fire/fire extinguishers, proper use and inspection of fire extinguishers, and general fire safety regarding when and when not to use a fire extinguisher. There is a hands-on practical exercise included in the program using a fire extinguisher simulator. There is no cost for this program. Contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Fire Evacuation Planning/Drills – Guidance is given when preparing evacuation plans and procedures for fire emergencies. The fire department will also assist in conducting and evaluating fire drills for businesses, industries, schools, etc. as requested.
Home Inspections – Inspections are conducted by appointment for small group homes (housing 5 individuals or less), small home day cares (keeping no more than 8 children total), and therapeutic/foster care homes. Citizens may also request a home inspection if they would like to find out if they are being “fire safe” and to receive suggestions on how to make any changes to become more fire safe such as having an escape plan and working smoke detectors on every level of the home. Contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Child/Pet Finder Sticker Program – Child and pet-finder stickers (limit of one each per home) are available while supplies last. To receive a sticker, please email denita.davis@highpointnc.gov. Specify which type sticker you want. Please include your name and mailing address. The sticker(s) will then be mailed to you. There is no cost for the sticker(s). Note: It is suggested that these stickers be placed on the front door (or the door that faces the main street) or a living room window closest to the front door. We do not recommend placing these on a child’s bedroom window. Contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Fire and Life Safety House – The fire and life safety house is a tool used to teach children (as young as 5 years of age) and adults (including senior adults and individuals with special needs) about fire and life safety in the home. It is taken to area schools and other events that meet the necessary requirements. This mobile trailer meets ADA requirements. Contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Severe Weather Preparedness – The Fire and Life Safety House is also equipped to teach Severe Weather Preparedness relating to tornadoes and hurricanes. This program is designed for children (beginning at age 10) and adults. There is no cost for this service. See also Fire and Life Safety House or Contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Safe Place Program - All High Point fire stations have been designated as a “Safe Place” for children and teens. Contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Safe Surrender Program for more information contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Station Tours – Station tours are conducted at our Headquarters Fire Station by appointment. These are educational tours designed for children ages 3 years and up. We ask for a minimum of two-weeks notice for scheduling. There is no cost for this service. Please note - We do not allow birthday parties to be held at our fire stations. Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Fire and Life Safety Programs for the Community, Schools, Businesses and Industries—If you would like information on the many different types of programs that the department offers or if you’d like to schedule a presentation, fire and life safety house, tour, display for an event, etc. please contact Capt.. Denita Lynch at 336-883-8551 or email at denita.davis@highpointnc.gov. We ask for a minimum of two-weeks notice for scheduling.
V.I.P. for a V.I.P. (Vehicle Injury Prevention for a Very Important Person) Contact Captain Bulla at (336) 883-3013 regarding this program.
Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program – This program is designed for individuals ages 4-18 years who have or are having fire play or fire setting incidents that have caused or have the potential to cause injury or damage to persons, including themselves, or property. These individuals can be referred by parents, teachers, mental health workers, etc. There is no cost for this program. Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Citizen’s Academy – This academy is current held once a year beginning in February. The program is for individuals 18 years of age and older. It meets every Tuesday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for 11 weeks. There is no cost to participate in this program. Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Smoke Detector Program – If you are a resident of High Point, own your home and are a senior adult, low income, and/or handicapped/disabled, and do not have a working smoke detector or if you’re not sure that your detector is functioning properly, you may qualify to participate in our free smoke detector program. If you meet the above requirements, please call and we will complete a short application over the phone. If you meet the requirements, we will have a fire department crew to contact you to schedule a date and time to come to your home. If it is found that your detector is not working or you do not have one, we will then install one for you at no cost. If you live in a rental property, your landlord is responsible for installing a detector if you do not have one. Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Smoke Detector Battery Replacement Program – This programs is for residents of High Point that need assistance with changing batteries in their smoke detectors. This service is available to both owner occupied and rental properties. There is no cost for this service, Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Handicap/Invalid Sticker Placement Program – This program is a free service for individuals who have special needs and would require special assistance in the event of a fire emergency. A sticker is provided and placed on the homeowner/occupant’s door and pertinent information is gathered to assist fire, emergency medical and law enforcement personnel if they are called to respond to your residence. If you wish to participate in this program, please call for an appointment. Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Media Releases—No media releases at this time. Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Public Information—Can be obtained by contacting Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-3357 or email denita.lynch@highpointnc.gov
Fire Prevention Week: The theme of Fire Prevention Week changes each year. For more information on this years Fire Prevention Week activities and how you can get involved contact Captain Denita Lynch at 336-883-8551
Fire Report: A copy of a fire report can be obtained by stopping by the Fire Prevention Bureau at 343 S. Elm Street Monday – Friday between 8 - 5, or the report can be faxed, mailed or e-mailed. Contact Fire Marshal Levins at 336-883-3276 or mike.levins@highpointnc.gov.
Permits: Any permit information will need to be obtained by calling either Chief Mike Levins at 336-883-3276 or Don Hinshaw 336-883-3367.
All plans are submitted through the Planning and Development Department, Inspections Division at City Hall. Plans can be hand delivered to 211 S Hamilton Street, 3rd floor, room 316 or mailed to PO Box 230, High Point NC 27260.
Plan Reviews:
The Fire department has 10 business days upon receipt of plans to conduct their review. To know the status of your plan review, contact the inspector reviewing your plan. If you don’t know who your plan reviewer is contact Fire Marshal Levins at 336-883-3276 or e-mail mike.levins@highpointnc.gov.
Contractors requesting a C/O inspection should contact their inspector directly. If the inspector is not known, contact the Fire Marshal.
Complaints: Contact Fire Marshal Mike Levins at mike.levins@highpointnc.gov or 336-883-3276 regarding any facility you believe might be unsafe
Arson / Tips: If you believe you may have any information about a fire in the City of High Point, we encourage you to contact Crimestoppers at 336-889-4000 with your tip anonymously. Or if you are comfortable, you may also contact our Fire Marshal, Mike Levins at 336-883-3276. If you see a crime in progress, including someone setting property on fire please do not hesitate to call 911.
High Point Fire Department
