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Fire Prevention Division | Fire Marshal | Hazardous Materials Administration | Fire Code Unit | Technical Support Unit Fire Prevention DivisionThe Fire Prevention Division is the public relations entity of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Its objective is to raise the level of fire safety consciousness in the citizens of Philadelphia through continual education, training programs, and dissemination of information in various formats designed to accomplish that goal. The Fire Prevention Division is composed of three specialized units - the Youth Team, the Institutional Team and the High-Rise Team. Fire Marshal The Fire Marshal's Office is directed by the Deputy Chief who holds the title of "Fire Marshal". This Office has the responsibility of investigating the origin and cause of all fires in the City. The investigators from the Fire Marshal's Office also work closely with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to develop criminal cases for prosecution. The experience gained from investigations becomes an integral part of the public safety programs presented by the Fire Prevention Division. Hazardous Materials Administration The Hazardous Materials Administrative Unit (HMAU) is directed by a Battalion Chief, and is responsible for properly equipping and training the PFD's personnel to mitigate varied emergencies involving hazardous materials. The Unit also performs inspections; maintains extensive records; and interacts with other local, state, and federal authorities to comply with all mandated statutes. Communications The Communications Unit is comprised of the Fire Communications Center and Fire Survey Unit. The Fire Communications Center is responsible for the processing of Fire and EMS calls placed through the 911 system. The Communications Center is then responsible for the dispatch and coordination of communications with responding units. The Fire Survey Unit is responsible for the development and implementation of necessary technical support to provide the Communications center with current response data. Fire Code Unit The Fire Code Unit is directed by a Battalion Chief, and is responsible for providing Fire Code information, variance inspection results, and recommendations to the Board of Safety and Fire Prevention. The unit oversees unusual hazards that present themselves in the City, such as the use of professional indoor and outdoor fireworks, and the transportation and use of explosives. Officers of the Fire Code Unit work closely with the Department of Licenses and Inspections and the Law Department to update and amend our City's fire code. The Fire Code Unit answers telephone queries regarding code issues and fire safety. These questions come from a broad range of people ranging from architects and engineers to homeowners. You may call the Fire Code Unit at 215-686-1356.
You may review a copy of the City of Philadelphia's Edition of the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code at the Main Branch of the Free Library or at any of the three Regional Branches of the Free Library in the Reference Section. Technical Support Unit The Technical Support Unit is directed by a Battalion Chief and is comprised of the Apparatus, Equipment, Research and Planning, and Water Operations Officer. The duties of these Offices include: overseeing apparatus and equipment evaluations; purchases and maintenance; researching projects and managing the PFD's Directive System; conducting fire hydrant surveys and coordinating the Annual Hydrant Inspection Program. 
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