These four programs keep the Prevention Division extremely busy throughout the year and provide us with our greatest challenges and rewards.

El Cerrito has nearly 500 businesses that are inspected annually by on duty engine companies. There are typically five types of inspections our engine companies conduct. They are: General Fire Safety Inspections, Fire Sprinkler Inspections, Fire Alarm Inspections, Hazardous Occupancy Inspections and Commercial Cooking Fire Suppression (Hood & Duct) Inspections. Many of the businesses that are inspected by engine companies receive multiple inspections concurrently i.e. Fire Safety Inspection, Fire Sprinkler Inspection and some require all five inspection types to be conducted. Of these 500 businesses, we had a 96% completion rate. The businesses that do not comply are forwarded to the Fire Prevention Officer to ensure Fire Code compliance is met. The result of El Cerrito's comprehensive Fire Safety Inspection Program is one of the lowest fire losses in commercial occupancies in the state.

Note to Kensington Business Owners: Read more about the Kensington Fire Protection District's Business Self-Inspection Program

Public Education is an evolving program that has greatly expanded with the incorporation of the Fire Safety Trailer. This year we have conducted fire safety education programs for more than 1000 people of all ages. We have achieved this by being extremely active in seeking opportunities to educate the public in fire safety. We do this by offering fire station tours, going to public and private schools and other public events, Tri City Safety Day, Fourth of July and Halloween. The Fire Safety Trailer has been used at several City sponsored events as well as business sponsored events and draws large numbers of participants. In addition, we have conducted more than ten CPR/First Aid classes for the public that has drawn more than 100 students. The Citizens of El Cerrito are excited and eager to seize every opportunity to learn about fire safety.

Check the City's online calendar for upcoming safety classes and events.

Read Fire Prevention Tips For Residents including how to create a defensible space around your home and recommendations to prevent dryer fires.

See the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map for El Cerrito (PDF, 2432Kb)
This map is provided by Cal-Fire.

Read Drought and Fire Protection Landscape Recommendations