Fire Safety Officer

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In the United Kingdom Fire and Rescue Service a Fire Safety Officer (sometimes referred to as a Fire Officer) is a firefighter who has attained the rank of Sub-Officer (also known as a Watch Commander) or above and transferred from front line operational service into the Fire Safety Department of a Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire Officers inspect all manner of commercial premises to ensure that they comply with current fire safety legislation. If a premises is found to be unsafe a fire officer may prosecute the offending organisation or even issue a prohibition notice closing the premises until such time that they are made safe.

Fire Officers also have the power to place anyone committing an offence under caution

Most fire officers choose to transfer into the department because it offers the opportunity of working normal office hours as apposed to the shift system operational firefighters have to work.

Others transfer because it is an alternative way chance to climb promotional ladder or because it is an opportunity to experience another aspect of the fire service's role.

In some Fire Brigades a Fire Officer may be civilian.

It is intresting to note that whilst a fire officer is employed by the Fire Service any action s/he undertake is done under the aupices of the Fire and Rescue Authority

Fire Officer may also refer to a Fire Safety Officer who is of equivalent rank in the Fire Safety Section of the Fire Service