Our Fire Safety Inspectors attend courses taught by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) at the National Fire Academy in Maryland. They are enrolled in fire and explosion courses that include the most comprehensive and up-to-date fire investigation training. They return to the National Fire Academy annually for continuous training in interview, interrogation and courtroom testimony. All of our Fire Safety Inspectors are internationally certified as Fire and Explosion Investigators. They are all members of the local Northwest Area Strike Team Investigation Task Force and assist other Fire Investigators all over Central Ohio. Our Fire Prevention Team conducts over 50 fire investigations each year.

The WFD Fire Prevention Bureau manages the administration of mounted key boxes that provide first responders with quick access to properties in the event of an emergency. Key boxes can be discreetly mounted to commercial buildings or homes that hold a single key for entry. After installation, WFD Firefighters and EMS will be able to enter the property more quickly and efficiently using a master key without causing damage through forced entry. This minimizes critical delays that can hinder life saving treatment. The key box administration service is available for Westerville and Blendon Township property owners within the WFD service area. Property owners are responsible for the cost of the key box. For more information, please call (614) 901-6600.

Our WFD Fire Prevention Team is available to speak to any school-age group. We have a variety of programs including Fire Safety Education, Career Day and Touch-a-Truck! Contact us today to schedule (614) 901-6600.

The program is designed to help educate children and teens about the dangers of fire and to help prevent potentially harmful actions. It can also be used as a diversion program if approved by a judge. Please call (614) 901-6600 for more information. 

Above-ground storage tanks in Westerville and Blendon Township are permitted by WFD. The permit process is online and free of charge. Please submit PDF plans to chris.mcconnell@westerville.org including a contact name and phone number. The plans must include a site plan, tank specifications including mounting pad, impact protection, size of tank and overflow protection. 

The Fire Prevention Team will work directly with the contractor to conduct inspections during the installation process. Generator installations may require additional permits from Westerville or Blendon Township building departments.   

WFD no longer does car seat inspections. Please contact the Westerville Division of Police (614) 901-6889 or use their Online Scheduler. You may also contact Mount Carmel St. Ann's (614) 636-3131 to make an appointment.