Our mission in the Fire Prevention Bureau is to ensure that Knoxville is a safe environment for all who live, work, or visit. We achieve this by enforcing the city's fire codes and standards, providing a reasonable level of safety for life and property. This is done through life safety inspections of both existing structures and new construction. We believe our commitment to safety is vital for the community! For any inquiries, you may contact us at [email protected] or call 865-633-0400.


Under the direction of the Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief Sonny Partin, the Fire Prevention Bureau performs the following services:

• Review and inspect all new construction and remodeling of commercial buildings in conjunction with the City's Building Permits Department

• Review all sprinkler and fire alarm drawings for compliance

• Permit and inspect all flammable and combustible storage tanks (Class I, II, or III) greater than 60 gallons - Including aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, and liquefied petroleum gas tanks

• Permit and monitor blasting operations 

• Permit and monitor pyrotechnic displays

• Enforce all state and local codes involving fire safety and prevention

• Inspect and monitor special events for cooking, tents and large public gatherings

• Provide an on-call fire inspector for emergency situations

• Inspect one- and two-family dwellings upon request


Fire Hazard Complaints

Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 865-633-0400 to provide a complaint about possible fire hazards.

Please have the address of the property and name of business, if applicable, available when you call the office.

All complaints are investigated by a fire inspector.