Public Safety

Fire Authority Deputy Fire Marshal Honored for Fire Prevention Efforts

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Every three years, the state updates its fire code and soon after all 16 fire districts in the County send their fire codes to the San Diego County Fire Authority to go through line by line. It’s James Pine’s job to make sure the codes are all in agreement with each other, as well as the state, and County’s Consolidated Fire Code.

It takes a careful eye, and Pine, who has worked for the County for more than 11 years, has taken a lead role in this important process for several years now. The Consolidated Fire Code makes it simpler for builders and homeowners in San Diego County to comply with fire protection standards on homes and developments.

The San Diego County Fire Prevention Officers Association named Pine, a deputy fire marshal for the San Diego County Fire Authority, the Fire Prevention Officer of the Year for his dedication to advancing the cause of prevention and safety within the community.

The award was presented to Pine Wednesday. The Fire Prevention Officers Association is a multi-agency collaboration that provides education and mentoring for members on fire prevention issues and is under the direction of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association.

“(Pine) has contributed countless times with invaluable insight and information that is a result of his varied background as a plan reviewer and combination inspector,” said Carisa Workman, FPOA president.

Colleagues say he is both methodical and passionate about his work.

“Pine embodies the term selfless dedication in the approach he takes to his job as deputy fire marshal,” said Kelly Gaffrey, county plans examiner for the San Diego County Fire Authority.

Pine brings expertise from previous jobs he has held in the electrical trades, as a building inspector and as a senior electrical plumbing mechanical inspector for the County of San Diego. This experience allows Pine to see how the requirements he works on are going to affect other people’s work on a site.

Besides the Consolidated Fire Code, Pine also does public outreach on fire safety and works closely with the County’s Planning & Development Services to review major subdivision projects and major use permits.

“We ensure that new and existing development is safe for both the public and our firefighters,” Pine said. “We ensure that there’s adequate fire department access, defensible space, water supply and fire protection systems.”

 

Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact