Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (13%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 9 (30%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 17 (57%)

• Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Issue permits for public assemblies.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop or review fire exit plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct children about the dangers of fire.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect and test fire protection or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Arrange for the replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about fire inspectors and investigators and AI