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Fire Inspector Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Tech I - Fire

Blaine, WA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

The Fire Technician Provides service, Inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair for fire equipment which typically includes but is not limited to portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers ...

Tech I - Fire

Blaine, WA

$38K - $51K/yr

The Fire Technician Provides service, Inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair for fire equipment which typically includes but is not limited to portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers ...

Tech I - Fire

Blaine, WA

$38K - $51K/yr

The Fire Technician Provides service, Inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair for fire equipment which typically includes but is not limited to portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

... inspections, certifications, and combat system readiness. What to Expect Hands on technical work ... in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Inspector information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$39K

$66K

$102.4K

How much do fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire inspector in Bellingham, WA is $66,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $75,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a fire inspector?

Being a fire inspector can be challenging as it requires knowledge of fire codes, safety regulations, and inspection procedures. The job often involves physical activity, attention to detail, and sometimes working in hazardous environments, but it also offers clear certification pathways and training opportunities.

What Is a Fire Inspector?

A fire inspector is responsible for inspecting existing and new buildings to ensure that they are up to code and do not present any fire hazards. It is a fire inspector’s job to test and examine fire prevention measures, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and evacuation plans. A large company may perform a fire safety drill for the inspector to oversee and provide feedback. For new building projects, a fire inspector supervises and approves fire prevention measures to ensure they meet state regulations. The job of fire inspector should not be confused with that of fire investigator. An investigator examines extinguished fires to find the source. An inspector examines buildings to prevent a fire from starting.

What is the difference between Fire Inspector vs Fire Investigator?

AspectFire InspectorFire Investigator
CertificationsFire Inspector Certification, State Fire Marshal LicenseFire Investigator Certification, State Fire Marshal License
Work EnvironmentInspections of buildings, code enforcement, safety assessmentsInvestigating fire causes, scene analysis, evidence collection
Employer & IndustryFire departments, government agencies, commercial propertiesFire departments, law enforcement, insurance companies
Primary FocusPreventing fires, ensuring code complianceDetermining fire origin and cause

While both Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators work within fire safety, Fire Inspectors focus on prevention and code enforcement through building inspections, whereas Fire Investigators analyze fire scenes to determine causes. Their roles often overlap but serve different stages of fire safety and investigation processes.

How long does it take to become a fire inspector?

Becoming a fire inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, gaining experience as a firefighter or in a related field, and obtaining relevant certifications such as the Fire Inspector I and II certifications. The process can take several years, often around 3 to 5 years, depending on education, experience, and certification requirements.

How to become a firefighter inspector?

To become a firefighter inspector, candidates typically need a combination of firefighting experience, such as working as a firefighter or emergency responder, and specialized training in fire codes and inspection procedures. Many states require certification through programs like the Fire Inspector I and II certifications, and applicants often need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a valid driver's license. Gaining experience in fire prevention, safety protocols, and building codes is essential for advancing in this role.

What are Fire Inspectors?

Fire Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining buildings and properties to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal fire codes and regulations. They look for potential fire hazards, check fire prevention systems, and educate property owners about fire safety practices. Fire Inspectors may also investigate the causes of fires and help develop fire safety plans to prevent future incidents. Their work is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of fires and improve public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of fire codes, building safety regulations, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications or formal fire science training. Familiarity with inspection software, fire modeling tools, and reporting systems is crucial for accurate documentation and analysis. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help Fire Inspectors work collaboratively with property owners and emergency personnel. These skills ensure compliance with safety standards, minimize fire risks, and protect communities from potential hazards.

Can you be a fire inspector without being a firefighter?

A fire inspector is a separate role from a firefighter and does not require being a firefighter. Fire inspectors typically focus on code enforcement, safety inspections, and fire prevention, often needing certifications such as fire inspector or plan examiner licenses. While some fire inspectors have firefighting experience, it is not a mandatory requirement for the position.

What are some of the common challenges fire inspectors face during building inspections?

Fire inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving fire codes, addressing resistance or lack of cooperation from property owners, and identifying hidden hazards in older or non-standard buildings. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency, often working on tight schedules while maintaining accuracy in their reports. Good communication and up-to-date technical knowledge are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure public safety.
What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Fire Inspector jobs? Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Fire Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Inspector job openings in Bellingham, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,045 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Tech I - Fire

$38K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Total Safety rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 32 rated health and safety providers


Job description

Total Safety is looking for a Fire Technician to join their safety conscious team! The Fire Technician Provides service, Inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair for fire equipment which typically includes but is not limited to portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers, lifesaving equipment, fire and gas detection systems, foam systems, dry chemical systems, gaseous suppression systems and water- based fire protection systems.
Total Safety is the world's premier provider of integrated safety and compliance services and the products necessary to support them, including gas detection, respiratory protection, safety training, fire protection, compliance and inspection, industrial hygiene, onsite emergency medical treatment/paramedics, communications systems, engineered systems design, and materials management. Our Core Values are People, Safety & Wellbeing, Accountability, Responsibility, Empowerment, Honesty, Transparency, and Integrity.
Essential Duties:
  • Performs shop service and/or field inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair (if certified) of fire equipment which may include customer portable and fixed fire extinguisher systems and components, lifesaving and navigation aid equipment, fixed breathing air systems, fire detection and alarm system components, fixed gas detection systems components and foam, dry chemical, gaseous fire suppression systems and components and water-based fire protection systems.
  • Completes all documentation associated with inspection and repair in a timely and accurate manner and obtains signature from customer so that proper invoicing and documentation can be provided to customer. This includes all inspection and repair documents, job cost billable expenses and time sheets.
  • Learns to conduct detailed visual inspections and system functional tests of various systems and equipment for the purpose of reporting any deficiencies and corrective action recommendations to customer.
  • Learns to conduct pre-job, job update and post-job completion briefs.
  • Assists others in facilities including stocking shelves with clean, tested, and ready-to-use equipment and pulling, staging, and loading customer orders onto trucks for delivery.
  • Maintains work area and other areas in a clean and orderly condition.
  • Performs basic maintenance and care of assigned vehicle and/or trailer.
  • Learns to rig-up and use a wide range of safety equipment including, but not limited to retractable lifelines, harnesses, and lanyards.

Skills and Experience:
  • One (1) year of field experience in fire protection, petrochemical, oil refinery or related industry.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate electronic safety equipment and understand fire systems and components.
  • Ability to operate and maintain, reassemble, and test electronic safety equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose assigned equipment problems and take corrective action within policy and procedure limitations.
  • Knowledge of all regulatory standards pertaining to assigned responsibilities; i.e., State, OSHA, and NFPA regulations, etc.
  • Must have knowledge of the applicable Code of Federal Regulations. Coast Guard and ABS regulations if offshore.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Proficiency in the care and use of all sites specific, facility and customer required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Trained in Respiratory Protection and fully certified to wear respiratory breathing equipment (Fit Tested) where required by facility.
  • Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.

Working Environment:
  • Shop, indoor and outdoor industrial environments. May be frequently exposed to cold, hot, wet, humid, outside weather conditions and vibration. Works in customer environment. May be exposed to high pressure, chemicals, and traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Educational Requirements:
  • High School diploma or GED and associate degree, technical or military training strongly preferred.

Total Safety and its subsidiaries afford equal opportunity in employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy, familial status, disability status, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under Federal, State or Local law. Total Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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