Fire inspections and fire code enforcement by Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services

How it works

Gaston County’s Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services says it provides planning, coordination, and resources that help residents and responders prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from emergencies in Gaston County. The Fire Marshal’s Office is part of that department and is described as handling fire-safety functions for the county.

What the service covers

The page says the Fire Marshal’s Office performs state-mandated fire inspections and enforces the North Carolina Fire Code to find and reduce fire hazards in various public occupancies. It also conducts fire origin and cause investigations, fire and life safety education programs, and serves as backup support for emergency management during natural and man-made disasters.

Insurance-related homeowner benefit

The page specifically says the office coordinates fire suppression and homeowner insurance premium reduction efforts through a county-wide fire protection network of volunteer and career fire departments. However, the page does not say that homeowners receive a direct payment, rebate, or tax benefit, and it does not list any premium-reduction amount or formula.

Timing and billing

The page explains that Gaston County has transitioned to pre-billing for fire inspections, meaning payment is collected before the inspection rather than afterward. It says all inspections will continue on the state-mandated schedule. If invoices are not paid, the county says there will be further communications regarding revocation of the property’s Certificate of Occupancy.

How to apply

The page does not describe an application for a homeowner incentive. For inspection questions, it says to contact Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services by phone at (704) 866-3350 or email Stephanie Westbrook. It also directs residents to schedule a fire inspection through the county site.

Important notes

The page also promotes Alert Gaston, which is an emergency notification system. Anyone who lives, works, or travels through Gaston County can register to receive alerts by cell phone, SMS, home phone, email, fax, pager, the Everbridge Contact app, or a registration form by email.