Fire Prevention Division

Fire Prevention Division Vision & Mission

Promote Safety - Serve Community - Protect Life

Vision:  Our vision is to be a recognized leader in building safety, fire prevention, and public services.

Mission:  Our mission is to maintain a high level of safety and public welfare by providing professional level services of plan review, building, electrical, fire and property maintenance inspections, fire investigations and public education. We provide professional guidance of adopted standards and codes to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare for the citizens and visitors of Paducah.

What is the Fire Prevention Division?

The Fire Prevention Division of the Paducah Fire Department has the responsibility for the 1) issuance of permits; 2) building and construction inspection; 3) electrical inspection; 4) codes enforcement, housing, zoning, building, electrical, etc; 5) maintenance of city records for all construction and property improvement within the city or its jurisdiction; and 6) other such duties, functions, and responsibilities as may be delegated by the Fire Chief. 

  • Code Enforcement:  (see contacts below) The code enforcement section enforces all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in order to provide a healthy, clean, and pleasant environment for the citizens of Paducah. 
  • Construction:  The Construction section ensures that building and electrical work done within the city complies with codes, laws, and regulations mandated by the State. Not only are building and site plans reviewed for compliance with codes but also inspections are made at predetermined stages of construction. Inspectors advise and confer with contractors and/or property owners before and during construction to help ensure compliance.    

                   Applications for Permits >>
                   Schedule a Kick-Start Meeting to Launch Your Project >>
                   Scope My Project Online Tool for Zoning and Permitting >>

  • Fire Marshal:  The Fire Marshal section conducts fire prevention inspections using the Kentucky Fire Prevention Code. The Marshal’s office also offers various public education on fire safety.  

Applicable Codes

The Fire Prevention Division carries out the responsibilities outlined in several sections in Kentucky's Adopted Codes and the Paducah Code of Ordinances which include Chapter 46 (Fire Prevention and Protection); Building, electrical, construction, demolition, code enforcement, and rental occupancy permits under Chapter 42 (Environment); and Building codes under Chapter 18 (Building and Building Regulations).

Fire Prevention Division Contacts

Fire Prevention Division
City Hall, 1st Floor
300 South 5th Street
P.O. Box 2267
Paducah, KY 42002-2267

For construction related inquiries  270-444-8527
For yards and grounds complaints and/or existing housing problems  270-444-8522​ 

 - Deputy Chief Fire Prevention
 - Chief Electrical Inspector
 - Deputy Building Inspector I
 - Executive Assistant I
Vacant - Deputy Fire Marshal
 - Chief Building Inspector
 - Deputy Electrical Inspector II/Plans Review
 - Code Enforcement Officer I
Debbie McGee - Permit Technician
 - Deputy Fire Marshal
 - Code Enforcement Officer I

Annual Combined Conference - Fire Service, Electrical, and Building Professionals

Note: 2020 Conference is Cancelled

The Paducah Fire Department has made the tough decision to cancel the 2020 Annual Combined Conference for Fire Service, Electrical, and Building Professionals.  This year would have marked the 9th consecutive year for the free conference which benefits those in the electrical, building, construction, design, social services, or firefighting professions with educational workshops and continuing education credits. 

Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Greg Cherry says, “It is with great disappointment that we’ve had to make the tough decision to cancel the 2020 Annual Combined Conference due to COVID-19 concerns. Each year, we look forward to developing this unique educational opportunity that brings professionals from the important fields of building and construction, electrical, social services, and fire service together to learn from each other and from some of the most knowledgeable experts in their fields.  We hope that you will join us for the 2021 conference.”   

For participants who rely on the conference for continuing education credits, please review the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet Order regarding continuing education requirements and license renewals.  For those with questions about these requirements or renewals, contact the Licensing Branch of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction through the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet by phone at 502-573-2002 or by email at licensing@ky.gov. 

The Combined Conference for Fire Service, Electrical, and Building Professionals typically is held in October and attracts more than 300 participants.  For more information about the conference, contact the Paducah Fire Prevention Division at 270-444-8527.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Fire Prevention Division strives to achieve good relationships with our residents and businesses. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your feedback will assist us in improving our services.  Visit Customer Satisfaction Survey to take the online survey. 

Reorganization of Inspection Department into Fire Prevention Division

On June 26, 2012, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance creating the Fire Prevention Division of the Paducah Fire Department which abolished the Inspection Department with the employees and duties, functions, and responsibilities of that department moved to the Fire Prevention Division.  In February 2012, the Fire Department began overseeing the department through a pilot program.  Two meetings were held with contractors to gain their feedback with an emphasis on enhancing customer service and improving service delivery.  Several changes were initiated immediately following the creation of the Fire Prevention Division including the purchase of additional field supplies for the code enforcement officers, development of criteria for foreclosures, a renovation of the office area with a movement toward a paperless office, integration of a document management service, and the scheduling of training.  To learn more about the enacted and proposed changes, view the Fire-Inspection Reorganization >> slide presentation given by Chief Steve Kyle at the June 5, 2012 City Commission budget workshop.