T he Life Safety Bureau of the Houston Fire Department, the division charged with inspecting buildings for compliance with the fire code, lacks operational leadership, the necessary information to manage daily operations, adequate information technology support, the proper equipment to communicate and perform inspections and the funding to correct these problems, according to the findings of a performance review released by City Controller Annise Parker.

“Enforcement of the fire code is the first line of defense in fire prevention,” said Controller Parker. “Failure to have a high-quality inspection bureau puts firefighter and citizen lives at risk.”

The 4-month performance review conducted for the controller's office by Mir, Fox and Rodriquez Certified Public Accountants is the third operational review of the bureau within the last ten years. Many of the same issues identified in the previous studies were also noted this time. “Operations in this division of the fire department have been reviewed several times, but necessary changes haven't been made,” Parker said. “After reviewing Fire Chief Phil Boriskie's response to the findings, I am encouraged that there will finally be corrective action.”

Auditors identified overtime abuses, inconsistent inspections, inadequate training, an atmosphere of mistrust, fear of retribution, and wasteful spending. Of particular concern was the lack of a comprehensive listing of high-rise buildings and hazardous material locations. “Without this list, there is a risk that some of these facilities are not being subjected to periodic inspections,” said the controller. Auditors also discovered nearly half a million dollars worth of Fujitsu notepad computers still in their original packing boxes six years after being purchased.

The report includes twelve recommendations for improved operations, including development of a standardized inspection checklist and training program, and review of the existing permit structure to ensure that the bureau is charging the appropriate fees for its services. The current fee structure does not cover the cost of the inspections.

In his official response, Chief Boriskie generally agrees with the auditors' recommendations and is already taking steps to make operational improvements, temporarily reassigning the assistant fire marshal and initiating a review of permit fees. He is also working to develop a comprehensive training program. Development of a complete listing of high-rise buildings and hazardous materials locations will likely require new computer hardware that has yet to be funded.

This is the second performance review to be released by the controller's office in 2005. A review of the Houston Emergency Center was released in July. The third and final report on operations at the 3-1-1 Citizens Assistance Line will be released in a couple of weeks. All audit reports are available for viewing on the controller's Web site at: houstoncontroller.org.

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