
Community Risk Reduction

Community Risk Reduction
According to NFPA 1300, Standard on Community Risk Assessment and Community Risk Reduction Plan Development, Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is a process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce their occurrence and impact. The Alexandria Fire Department's CRR works to ensure the safety of the Alexandria community through education and community outreach, fire prevention, and fire investigations. Community Risk Reduction consists of the Community Outreach Unit, Fire Protection Systems and the Fire Marshal's Office.
Community Outreach Unit

The Alexandria Fire Department is dedicated to fire prevention and life safety in the City of Alexandria. The department offers a variety of fire safety programs and resources throughout the year. Through the Community Outreach Unit, AFD proudly participates in various community events to inform, educate, and prepare the citizens of the City of Alexandria for emergency situations.
Some of AFD's community outreach programs include Read Across Alexandria, smoke alarm installations, and the Community Fire Academy. Visit the Community Outreach Unit webpage for more information about programs and community engagement opportunities.
The Fire Marshal's Office
The Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for three main areas of fire prevention: fire prevention inspections and enforcement of the fire code, fire and explosive investigations, and investigations of hazardous materials and environmental crimes. Fire marshals are also responsible for the enforcement of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code as adopted and amended by the City of Alexandria. Staff routinely inspect existing properties for fire prevention and overall code compliance, as well as providing information to owners and occupants for achieving code compliance.
Visit the Fire Marshal's Office webpage for additional information.
Fire Protection Systems Retesting Unit
Fire Protection Systems Retesting Unit is comprised of three fire protection retesting teams that are responsible to witness inspection, testing and retesting of existing systems in the City of Alexandria. Inspectors also respond to complaints and conduct annual inspections to ensure proper operation of these critical life safety systems. The unit deals with many different fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire pump, standpipe, suppression, fire hydrants, alarm, detection, smoke control, and access control systems. Specialists witness code required inspection, testing, and maintenance on existing fire protection systems to ensure the systems perform as designed, installed, and approved.
To schedule a Fire Protection Systems Inspection, call (703) 746-4256.
Contact Us
For emergencies, call 911.
During Business Hours (M-F, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.), dial (703) 746-5227
Community Risk Reduction Supervisor
Battalion Chief Michael Sharpe
(703) 746-5197
michael.sharpe@alexandriava.gov
Community Outreach Unit
Firefighter/EMT Ashley Whisonant
(703) 746-5217
ashley.whisonant@alexandriava.gov
Fire Marshal's Office
Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Russell Furr
(703) 746-4247
Fire Protection Systems Retesting Unit
To schedule a Fire Protection Systems Inspection, call (703) 746-4256.