Ask the Fire Marshal

Fire Marshal Jon Williams speaking to UCPS staff

Have a question about fire safety? Ask the expert!

In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, Union County is giving residents an opportunity to connect directly with Fire Marshal Jon Williams and learn more about fire prevention, fire safety and the work of the Union County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Throughout October 2026, submit your question. Wondering how often you should replace your smoke alarms? Have questions about fire extinguishers, outdoor burning, home escape plans, or what happens during a fire investigation? Submit your question, and the Fire Marshal will answer it!

About the Fire Marshal’s Office

The Union County Fire Marshal’s Office works every day to help protect the people who live, work and visit Union County through fire prevention, code enforcement, investigations, and education. The office is responsible for enforcing the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, including conducting required inspections of commercial occupancies on schedules determined by occupancy type. The team also:

  • Reviews plans for commercial buildings and fire and life safety systems.
  • Responds to fire safety concerns reported by the public.
  • Conducts fire inspections throughout the life of commercial buildings, from construction through occupancy.
  • Investigates the origin and cause of fires.
  • Works with local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and other partners during fire investigations.
  • Provides fire prevention and safety education to help residents reduce risks before an emergency occurs.


Fire prevention isn't limited to businesses and building inspections. Many of the choices you make at home, from maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to cooking safely and creating a home escape plan, can help protect you and your family.

Have a question about fire safety? Ask the expert!

In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, Union County is giving residents an opportunity to connect directly with Fire Marshal Jon Williams and learn more about fire prevention, fire safety and the work of the Union County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Throughout October 2026, submit your question. Wondering how often you should replace your smoke alarms? Have questions about fire extinguishers, outdoor burning, home escape plans, or what happens during a fire investigation? Submit your question, and the Fire Marshal will answer it!

About the Fire Marshal’s Office

The Union County Fire Marshal’s Office works every day to help protect the people who live, work and visit Union County through fire prevention, code enforcement, investigations, and education. The office is responsible for enforcing the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, including conducting required inspections of commercial occupancies on schedules determined by occupancy type. The team also:

  • Reviews plans for commercial buildings and fire and life safety systems.
  • Responds to fire safety concerns reported by the public.
  • Conducts fire inspections throughout the life of commercial buildings, from construction through occupancy.
  • Investigates the origin and cause of fires.
  • Works with local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and other partners during fire investigations.
  • Provides fire prevention and safety education to help residents reduce risks before an emergency occurs.


Fire prevention isn't limited to businesses and building inspections. Many of the choices you make at home, from maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to cooking safely and creating a home escape plan, can help protect you and your family.

Ask the Fire Marshal

For Fire Prevention Month, ask your questions directly to the Fire Marshal's Office! A member of the Fire Marshal's Office will provide a response within two business days.

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  • Would you be interested in coming to speak to 6th graders at Porter Ridge Middle school in my health class? I have two classes 10:35-11:15 and 11:20-12:00 Cell 704-968-6650

    Randy Eich asked 13 days ago

    Absolutely! Please contact Beth Belk at 704-283-3528 to get that scheduled.

  • Is it important to change the batteries on your smoke detectors every six months or only necessary to TEST the smoke director every six months (when clocks change). If it is not necessary to change the batteries, how long do you just "test" the batteries before the batteries SHOULD BE replaced.

    MystifiedinMonroe asked 13 days ago

    Great question. It is important to change the batteries every six months to ensure that the batteries are always fresh and never go dead. Also, it is recommended that you test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure that they are working properly. Some newer smoke alarms have 10-year batteries and do not require battery changes. If you have one of those you would still want to test the alarm monthly.

  • Hi! My children go to school from home and I’d like to introduce them to fire safety in person. What’s the best way for me to schedule a small fire safety session with either location of Union County Fire?

    Mavryck32 asked 13 days ago

    Hello! Please reach to Beth Belk at 704-283-3528 and we will be more than happy to schedule a time to meet with you. 

Page published: 02 Oct 2026, 05:51 AM