Wilson (N.C.) Fire/Rescue Services' Fire Prevention Bureau inspections are done by five full-time fire inspectors. The bureau conducts all inspection on a portable computer tablet. A copy of the inspection report is printed in the inspector's vehicle and left with the occupant. The captured data is downloaded wirelessly to the records management system of the department.

The current risk-reduction programs consist of fire-safety reading libraries in elementary schools, life-safety clown troupe, free smoke alarms and installations, child car safety seat installation and education, and candle safety programs.

The department recently completed a grant project with the Center for Public Safety Excellence called FIRES (Fire Inspection Resource Exercise Simulation) that offers fire departments a new state-of-the-art mechanism for training fire inspectors and firefighters to conduct in-service inspections. This program incorporates virtual-reality simulation in conjunction with a comprehensive training curriculum.

The product is a self-paced, computer desktop operation of practice and test scenarios. It allows individuals to conduct actual inspections of critical occupancy scenarios completely within a computer environment before being asked to conduct on-site inspections. The program provides dynamic content and realistic occupancy situations, enabling the novice inspector to practice realistic mock inspections. This program is portable so it can be used at home or in other mobile environments. It's a reusable curriculum that enables a department to reduce back-filling when students go off to school, thus reducing travel cost and study materials.

The department also is heavily involved in exploring and developing GIS technology for fire service use. Through the management of this data, the department can identify problems and develop educational programs and mitigation efforts. GIS is used for risk analysis and deployment concentration. The department's standard of cover, fire station location studies, and resource deployment during disasters are studied and managed with GIS.

The department used a FIRE Grant in 2005 to purchase and install a video conferencing system, which enables the members in all stations to participate in training sessions, educational courses and department meetings without having to leave their respective stations. This also saves time for the department by reducing the need to repeat meetings.

The newest technology the department is exploring is tracking firefighters inside a structure. The first test of a systemic sensor technology was conducted in August and was recorded to show how X, Y and Z coordinates are captured. The department also is in the development process for a pandemic plan in coordination with other agencies in Wilson.