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Gold firefighter badge with "BTFD" at the top, "Fire" on the left, "Rescue" on the right, "Est. 1978" at the bottom, and a center image of a tree, water, and sunset. Text within says "Devoted to Duty Above Personal Risk.
The image displays the word "BLUFFTON" in capital letters with a gold-colored serif font on a white background.

Fire Prevention

Protecting Lives, Property, and the Community Through Prevention

Fire Prevention Division

Proactive Protection for a Safer Bluffton

The Fire Prevention Division plays a vital role in the Bluffton Township Fire District’s mission by proactively reducing fire risk and ensuring compliance with local and state fire codes. Through inspections, investigations, plan reviews, and community outreach, the division helps create a safer environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Two people wearing gloves, helmets, and masks examine the charred remains of a burned house behind yellow "Fire Line Do Not Cross" tape. The structure is blackened and heavily damaged.

Fire Inspections & Code Enforcement

The primary goal of the Fire Prevention Division is to achieve voluntary compliance with all applicable fire codes as adopted by the State of South Carolina. Each year, fire inspectors conduct annual inspections of all existing commercial properties and follow up as needed to ensure compliance.

In 2024 alone, the Fire Prevention Division completed 3,515 fire and life safety inspections.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

  • Reviewing site plans, construction documents, and fire protection system designs
  • Conducting business license inspections at the request of Beaufort County
  • Performing acceptance testing for new fire protection systems
  • Conducting Bi-Annual Click2Enter inspections
  • Providing special event inspections
  • Issuing burn permits within the Town of Bluffton

All fire inspectors are certified by the State of South Carolina as Certified Fire Marshals and are required to complete annual continuing education through accredited agencies.

Fire Investigations

The Fire District is authorized under South Carolina State Law to investigate the origin and cause of all fires within its jurisdiction. Fire investigations are conducted by certified members of the Fire Prevention Division, all of whom are credentialed through either:

  • The National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), or
  • The International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

Investigators work closely with agencies including:

  • Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
  • Town of Bluffton Police Department
  • South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Arson Unit

To maintain readiness and compliance with ISO standards, the Fire Investigation Team completes a minimum of 40 hours of training annually.

Personnel & Leadership

The Fire Prevention Division is led by the Fire Marshal and staffed with certified fire inspectors and investigators who bring a wealth of experience to the department’s prevention and enforcement efforts.

A smiling fire chief in full dress uniform holds a white hat in front of a Bluffton Township Fire District emblem and an American flag.

Daniel Wiltse

Fire Marshal
Email
A uniformed firefighter with tattoos on his hand stands in front of an American flag and a Bluffton Township Fire District logo, holding his cap and smiling at the camera.

Jason Lee

Senior Fire Inspector
A firefighter in full dress uniform holds a hat and smiles at the camera. An American flag is on the left, and a Bluffton Township Fire District emblem is in the background.

Rodney Warren

Fire Inspector
A firefighter in formal uniform poses holding a hat, standing in front of the American flag and the Bluffton Township Fire District emblem on a gray background.

Ryan Yakscoe

Fire Inspector

Contact & Inquiries

To request a fire inspection, ask questions about fire codes, or discuss development plans and environmental surveys, please contact the Bluffton Township Fire District Fire Marshal.

Fire Prevention Location

BTFD Fire Prevention

357 Fording Island Road
Bluffton, SC 29909