In turn the Chief Fire Officer discharges power of authority by order of a Secretary of State (In England and Wales) or their equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
They can not, except in the event of fire or emergency, make forceable entry, unless first obtaining a warrant.
Inspectors have powers to enter premises for the purposes of undertaking routine fire safety inspections.
They can also close (prohibit) or restrict the use of unsafe buildings, issue other legal notices which enforce compliance with current fire safety legislation.
Most routine inspections result in minor failings being found and this is normally dealt with by a report which asks for the deficiencies to addressed within a certain timescale.
Different organisations enforce fire safety legislation depending on the nature of the premises.
They are career specialist operatives with extensive fire technology skills and qualifications.