The Fire Prevention Bureau, a division of the Fire Department, consists of the Fire Marshal, Assistant Fire Marshal, and four Fire Inspector/Investigators. The bureau also coordinates the Youth Firesetter Intervention Program and serves as the liaison between the Fire Department and the Burn Institute.

The bureau conducts fire inspections of new and existing commercial buildings, conducts residential inspections of multi-family dwellings and safety inspections in schools, issues permits for special events, performs plan review and defensible space inspections, attends public education fire safety events, and investigates public complaints about potential fire hazards.

Additionally, the Fire Prevention Bureau oversees the vegetation management program, ensuring safe clearances in the areas between wildlands and communities. Members of this section also participate in a multi-agency task force dedicated to addressing extensive nuisance properties throughout the city.

In the event of a fire, Fire Inspectors/Investigators respond to the incident to determine the origin and cause of the fire. If arson is suspected, Vista Fire Investigators collaborate with the San Diego County Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit.