Department 37.04 minimizes fire risk in advance through structural, technical, and organizational measures and is therefore the appropriate counterpart to defensive fire protection with its firefighting department.

The department advises architects, engineers, planners, and building users on the implementation of statutory fire protection regulations. Firefighting issues, such as the supply of water for firefighting or the escape and rescue route situation, must be integrated into the overall concept of a building and coordinated with each other. As part of the building permit approval process, statements are written describing whether the fire protection of a building is sufficient or whether additional measures are required to ensure it. This early involvement in the planning phase allows optimal conditions to be created for subsequent rescue and firefighting measures, which ultimately benefits not only the fire department but also the users and owners of the building.

Another important task is to carry out fire prevention inspections in special buildings, such as schools or hotels. Together with representatives of the building authority, the properties are inspected and checked for compliance with the relevant fire safety regulations. If any deficiencies are found, these are documented and the operator is requested to remedy them.