The Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Safety, through the leadership of the Fire Marshal, a Deputy Chief, is assigned the responsibility of accomplishing several objectives. The primary objectives are as follows: the prevention of fires; the investigation of the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires; the elimination of fire and life safety hazards in buildings, marine vessels, aircraft, and vehicles; the maintenance of fire protectionequipment and systems; the regulation of storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials and hazardous substances; and enforcement of the basic building regulations of the State Fire Marshal as they apply to the City of Los Angeles in matters regarding fire, panic, and explosion safety. In addition, the Bureau is dedicated to enhancing environmental protection and creating a more business friendly environment.