The Fire Prevention Bureau is a critical component of the Chicago Fire Department's effort to protect the citizens of Chicago against the loss of life and property through its enforcement of the Municipal Fire Codes. The Fire Prevention Bureau has four area offices: North, South, West and Central. These offices conduct general inspections of businesses, schools, hotels, public places of assembly, and high-rise occupancies within their geographic boundaries. Inspections are done on an annual basis to insure that each entity complies with all required fire codes.