Office of Fire Prevention

The position of local Fire Marshal is established by State Law and includes responsibility for the following areas:

	Investigation of fires
	Inspections of local buildings for fire hazards
	Abatement of fire hazards
	Review of plans for new construction

 

Investigations

The local fire marshal investigates the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire or explosion within his jurisdiction which damaged or threatened any property, or injured or threatened any person. 

 

Inspections

The local fire marshal, in the interest of public safety, may inspect all buildings and facilities regulated by the Fire Safety Code within their jurisdictions.  State statute requires that each local fire marshal inspects annually, or causes to be inspected, each building or facility of public service within his or her jurisdiction .  The only exception is for one and two family homes, which may be inspected upon the request of an owner or occupant for adherence to code requirements relative to smoke detection and warning equipment.

The local fire marshal has right of entry for himself or his representative at all reasonable hours into any premises in the jurisdiction, or at any time in the event of any emergency requiring his immediate attention.

Please click on the link to the Forms and Information page for  record-keeping forms which can be used by local businesses to meet the requirements of the Fire Code.

 

Abatement of fire hazards

If a condition is found on any premises which is contrary to pubic safety, the fire marshal shall order the hazardous condition to be corrected within a designated time.  If the owner or occupant fails to abate the condition within the reasonable time specified by the fire marshal, a penalty of fifty dollars a day for each day of neglect for each violation may be recovered in the name of the state.  The fire marshal may also refer the case for prosecution.

 

Review of plans

Building and site plans for all new construction is reviewed by the local fire marshal for adherence to the State Fire Code, as well as to local fire lanes, fire alarm, and sprinkler system regulations.