About The State Fire Marshal’s Office
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is a Division of the Utah Department of Public Safety.
The State Fire Marshal reports directly to the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Currently there are 24 personnel in the office.
The primary responsibilities of the Office are:
- Regulation, inspections and plan reviews of new construction of hospitals, clinics, State buildings, schools, jails, prisons and universities. Five Deputy Fire Marshals are assigned to the Fire Prevention Section which includes a Fire Protection Engineer.
- Fire cause and origin determination/arson investigation assistance provided upon request from agencies that do not have the personnel or expertise in this area. There are Six Investigators assigned to fire cause and origin determination and arson investigation. The Chief Deputy Fire Marshal assists when necessary.
- Coordination of State-wide fire training through the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy (UFRA) located in Provo; with one person in the Fire Marshal’s Office assigned as contract coordinator. A person is also trained in the Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program and is available for assistance to agencies upon request for interviewing juveniles. In partnership with UFRA, a Public Fire Education Specialist works out of the Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Certification, licensing and regulation of LPG distributors and dispensing sites. Three Deputy Fire Marshals are assigned to this area. Another position is devoted to the licensing and certification of the fire extinguisher and fire suppression system industry as well as coordination of the Fire-Safe Cigarette program. They travel the entire state to accomplish their assignments. Utah Fire Incident Reporting System (UFIRS) responsibilities are assigned to a Fire Safety Specialist.
- The Hazardous Materials Section is responsible for providing assistance with training for awareness, operations and technician level responders; requesting and directing HMEP grant funds; acting as liaison to LEPC’s; coordinating with the SERC; providing technical support to Haz Mat teams and response agencies.
- The Chief Deputy Fire Marshal oversees the general operation of the office and assists the State Fire Marshal as required. He deals with budgetary issues, is involved with the Fire Prevention Board, the LPG Board and the Utah Fire Service Standards and Training Council; as well as oversees the rules and provides staff support to each board, deals with legislative issues, is the Designated Records Officer for the office, and is a representative on several DPS committees.
- Our office specialists answer telephone calls and complete a large variety of clerical type work. An Administrative Secretary completes assignments as required by the State Fire Marshal and supervises the office staff. Additionally, together they complete a large volume of work related to the LPGas, Fire Extinguisher, Hood Systems, Fireworks and Flame Effects certification processes.
- The State Fire Marshal maintains close contact with the Fire Service community throughout the State. Works directly with the Fire Prevention Board and the LPG Board. Promotes Fire Prevention Education and Public Safety concepts throughout the state. Represents the Fire Service related legislation when requested by the legislative body. Maintains the office as the lead agency in the fire service in the state and promotes the positive role of the fire service community.