3540 Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
Program Descriptions

10 - STATE FIRE MARSHAL

The State Fire Marshal is responsible for the statewide protection of life and property through the development and application of fire protection engineering, education and enforcement. Activities include the following:
  • Code Development and Analysis: Objectives include the development and adoption of codes relating to fire/life safety used statewide by local fire and building authorities. The program also operates the California All-Incident Reporting System (CAIRS), which collects and analyzes incident response data provided by local fire departments.
  • Fire and Life Safety: Objectives include the enforcement of fire/life safety standards in state-owned and state-occupied facilities, institutions, jails and areas not covered by a local fire department. The program also assists local fire and building authorities in the interpretation and enforcement of fire/life safety regulations within their respective jurisdictions.
  • Fire Engineering: This program uses a multi-pronged approach to reduce or eliminate fire risks/hazards and change the fire environment. Consumer services and product evaluations are conducted on portable fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler/extinguishing systems, dangerous and consumer fireworks, flame retardant fabrics/chemicals, vapor recovery devices and building materials listing services. Other activities include coordination of hazardous materials and California Unified Program Account services to local fire officials as well as serving as a liaison between the fire service and film/entertainment industry for fire/life safety standards.
  • Pipeline Safety: This program regulates approximately 6,400 miles of critical pipelines that transport crude oil and refined products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, etc.). Regulated pipelines do not include those within production fields, marine terminals, refineries or bulk loading facilities. The program has been designated as a federal agent for the enforcement of pipeline safety standards for interstate pipelines since 1987.
  • State Fire Training: The program provides a comprehensive training and certification service to local fire agencies. Activities include the California Fire Service Training and Education System and Fire Service Training and Education Program.