Department of Public Safety. Fire Marshal

The SFMO is responsible for the recommendation, adoption, and enforcement of fire codes in public buildings. In addition, the SFMO assists in the development and presentation of fire service training programs, coordination of fire prevention efforts, regulation of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas and fire extinguisher servicing industries and fire/arson investigation. Architectural plans are reviewed for fire code adherence and inspections of public buildings are also major assignments. Data about location, frequency, and severity of fires, civilian and fire service injuries and deaths as a result of fire are collected through the Utah Fire Incident Reporting System (UFIRS), established 1978.

The director, or State Fire Marshal, is the executive and administrative head of the division. He must be qualified by experience and education to enforce the rules of the board and perform the duties prescribed by the commissioner of Public Safety. The director is appointed by the commissioner upon recommendation of the Fire Prevention Board and with the approval of the governor. Prior to 1981, the governor appointed the State Fire Marshal directly.

The Fire Marshal reported directly to the Governor's office from 1964 to 1981. In 1981 the SFMO became a division of the Department of Public Safety (UTSVH00809-A) by Executive Order of Governor Scott M. Matheson signed August 3, 1981. The Fire Marshal reports directly to the Commissioner of Public Safety. The Chief Deputy Fire Marshal oversees the general operation of the office and assists the Fire Marshal as required. The Fire Marshal's Office includes the following divisions: Arson/Fire Investigations, Fire Prevention Bureau, Licensing/Certification, Public Education, and Utah Fire Incident Reporting System. The Fire Marshal's Office also provides staff support to the following boards: Fire Prevention Board; Laws, Rules, and Regulations; Utah Fire and Rescue Academy; and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board.