Fire Marshal

September 2020

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have been made aware of a company sending what looks like formal correspondence using both an “nfpa.org” email address and an “nfpa.org” web reference in the body of the letter and indicating that a “fire inspection” is required or has been performed. These messages threaten the recipient with civil violations and penalties for failing to respond. It appears the communication is aimed at scaring recipients into scheduling and paying for fire inspections.

Please be advised that this communication is in no way related to NFPA. As you know, NFPA does not conduct fire inspections, issue inspection reports, levy fines, or perform activity related to code enforcement. If you receive an email of this nature, we urge you to use caution in handling it. If you are unsure of the local code enforcement procedures, you may want to check with your local fire agencies for more information about the requirements in your location.

Local Fire Marshal Duties
We are bringing to your attention the many varied and important duties that are required of and performed by the local fire marshal.

Each year, the number of fires, as well as deaths and traumatic injuries from fire, increase throughout the country. We cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of the duties of the local fire marshals as they relate to life safety and protection of property from fire within the community.

Each community must recognize the responsibilities vested at the local level and should afford the local fire marshal the necessary assistance and cooperation required to fulfill their statutory mandates.

Local fire marshals are responsible for the enforcement of many of the sections found in Chapter 541 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as well as numerous codes that are promulgated under the provision of these statutes.

Additional duties imposed by statute on the local fire marshals are that he /she:

  • Shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstance of all fires within their jurisdiction, and shall, within 10 days report the same to the State Fire Marshal in the designated format.
  • Issue permits for the use, transportation and storage of explosives in compliance with State Explosives Regulations.
    • Investigate complaints concerning explosives.
    • Inspect explosive storage magazines.
    • Spot check all job sites where explosives are being used.
  • Notify the Labor Commissioner of fire hazards found in manufacturing establishments.
  • Enforce Space Heater Statute.
  • Inspect all flammable and combustible liquids storage tank installations for compliance with regulations (N.F.P.A. #30).
    • Inspect all vehicles that transport flammable and combustible liquids, in accordance with (N.F. P.A. #385) regulations.
    • Issue certificate of approval to each vehicle once it is in compliance.
    • Inspect all gasoline service stations.
  • Inspect, at least once each year, all dry cleaning and dry dyeing establishments for compliance with the appropriate code.
  • Inspect and enforce the regulations concerning storage, use and transportation of liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas (N.F.P.A. #54 and #58.)
    • Inspect, at least once each year, all vehicles transporting liquefied petroleum gas or liquefied natural gas.
    • Issue certificate of approval to each vehicle.
  • Annually inspect all storage plants and equipment and vehicles at bulk storage plants for the storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals.
    • Issue certificate of approval to each vehicle.
  • Administer and enforce manufacturing employer hazardous materials notification law.
  • Conduct site inspection of all fireworks and special effects displays for compliance with applicable State legislation. Also make the determination of the amount of fire protection and extinguishing equipment to be on site.
  • Inspect all outdoor amusements (carnivals, circuses, amusement parks, etc.) attesting to the event being reasonably safe from the effects of panic, fire or smoke.
  • Conduct review of plans and specifications for various occupancies being proposed within the town for compliance with the Connecticut Fire Safety Code.
  • Attend schools and seminars to keep abreast of the codes, regulations and new technology.
  • Required to be certified by the State Fire Marshal as of October 1973.
  • Required to obtain 90 hours of continuing education over three (3) years to maintain certification.
  • Provide safety tips and give advice to the general public.
  • Acts as Open Burning Official for the Town.
  • Sign applications for open burning permits §22a-174 (PA 00-1) to municipalities for the burning of brush at the landfill, recycling center or transfer station
    • Issues open burning permits to residents of premises only, for open burning of brush.