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, which collects and analyzes incident response data provided by local fire departments.
  • Fire and Life Safety: Objectives include the application of laws and regulations related to fire prevention and life safety. This is achieved through code compliance inspections of new and existing buildings and plan review of State-Owned and State-Occupied projects as mandated by Health and Safety Code Sections 13108, 13143, 13145 and 13146, and includes local jails, high rise 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 toward reducing or eliminating fire risks/hazards and changing 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 a liaison role for fire/life safety standards between the fire service and the film/entertainment industry.
  • Pipeline Safety: This program regulates approximately 5,800 miles of hazardous liquid pipelines that transport crude oil and refined products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, etc.) between offshore platforms, production fields, refineries and marine terminals. Regulated pipelines do not include those within production fields, marine terminals or refineries. The program has been designated as a federal agent for the inspection 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.