Fire marshals convene
For the first time, all state fire marshals were represented at a National Conference of State Fire Marshals in San Diego, CA. Representatives from all 50 states and the District of Columbia convened to discuss and provide solutions to issues of special concern.
The conference was planned and directed by the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA), a membership section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Co-sponsoring the conference was the United States Fire Administration (USFA) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Topics included:
- Model state fire marshal organizational chart
- Code development and enforcement
- Role definition (fire/life safety)
- Fire investigation
- Desired legislation (federal, state, and local)
- Management information systems
- Funding methods
- Current fire marshal issue topics.
“Many issues—such as code enforcement and fire investigation—are vitally important to state fire marshals from all over the United States,” said FMANA Executive Secretary Robert B. Smith. “This conference was designed to provide a nationwide perspective on those issues,” he said.
The fire marshals adopted a resolution urging President Ronald Reagan to appoint a “highly qualified and experienced” fire protection specialist to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The results of the conference included a proposed model state fire marshal organizational chart and recommendations for the use of fireworks at the state level.
