A fire marshal is a government official who is responsible for enacting and enforcing fire safety laws in a specific geographic area. He or she personally inspects buildings and fines those who break the rules. In the event of fire-related crimes or accidents, a professional also organizes investigations and provides personal assistance in emergency situations. Before they can work independently in most countries, fire marshals must complete extensive training courses and pass licensing exams.
Businesses, schools, factories, and hospitals must all comply with fire codes, according to fire marshals. They inspect such facilities on a regular basis, looking for violations or potentially dangerous situations. A fire marshal notes the condition of sprinklers, alarms, and fire extinguishers, as well as emergency elevator controls, during an inspection. If the marshal discovers a problem, such as a blocked fire exit, he or she can issue a warning or a fine, as well as instruct the building owner on how to correct the problem. New homes and apartment buildings in many areas must also pass fire inspections before they can be occupied.
When a suspicious fire occurs, the marshal and his or her deputies arrive to investigate the cause. The marshal may search for evidence of arson, such as smoldering matches or broken locks, which indicate forced entry. The fire marshal may check for faulty heaters and gas leaks if the fire is suspected to be an accident. The marshal keeps track of the investigation’s findings and may be called to testify in court as an expert witness.
Many fire marshals participate in fire prevention efforts as well. Professionals frequently create educational pamphlets, hold seminars, and speak to schoolchildren about the dangers of fire. Marshals are frequently involved in the development of new fire prevention laws and policies in both forest and urban settings.
A high school diploma and participation in a specialized training program are usually required for becoming a fire marshal. Before a prospective fire marshal can work in the field, some jurisdictions require them to complete full police and firefighter training. An individual can take a written exam after completing the training to test his or her knowledge of local fire codes, standard safety procedures, and common fire marshal duties. Supervising marshals provide guidance and on-the-job training to successful trainees as they begin their careers as deputy fire marshals. Before advancing to the ranks of fire marshal, a deputy may need to work for several years and pass additional exams, depending on the region in which he or she works.