The fire marshal investigates and gathers facts to determine cause of fires and explosions, and enforces fire laws.
Each year, the number of fires, as well as deaths and traumatic injuries from fire, increase throughout the country. The importance of the duties of the local fire marshal as they relate to life safety and protection of property from fire within the community cannot be over emphasized.
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.
YEARLY INSPECTIONS
It is required that each local fire marshal inspect each calendar year, in the interest of public safety, all buildings and facilities of public service and all occupancies regulated by the Fire Safety Code within his/her jurisdiction. The Fire Safety Code covers all occupancies except one and two family dwellings and premises used for manufacturing.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES imposed by statute on the local fire marshals are:
Shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstance of all fires within their jurisdiction, and shall, within ten (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 & #58.)
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 & #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 ninety (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.