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Over the next few weeks, I will be writing about the duties of various state agencies. The Texas Department of Insurance not only oversees insurance companies in Texas, it also contains the State Fire Marshall, Workers' Compensation Division, the Office of the Injured Employee Counsel, and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel. This week, I will discuss the Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFMO). The mission of the SFMO is to reduce the loss of life and property due to fire and related hazards.
The SFMO has four divisions: Prevention and Outreach; Fire Safety Inspections; Licensing and Enforcement; and Fire Investigations. The Prevention and Outreach Division provides fire protection information and education, administers a statewide youth fire prevention and intervention program, maintains the Texas Fire Incident Reporting System (TEXFIRS), and manages the fire suppression rating system process. The Fire Safety Inspections Division conducts fire safety inspections of public and private buildings and facilities throughout the state, including state buildings, daycare and elder-care centers, foster homes, hospitals, hotels and motels, university and college buildings, and other buildings upon request or complaint.
The SMFO Licensing Division regulates the planning, selling, installing, certifying, and servicing of fire extinguisher, fire alarm and fire sprinkler devices and systems through the statewide registration and licensing of firms and individuals who provide these services. To obtain a license, individuals must demonstrate a certain level of technical ability by passing tests and be employed by a registered firm. The Division also licenses and permits businesses that sell and store fireworks. Permits are issued to those holding a public fireworks display and licenses are issued to individuals responsible for conducting the display.
Lastly, the State Fire Marshal is the chief investigator in charge of the investigation of arson and suspected arson in the State of Texas. By statutory authority, the State Fire Marshal commissions peace officers to act as fire and arson investigators and to perform other law enforcement duties. Fire investigation assistance to local communities is one of the most critical services provided by the Texas Department of Insurance through the State Fire Marshal's Office. Upon a request from an authorized entity, or by order of the State Fire Marshal, the Fire Investigations Division will provide its services to help determine the cause and origin of the fire. Field Investigators may be assisted by the State Fire Marshal's Forensic Arson Laboratory in the analysis of evidence. Forensic Arson Laboratory services are also provided at no cost to the fire service and other law enforcement agencies in the State of Texas
For more information on the State Fire Marshal's Office or any other matter of state government, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.