The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) was established in 1910 and is part of the Texas Department of Insurance. SFMO is committed to reducing the loss of life and property through fire prevention, education, and protection.
State Fire Marshal Debra Knight recently shared the history, responsibilities, and fire-safety initiatives of SFMO with the Texas Insurance Podcast as part of TDI’s 150th anniversary celebration.
What does the State Fire Marshal’s Office do?
SFMO has three main responsibilities: fire investigations, inspections of state-owned and state-leased buildings, and licensing the fire protection industry — which includes fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire alarm systems.
How does the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigate fires?
There are 254 counties in Texas and SFMO provides assistance to any of them at the request of local jurisdictions and other state agencies. Requests often stem from fires that caused fatalities or affected buildings of significance in a local community, such as courthouses and churches.
Smaller jurisdictions with limited resources are more likely to ask SFMO for help. Larger cities usually have their own fire investigators and handle their own investigations.
Does the State Fire Marshal’s Office use ignitable liquid detection dogs?
SFMO has five ignitable liquid detection canines trained in accelerant detection. These dogs help SFMO fire investigators and can also help communities in fire investigations at the request of local jurisdictions. SFMO may also provide drone support during investigations.
What is the State Fire Marshal’s Office fire and life safety code?
SFMO often enforces its adopted fire and life safety code in Texas municipalities that don’t have their own code or local fire marshal. SFMO’s code includes many common-sense requirements such as keeping exit signs visible and illuminated, keeping exits clear of boxes and other obstructions, and making sure exit doors are unlocked during business hours.
When a fire starts, you might have only a few minutes to escape, so it’s important that you can find an exit fast. Knowing where exits are located before an emergency happens can make a big difference.
How does the State Fire Marshal’s Office enforce the fire and life safety code?
SFMO inspects state-owned and state-leased buildings and performs inspections required by other state agencies for certain licensed facilities, such as foster homes and daycare centers. They also perform complaint-based inspections, where the office relies on local jurisdictions to identify potential problems.
How does the State Fire Marshal’s Office work with communities to reduce fire risk?
SFMO gathers information about fires in Texas from the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) and uses that information to support fire education, safety efforts, and prevention.
SFMO also works with the Red Cross and local volunteer fire departments on smoke alarm installation programs in underserved areas. The agency also works with the Central Texas Special Olympics to develop a fire-safety education program for its unique population.
What can Texans do to make their homes safer?
SFMO’s focus for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is on lithium-ion battery safety. Many everyday devices use lithium-ion batteries, including phones, laptops, and tablets. Charge lithium-ion batteries safely and pay attention to signs that a battery may not be working properly. Batteries that become unusually hot during charging can be a warning sign.
