It consists of eight bureaus: Administration, Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulation (BUSTR), Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention, Forensic Laboratory, Investigation Bureau, Ohio Fire Academy, and Testing and Registration.
The State Fire Marshal's Office has worked extensively in the areas of Incident Command and Management, Weapons of Mass Destruction training, and personnel protection equipment for all of Ohio's first responders, including fire, EMS, law enforcement, health, and public works.
The SFM also is responsible for modernizing, promulgating and enforcing the Ohio Fire Code; designing and presenting fire prevention programs; analyzing fire-related criminal evidence; investigating the cause and origin of fires and explosions; training firefighters; providing fire safety education to business, industry and the general public; regulating underground storage tanks; testing and training; and licensing and certification support services.
Kevin S. Reardon was appointed Ohio’s 39th State Fire Marshal on June 11, 2020. Prior to becoming State Fire Marshal, Reardon spent nearly six years as director of the Central Ohio Technical College Institute for Public Service & Safety. He has also served on the Ohio Board of Building Standards.
Reardon began his career in the fire service in 1981 with the Columbus Division of Fire, rising through the ranks from firefighter to battalion chief until his retirement in 2013. He also spent 10 years as then-Senator Mike DeWine’s military and veterans’ affairs liaison, and four years as homeland security manager for Battelle. (Continue reading here.)
The State Fire Council has many important responsibilities. The Council conducts the review and selection process that results in the appointment of the State Fire Marshal by the Director of Commerce. They conduct research, create reports on fire safety, and recommend to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Board of Building Standards, and other state agencies, any needed changes in laws, rules, or administrative policies relating to fire safety. The Council is also in charge of maintaining the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame.
The State Fire Council is made up of 10 qualified Ohioans appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. These members represent eight stakeholder groups, including the general public, regulated industries, the fire service and local government. Their mission is to help make Ohio safer from the hazards of fire and assist in reducing the regulatory burden on Ohio’s business community.
The Code Enforcement Bureau has primary responsibility for standards set by the Ohio Fire Code. Inspectors work alongside local officials to conduct fire safety inspections to ensure Ohio’s schools, nursing homes and other facilities meet the high standard set by the Ohio Fire Code to safeguard the lives and property of some of Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens.
The Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau is a law enforcement agency tasked with investigating the origin and cause of fire, explosions and fireworks incidents in Ohio. Investigators stand ready, 24 hours a day, to assist local fire and police departments in combating the crime of arson and bringing perpetrators to justice.
In 1973, Ohio became the first state in the nation to develop a forensic laboratory specializing in fire and explosive evidence. The Division of State Fire Marshal Forensic Laboratory provides specialized investigative and training services to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across Ohio with professionalism and timely response. The team of scientists and fire specialists at the Forensic Laboratory conduct scientific examinations of ignitable liquids, fire debris, explosives, latent prints and video and audio evidence.
The Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations (BUSTR) regulates the safe operation of underground storage tanks and supervises appropriate investigations and cleanup of suspected and confirmed releases from such tanks to protect human health and preserve the environment for the citizens of Ohio. BUSTR leadership and staff conduct inspections, educate underground storage tank owners and operators, and enforce state laws in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines.
The Fire Prevention Bureau’s primary responsibilities are for providing Ohio’s fire service and citizens with fire and life safety education, maintaining the Ohio Fire Incident Reporting System and promoting Project S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms For Everyone).
Phone 614-752-8200 Toll Free 888-252-0803 Email websfm@com.state.oh.us
The SFM has issued an FAQ regarding school safety and fire drills during the COVID-19 Pandemic. To view the FAQ, click here.
The United States Fire Administration has implemented a special study to assist fire departments in recording responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on completing OFIRS/NFIRS reports, click here.
Recap this year’s Hall of Fame Awards, meet two shining stars of our investigations bureau, get info on grant-eligible courses and more in our winter newsletter. Click here to view the newsletter.