Indiana Administrative Code Title 650 - STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Indiana Administrative Code – Title 650: State Fire Marshal
This Title establishes the Office of the State Fire Marshal and provides the rules, duties, and procedures related to fire safety, prevention, and investigation across Indiana. It sets the framework for fire code enforcement, inspections, permits, training, and public safety programs.
1. Purpose of the State Fire Marshal
The State Fire Marshal’s role is to:
Protect life and property from fire hazards.
Develop and enforce fire safety regulations.
Conduct fire investigations (especially in cases of arson or unexplained origin).
License, regulate, and oversee certain fire-related professions and equipment.
Provide training and education for fire departments, businesses, and the public.
2. Structure of the Office
The Fire Marshal operates as part of Indiana’s public safety system.
Staff may include deputy fire marshals, inspectors, trainers, and investigators.
The office coordinates with local fire departments, building officials, and law enforcement.
3. Authority & Functions
Title 650 grants the Fire Marshal authority to:
Adopt and enforce fire safety rules.
Conduct inspections of public buildings, schools, hospitals, factories, and other facilities.
Issue permits and licenses for regulated fire-related activities.
Investigate fires to determine cause and origin.
Promote public education on fire prevention.
Oversee hazardous materials safety where related to fire risks.
Coordinate training for fire service personnel.
4. Fire Safety Codes & Standards
Rules may address:
Building fire exits, alarms, and suppression systems.
Storage of flammable or combustible materials.
Fire drills and emergency preparedness in schools and workplaces.
Standards for fireworks, pyrotechnics, and open flame use.
The Fire Marshal ensures facilities are constructed, maintained, and operated with fire safety in mind.
5. Inspections
The Fire Marshal (or deputies) conducts regular and special inspections of buildings.
High-risk facilities (schools, nursing homes, industrial plants) receive priority.
Inspections ensure compliance with fire codes (e.g., working alarms, unobstructed exits, sprinkler systems).
Inspectors issue orders to correct violations within a set time frame.
6. Licensing & Permits
The Fire Marshal regulates:
Fireworks sales and use permits.
Blasting and explosives permits.
Fire extinguisher servicing companies.
Fire alarm and suppression system installers.
Any other fire-related industry or activity requiring state oversight.
7. Investigations
All major or suspicious fires are investigated by the Fire Marshal’s office.
Investigations focus on cause, origin, and possible criminal activity (such as arson).
The office works with local fire departments and law enforcement.
Reports are prepared and kept as official records.
8. Public Education & Training
The Fire Marshal develops programs to teach fire prevention in schools, businesses, and communities.
Provides training to firefighters on topics like hazardous materials, fire suppression, and rescue operations.
Supports statewide fire safety campaigns (smoke detectors, home evacuation plans, etc.).
9. Enforcement & Penalties
The Fire Marshal can order unsafe buildings closed until hazards are fixed.
Violations of fire safety rules may lead to:
Fines.
Revocation of permits/licenses.
Legal action.
Repeat or severe violations can result in criminal referrals (for example, intentional arson or reckless endangerment).
10. Records & Reporting
Fire incidents must be documented and reported.
Businesses and local fire departments may be required to submit fire reports.
Statistics on fire causes, deaths, and property damage are maintained by the office.
11. Coordination with Other Agencies
The Fire Marshal collaborates with:
Local fire departments (for inspections and investigations).
Building officials (on construction/fire code compliance).
Police and prosecutors (for arson cases).
Emergency management agencies (disaster response).
✅ In summary:
Indiana Administrative Code Title 650 – State Fire Marshal sets up the administrative authority, rules, and responsibilities of the State Fire Marshal. It governs fire code enforcement, inspections, permits, investigations, training, and public fire safety education. The central mission is to reduce fire hazards, investigate incidents, and ensure the safety of people and property throughout Indiana.
RELATED Blog
0 comments