Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 837 - DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
**OREGON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (OAR)
CHAPTER 837 — DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL**
Division 1 — General Provisions
837-001-0000 — Purpose and Scope
Establishes the rules for the administration, enforcement, and interpretation of Oregon fire safety laws.
Applies to:
Fire prevention and safety programs
Inspections of buildings and facilities
Licensing and certification of fire protection professionals
837-001-0010 — Definitions
Key terms include:
Fire Marshal: Director of the State Fire Marshal Division
Building Official: person responsible for enforcing building codes
Fire Protection Systems: sprinklers, alarms, suppression equipment, etc.
Life Safety: measures designed to protect occupants from fire hazards
837-001-0020 — Fees
Establishes the fee structure for plan reviews, inspections, certifications, and permits.
Fees are non-refundable unless otherwise specified.
Division 10 — Fire Prevention and Safety Inspections
837-010-0010 — Inspection Requirements
The Fire Marshal may inspect buildings, facilities, and equipment to ensure compliance with fire safety codes.
Inspections include:
Public buildings (schools, hospitals, government offices)
Commercial and industrial facilities
Hazardous occupancies (fuel storage, high-risk industries)
837-010-0020 — Inspection Reports
Inspectors must provide written reports identifying:
Violations of fire safety codes
Recommended corrective actions
Deadlines for compliance
837-010-0030 — Enforcement
The Fire Marshal may issue:
Notices of violation
Orders to correct hazards
Fines or penalties for non-compliance
Continued non-compliance may lead to revocation of permits or certificates of occupancy.
Division 20 — Licensing and Certification
837-020-0010 — Fire Protection Professional Licensing
Establishes licensing requirements for:
Fire alarm technicians
Sprinkler system installers
Fire suppression system contractors
Applicants must meet education, experience, and examination requirements.
837-020-0020 — Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed periodically.
Continuing education is required to maintain knowledge of fire codes and standards.
837-020-0030 — Disciplinary Actions
License revocation, suspension, or fines may occur for:
Fraud or misrepresentation
Unsafe practices
Violation of fire codes or rules
Division 30 — Fire Code and Standards
837-030-0010 — Adoption of Fire Codes
The Division adopts and enforces the Oregon Fire Code and related NFPA standards.
Applies to new construction, renovations, and existing buildings.
837-030-0020 — Modifications and Variances
Owners may request variances from specific fire code requirements.
Requests must demonstrate equivalent safety or hardship justification.
The Fire Marshal reviews and approves or denies variances.
837-030-0030 — Life Safety Systems
Specifies requirements for:
Fire alarms and detection systems
Fire suppression systems
Emergency lighting and exits
Ensures safe evacuation and protection of property and life.
Division 40 — Hazardous Materials and Special Occupancies
837-040-0010 — Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials
Requires proper storage, labeling, and handling of flammable or combustible materials.
Facilities must maintain safety data sheets (SDS) and emergency response plans.
837-040-0020 — Special Occupancies
Additional fire safety measures for:
Hospitals, schools, nursing homes
High-rise buildings
Industrial facilities with combustible or explosive materials
837-040-0030 — Emergency Preparedness
Facilities must develop and maintain fire prevention plans and conduct drills.
Coordination with local fire departments and emergency responders is required.
Division 50 — Public Education and Outreach
837-050-0010 — Fire Safety Education
The Fire Marshal promotes fire prevention awareness to the public, schools, and businesses.
837-050-0020 — Community Programs
Programs include:
Smoke alarm installation campaigns
Fire extinguisher training
Fire drills and evacuation training
Summary Notes
Purpose: Protect life, property, and public safety through fire prevention, inspections, and education.
Key Responsibilities of the State Fire Marshal:
Enforce Oregon fire safety laws
Inspect buildings and fire protection systems
License and regulate fire protection professionals
Approve or deny code variances
Oversee hazardous materials safety
Educate the public on fire safety
Compliance: Required for all public, commercial, and industrial facilities in Oregon.
Penalties: Fines, license revocation, or closure for non-compliance.
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