NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

STATE FIRE MARSHALS

FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Bringing it all together!


The 2024 NASFM Annual Symposium.  

It's your NASFM!

Principal Membership

Eligibility: State Fire Marshal or equivalent in each state. Principal Members are full voting members of NASFM.

 

Associate Membership
Eligibility: Staff members from State Fire Marshal offices who have been appointed by the State Fire Marshal to assist with NASFM issues. Associate members are non-voting members.
 

NASFM Membership

National Association of State Fire Marshals 

34th ANNUAL FIRE PREVENTION & SAFETY SYMPOSIUM 

Yes... The 34th Annual Fire Prevention & Safety Symposium will be held in Kansas City, Missouri on July 29th through August 1st, 2024. The event is hosted by Missouri State Fire Marshal, Tim Bean, and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The theme for 2024 is “Bringing it all together.”

NASFM is bringing it all together with plans to present a conference that partners with two other national organizations. First, the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) joined us last year to offer a unique opportunity focused on eradicating carbon monoxide poisoning and helping carbon monoxide poisoning survivors recover to lead a happy, healthy, and productive life. The conference was a huge success in building not only an alliance, but also in forming a strategy to mitigate carbon monoxide poisoning. NCOAA continues to be a strategic partner with NASFM and will be partnering again at this conference. 

The 2024 event promises to be an even better conference than ever before, now with an additional partner. The International Fire Marshal Association (IFMA), a section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), represents more than 800 local fire marshals and are joining NASFM to bring it all together. The emerging issues facing both state and local fire marshals are the same, whether it’s code enforcement, fire investigations, community risk reduction, or other issues, this is the platform to come together to network. 

NASFM has a history of networking with industry leaders, connecting solutions to fire prevention problems, and promoting progressive action to save lives. This is where state and local fire officials, advocates for safety, and industry leaders come together.    

 Symposium Registration OPEN HERE!


NASFM Monthly Leadership Exchange

Principle Member Benefit:  President Desrochers and the Board of Directors are proud to host this monthly opportunity for principal, associate, and life members to come together in a virtual environment to exchange educational and situational information.

Each month will consist of an educational presentation of interest and followed by an open discussion by any attendee. The calls are kept under a strict 60 minutes of duration.

The Next Virtual Call is February 15, 2024 @ 3pm Eastern

This month we will have representatives from the USFA and UL to discuss and give updates on the new NERIS Fire Incident Reporting program.

NERIS Website Here!

Please mark your calendars and watch for a meeting invite from Executive Director Butch Browning.  If you are a Principle Member and not receiving the invite, please let us know.    


TECHNOLOGY & TRENDS

New from UL Solutions

The Influence of Recessed Luminaires in Fire Resistive Assemblies: 

When constructing or upgrading a building, it’s critical that it complies with key fire performance standard requirements for effective compartmentation of a fire. One of the main aspects of fire resistance construction ratings is understanding the influence of penetrations, such as luminaires, outlet boxes, ducts, pipes, conduits and more in rated floor-ceiling and/or roof-ceiling assemblies. This article will focus on recessed luminaire penetrations and highlight specific requirements, practices and perspectives that can be useful for building safety stakeholders, including manufacturers, design professionals, contractors and code officials. Click on this link below for the article.

Thanks Kelly Nicolello for sharing. 

Link to Article

DID YOU KNOW… ICC Certification Exam Update

By NAFED

ICC-NAFED Certification

The ICC Assessment Center has made an update to its website portal covering the exam catalog reference material for all three ICC-NAFED certification programs.

In 2003, NAFED introduced the industry's premier certification programs for technician personnel who install & service (inspect, test, maintain) portable fire extinguishers, pre-engineered kitchen extinguishing systems, and industrial pre-engineered systems. In 2009, the portable and pre-engineered exams were merged into a joint program with the ICC (International Code Council). Today, ICC-NAFED certification is nationally accepted with many states referencing the different certification credentials in their statutory rules and regulations governing the licensing of fire equipment technician personnel.

Full Article HERE!

Contact Dave Pelton, NAFED VP Technical HERE! 

Empowering First Responders: Solar & Energy Storage Knowledge Essentials

Ambitious solar targets and incentives are driving significant solar and energy storage growth nationwide, posing challenges and opportunities for first responders. Specialized training, collaboration with stakeholders, and staying updated on codes and standards better equip first responders to safely address emergencies involving these technologies. Learn about free and easily accessible resources and CEU-bearing training that you can access on your lunch break. Get started today with these two resources created by NASFM partner the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

Preparing to Inspect Your First PV System (Article): This resource offers a head start on learning about PV system components, relevant codes & standards, and permitting and inspection guides. 

Solar and Storage Conversations From the Field (Recorded video): Uncover insights from diverse stakeholders shaping the future of solar PV systems, and discover how these perspectives can enhance the safety and efficiency of installations.

Matthew Harris, Senior Workforce Program Manager

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

Denver, CO | 970-457-7448 


FIRE MARSHALS IN ACTION

Minnesota State Fire Marshal Office: The historic and iconic The Historic Lutsen Lodge will be the scene of a state-led investigation after a fire destroyed the building early Tuesday morning. We released information today on the latest inspection at the lodge and explained why we can’t go into greater detail about our investigation.

We thank the Lutsen Fire Department and its 15 all-volunteer firefighters for partnering with us and serving their community with such dedication and commitment. 

Tennessee State Fire Marshal Office: Working smoke alarms might not be everyone's idea of a great Valentine's Day gift but it could be the gift that's a real life saver!

Over 14,500 smoke alarms were installed across Tennessee in 2023 by volunteers through our "Get Alarmed, Tennessee!" program. Since 2012, working smoke alarms installed through this program have saved 469 lives.

If your loved ones need working smoke alarms, visit: https://www.tn.gov/.../prevention.../get-alarmed-tn.html

NEWS & INFORMATION

 

Louisiana Fire Marshal Bryan J. Adams appointed: 

Bryan Adams’ career in fire and emergency management service spans over 40 years. He has also served in a variety of roles in state and local government with experience in risk management, budget management, human resources and information technology. Bryan is currently a commission member of the Louisiana Fire & Emergency Training Academy and has been a huge part of the transition of that program to the Office of State Fire Marshal. Bryan was appointed as the recovery officer for several Hurricanes that impacted Jefferson Parish and Louisiana including Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike and most recently Hurricane Ida. He also served as the logistics coordinator for the BP oil Spill in Grand Isle and the 2016 Baton Rouge Flood. Bryan resides in Westwego, Louisiana. (from Gov Jeff Landry's announcement) 

 

Texas State Fire Marshal

“I want to thank our investigators and the local public safety authorities for their exemplary work in this case,” said Debra Knight, state fire marshal.

“By coordinating evidence, communication, and resources, we worked together to achieve justice and further enhance the safety of Texans.”  (See the full story HERE!)


UPCOMING EVENTS

National Fire Academy Announces 2024 Executive Fire Officer Leadership Seminar - FREE

The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Executive Fire Officers (EFO) Section, is pleased to invite you to the 2024 Executive Fire Officer (EFO) and Leadership Symposium that will be held on April 5-6, 2024 (Friday and Saturday) at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. 

What: 2024 National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Leadership Symposium

When: April 5-6, 2024

Where: National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland

Cost:: Free of charge – lodging provided / BWI airport transport provided to and from campus / participants must buy a meal ticket if staying on campus

Registration & Details: Executive Fire Officer and Leadership Symposium (fema.gov)

We have a fantastic two-day program scheduled with an amazing line-up of presenters. This year’s two-day symposium will have something for everyone and is open to ALL.  This includes NFA EFO alumni, EFO students, current and future fire and EMS leaders.  For more information, please go to our webpage for details Executive Fire Officer and Leadership Symposium (fema.gov)  There is also a pre-conference staff ride to Gettysburg National Military Park via separate registration.

Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office has a new Facebook Page HERE!

TRAINING & MEETINGS

NASFM Staff and several State Fire Marshals will be attending the Vision 20/20 Conference on February 20-22, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. NASFM will have a vendor booth promoting what we do and the partnerships between us and the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) as well as the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA) in our upcoming Symposium. 

Maximizing the Impact of Fire Prevention and Safety

FREE NASFM TRAINING! 

All online training offerings available through NASFM, click here!


Fire Sprinkler Resource Guide

National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) resource guide on residential fire sprinklers for code officials, builders, developers, and elected officials. The information serves as a source to ensure life safety concerns meet at least the minimum code requirements, regardless of whether residential fire sprinkler systems are required in their jurisdiction or not.   

Residential Sprinkler Design Enhancements, A Resource Guide for AHJ’s, Builders, Developers, and Elected Officials” was compiled by the National Association of State Fire Marshals, Model Codes Committee, Sub-Committee on Code Amendments Related to Sprinklers. 

If you have questions or need assistance in referencing this resource, please feel free to contact Phil Oakes (phil@browning.red) or Gary West (gary@browning.red) at the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

For a copy of the guide click here


ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM INFO

2024 NASFM Symposium

Mark your calendars and plan now! See you in Kansas City, July 29-31, 2024 at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott.

PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS


Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) 

Call For Action

AFG/SAFER/USFA Reauthorization

President Michael Desrochers and the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) are asking for your help to make Congress aware of the importance of these Critical Grant Funding Programs. We also need to make sure local fire departments throughout your state are aware of this and are also taking action. 

In cooperation with the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and every other National Fire Organization, a campaign has been launched to reauthorize funding at the federal level to continue important grants that serve the fire service. We are at a tipping point with AFG/SAFER/USFA reauthorization and we need to build a wave of pressure to convince Congress to enact the legislation before the programs expire on September 30th. The time to act is NOW. We need everyone to keep pushing until this passes.

Unless action is taken NOW to save AFG and SAFER, they will EXPIRE. The grant programs face a statutory sunset on September 30, 2024 -- just a few months from now.

Click on the Link below to go to the NASFM Advocacy Page. 

NASFM ADVOCACY PAGE
 

Make plans now and Register! CFSI 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner will take place April 28-30, 2024 at the Washington Hilton. 

Tell CFSI how AFG and SAFER and/or USFA have meaningfully affected your work in the fire and emergency services, the work of your department, and/or the safety of your community, so we can share these stories with Congress.    Form Link Here


ASSISTANCE NEEDED

NEW WEBSITE LAYOUT & LOOK

We are continuing to update our website with a new look and we still need new and fresh pictures. We are looking for pictures of our state fire marshals, fire prevention, and SFM Offices in action.  

This is a big favor for NASFM because our web content describes who we are and how we represent the Marshals. Below are some of what we are looking for.  The pictures can be state specific or not.  We just need permission to use them on our website. Sending them to us assumes that you approve.  Thanks in advance! 

  • State Fire Marshals meeting with staff or other people. 
  • Fire Scene with fire Investigators working.
  • Community Risk Reduction in Action
  • Fire and Safety Inspections
  • Fire Marshals Testifying before Legislative Body’s
  • Plan Review, meetings, office work. 
  • Amusement Ride, boiler inspections, etc. 
  • Pipeline inspections and/or training.
  • Mfg. Housing inspections & other SFM responsibilities.
  • SFM Offices working with Industry Officials (pipeline, etc.)

Please Send Your Pictures HERE!

Preview the New NASFM Webpage HERE! 


Idaho State Fire Marshal Office / Dept of Insurance

Great picture above, but watch the video posted below on getting caught for insurance fraud is more than embarrassing; it's a crime!

Learn more at https://doi.idaho.gov/consumers/insurance-fraud/

Ending the 2023 Conference last year with Fireworks and a Fire Boat! 


Send stories and info for the Newsletter to Gary@browning.red

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS

PHONE: 225-806-0803    ADDRESS: PO Box 1224, Brusly, LA 70719


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