What is the primary role of a fire marshal?

The primary role of a fire marshal is to enforce fire codes and conduct fire investigations. This position is crucial in ensuring that buildings and facilities comply with established fire safety regulations, which are designed to prevent fires and protect lives and property. The fire marshal conducts inspections to identify any violations and ensures that appropriate safety measures are implemented.

Additionally, the fire marshal is responsible for investigating the causes of fires once they occur, collecting evidence, and determining whether any breaches of fire codes contributed to the incident. This investigative aspect is essential for understanding fire behavior, improving future fire safety measures, and potentially holding individuals or organizations accountable for negligence.

While conducting fire drills, operating fire safety equipment, and training staff in fire prevention are all important activities related to fire safety, they fall under the broader responsibilities that might be supported by a fire marshal. However, the specific focus on code enforcement and investigations distinctly defines the core responsibilities of a fire marshal.