An Act to reduce losses of life and property, through better fire prevention and control, and for other purposes.
PL 93-498 (S.1769), enacted 10/29/1974

88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
1535 
Public Law 93-
AN ACT 
October 29, 1974 
To reduce losses of life and property, through better fire prevention and control, 
[s. 1769] 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
United States of America in Congress asseinhled^ That this Act may 
Federal Fire 
be cited as the "Fedei-al Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974". 
^conuol'llt^ot 
FINDINGS 
15 use 2201 
note. 
SEC. 2. The Congress finds that— 
is use 2201. 
(1) The National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, 
established pursuant to Public Law 90-259, has made an exhaustive ^^j^g'^^^ ^^^^ 
and comprehensive examination of the Nation's fire problem, has made 
detailed findings as to the extent of this problem in terms of human 
suffering and loss of life and property, and has made ninety thought-
ful recommendations. 
(2) The LTnited States today has the highest per capita rate of death 
and property loss fi-om fire of all the major industrialized nations in 
the world. 
(3) Fire is an undue burden affecting all Americans, and fire also 
constitutes a public health and safety problem of great dimensions. 
Fire kills 12,000 and scars and injures 300,000 Americans each year, 
including 50,000 individuals who require extended hospitalization. 
Almost $3 billion worth of property is destroyed annually by fire, and 
the total economic cost of destructive fire in the United States is esti-
mated conservatively to be $11,000,000,000 per year. Firefighting is 
the Nation's most hazardous profession. 
(4) Such losses of life and property from fire are unacceptable to 
the Congress. 
(5) While fire prevention and control is and should remain a State 
and local responsibility, the Federal Government must help if a sig-
nificant reduction in fire losses is to be achieved. 
(6) The fire ser\icc and the civil defense program in each locality 
would both benefit from closer cooperation. 
(7) The Nation's fire problem is exacerbated by (A) the indiffer-
ence with which some Americans confront the subject; (B) the 
Nation's failure to undertake enough research and development into 
fire and fire-related problems; (C) the scarcity of reliable data and 
information; (D) the fact that designers and purchasers of buildings 
and products generally give insufficient attention to fire safety; (E) 
the fact that many communities lack adequate building and fire pre-
vention codes; and (F) the fact that local fire departments spend about 
95 cents of every dollar appropriated to the fire services on efforts to 
extinguish fires and only about 5 cents on fire prevention. 
(8) There is a need for improved professional training and educa-
tion oriented toward improving the effectiveness of the fire services, 
including an increased emphasis on preventing fires and on reducing 
injuries to firefighters. 
(9) A national system for the collection, analysis, and dissemination 
of fire data is needed to help local fire services establish research and 
action priorities. 
(10) The number of specialized medical centers which are properly 
equipped and staffed for the treatment of burns and the rehabilitation 
of victims of fires is inadequate. 
(11) The unacceptably high rates of death, injury, and property 
loss from fire can be reduced if the Federal Government establishes a 
f 
1536 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
coordinated program to support and reinforce the fire prevention and 
control activities of State and local governments. 
PURPOSES 
1
5 use 2202. 
QEC. 3. It is declared to be the purpose of Congress in this Act to— 
(1) reduce the Nation's losses caused by fire through better fire 
prevention and control; 
(2) supplement existing programs of research, training, and 
education, and to encourage new and improved programs and 
activities by State and local governments; 
(3) establish the National Fire Prevention and Control Admin-
istration and the Fire Research Center within the Department of 
Commerce; and 
(4) establish an intensified program of research into the treat-
ment of burn and smoke injuries and the rehabilitation of victims 
of fires within the National Institutes of Health. 
DEFINITIONS 
15 use 2203. 
SEC. 4. As used in this Act, the term— 
(1) "Academy" means the National Academy for Fire Preven-
tion and Control; 
(2) "Administration" means the National Fire Prevention and 
Control Administration established pursuant to section 5 of this 
Act; 
(3) "Administrator" means the Administrator of the National 
Fire Prevention and Control Administration; 
(4) "fire service" means any organization in any State consist-
ing of personnel, apparatus, and equipment which has as its pur-
pose protecting property and maintaining the safety and welfare 
of the public from the dangers of fire, including a private fire-
fighting brigade. The personnel of any such organization may be 
paid employees or unpaid volunteers or any combination thereof. 
The location of any such organization and its responsibility for 
extinguishment and suppression of fires may include, but need 
not be limited to, a Federal installation, a State, city, town, bor-
ough, parish, county, fire district, fire protection district, rural 
fire district, or other special district. The terms "fire prevention", 
"firefighting", and "firecontrol" relate to activities conducted by 
a fire service; 
(5) "local" means of or pertaining to any city, town, county, 
special purpose district, unincorporated territory, or other politi-
cal subdivision of a State; 
(6) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Commerce; and 
(7) "State" means any State, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Kico, the Virgin Islands, the Canal 
Zone, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific 
Islands and any other territory or possession of the United States. 
ESTABLISHMENT or 
THE NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL 
ADMINISTRATION 
1
5 use 22 4. 
g^^ g ^^^ ESTABLISHMENT OF ADMINISTRATION.—There is hereby 
established in the Department of Commerce an agency which shall be 
known as the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration, 
(b) ADMINISTRATOR.—There shall be at the head of the Administra-
tion the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control 
Administration. The Administrator shall be appointed by the Presi-
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
1537 
dent, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be 
compensated at the rate now or hereafter provided for level IV of the 
Executive Schedule pay rates (5 U.S.C. 5315). The Administrator 
shall report and be responsible to the Secretary. 
(c) DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR.—^There shall be in the Administration 
a Deputy Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control 
Administration who shall be appointed by the President, by and with 
the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall be compensated at 
the rate now or hereafter provided for level V of the Executive Sched-
ule pay rates (5 U.S.C. 5316). The Deputy Administrator shall per-
form such functions as the Administrator shall from time to time 
assign or delegate, and shall act as Administrator during the absence 
or disability of the Administrator or in the event of a vacancy in the 
office of Administrator. 
PUBLIC EDUCATION 
SEC. 6. The Administrator is authorized to take all steps necessary 
^^ ^^"^ ^2°^-
to educate the public and to overcome public indifference as to fire and 
fire prevention. Such steps may include, but are not limited to, publi-
cations, audiovisual presentations, and demonstrations. Such public 
education efforts shall include programs to provide specialized infor-
mation for those groups of individuals who are particularly vulnerable 
to fire hazards, such as the young and the elderly. The Administrator 
shall sponsor and encourage research, testing, and experimentation to 
determine the most effective means of such public education. 
NATIONAL ACADEMY FOR FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL 
SEC. 7. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish, at the 
^^ ^^^ ^^°^' 
earliest practicable date, a National Academy for Fire Prevention and 
Control. The purpose of the Academy shall be to advance the profes-
sional development of fire service personnel and of other persons 
engaged in fire prevention and control activities. 
(b) SUPERINTENDENT.—The Academy shall be headed by a Super-
intendent, who shall be appointed by the Secretary. In exercising the 
powers and authority contained in this section the Superintendent 
shall be subject to the direction of the Administrator. 
(c) POWERS OF SUPERINTENDENT.—The Superintendent is author-
ized to— 
(1) develop and revise curricula, standards for admission and 
performance, and criteria for the awarding of degrees and 
certifications; 
(2) appoint such teaching staff and other personnel as he 
determines to be necessary or appropriate; 
(3) conduct courses and programs of training and education, as 
defined in subsection (d) of this section; 
(4) appoint faculty members and consultants without regard to 
the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appoint- 
s use loi e
f 
ments in the competitive service, and, with respect to temporary ^^'^• 
and intermittent services, to make appointments to the same extent 
as is authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; 
(5) establish fees and other charges for attendance at, and sub-
scription to, courses and programs offered by the Academy. Such 
fees may be modified or waived as determined by the 
Superintendent; 
(6) conduct short courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, 
and similar education and training activities in all parts and 
localities of the United States; 
1538 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
(7) enter intx) such contracts and take such other actions as 
may be necessary in carrying out the purposes of the Academy; 
and 
(8) consult with officials of the fire services and other interested 
persons in the exercise of the foregoing powers. 
(d) PROGRAM OF THE ACADEMY.—The Superintendent is authorized 
to— 
(1) train fire service personnel in such skills and knowledge as 
may be useful to advance their ability to prevent and control fires, 
including, but not limited to— 
(A) techniques of fire prevention, fire inspection, firefight-
ing, and fire and arson investigation; 
(B) tactics and command of firefighting for present and 
future fire chiefs and commanders; 
(C) administration and management of fire services; 
(D) tactical training in the specialized field of aircraft 
fire control and crash rescue; 
(E) tactical training in the specialized field of fire control 
and rescue aboard waterborne vessels; and 
(F) the training of present and future instructors in the 
aforementioned subjects; 
(2) develop model curricula, training piognims, and other 
educational materials suitable for use at other educational institu-
tions, and to make such materials available without charge; 
(3) develop and administer a program of correspondence 
courses to advance the knowledge and skills of fire service 
personnel; 
(4) develop and distribute to appropriate officials model ques-
tions suitable for use in conducting entrance and promotional 
examinations for fire service personnel; and 
(5) encourage the inclusion of fire prevention and detection 
technology and practices in the education and professional prac-
tice of architects, builders, city planners, and others engaged in 
design and planning aflPected by fire safety problems. 
(e) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Administrator is authorized, to 
the extent that he determines it necessary to meet the needs of the 
Nation, to encourage new programs and to strengthen existing pro-
grams of education and training by local fire services, units, and 
departments. State and local governments, and private institutions, by 
providing technical assistance and advice to— 
(1) vocational training programs in techniques of fire preven-
tion, fire inspection, firefighting, and fire and arson investigation; 
(2) fire training courses and programs at junior colleges; and 
(3) four-year degree programs in fire engineering at colleges 
and universities. 
Financial as- 
(f) ASSISTANCE.—The Administrator is authorized to provide 
sistance. 
ussisUuice to State and local fire service training programs through 
grants, contracts, or otherwise. Such assistance shall not exceed 4 per 
centum of the amount authorized to be appropriated in each fiscal year 
pursuant to section 17 of this Act. 
(g) SITE SELECTION.—The Academy shall be located on such site as 
the Secretary selects, subject to the following provisions: 
(1) The Secretary is authorized to appoint a Site Selection 
Board consisting of the Academy Superintendent and two other 
members to survey the most suitable sites for the location of the 
Academy and to make recommendations to the Secretary. 
(2) The Site Selection Board in making its recommendations 
and the Secretary in making his final selection, shall give consid-
eration to the training and facility needs of the Academy, environ-
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
1539 
mental effects, the possibility of using a surplus Government 
facility, and such other factors as are deemed important and rele-
vant. The Secretary shall make a final site selection not later than 
2 years after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(h) CONSTRUCTION COSTS.—Of the sums authorized to be appro-
priated for the purpose of implementing the programs of the 
Administration, not more than $9,000,000 shall be available for the 
construction of facilities of the Academy on the site selected under 
subsection (g) of this section. Such sums for such construction shall 
remain available until expended. 
(i) EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.—The Adminis-
trator is authorized to— 
(1) provide stipends to students attending Academy courses 
and programs, in amounts up to 75 per centum of the expense of 
attendance, as established by the Superintendent; 
(2) provide stipends to students attending courses and non-
degree training programs approved by the Superintendent at 
universities, colleges, and junior colleges, in amounts up to 50 per 
centum of the cost of tuition; 
(3) make or enter into contracts to make payments to insti-
tutions of higher education for loans, not to exceed $2,500 per 
academic year for any individual who is enrolled on a full-time 
basis in an undergraduate or graduate program of fire research 
or engineering which is certified by the Superintendent. Loans 
under this paragraph shall be made on such terms and subject to 
such conditions as the Superintendent and each institution 
involved may jointly determine; and 
(4) establish and maintain a placement and promotion oppor-
tunities center in cooperation with the fire services, for firefighters 
who wish to learn and take advantage of different or better career 
opportunities. Such center shall not limit such assistance to stu-
dents and graduates of the xVcademy, but shall undertake to assist 
all fire service personnel. 
(j) BOARD OF VISITORS.—Upon establishment of the Academy, the 
Secretary shall establish a procedure for the selection of professionals 
in the field of fire safety, fire prevention, fire control, research and 
development in fire protection, treatment and rehabilitation of fire 
victims, or local government services management to serve as members 
of a Board of Visitors for the Academy. Pursuant to such procedure, 
the Secretary shall select eight such persons to serve as members of 
such Board of Visitors to serve such terms as the Secretary may pre-
scribe. The function of such Board shall be to review annually the 
program of the Academy and to make comments and recommendations 
to the Secretary regarding the operation of the Academy and any 
improvements therein which such Board deems appropriate. Each 
member of such Board shall be reimbursed for any expenses actually 
incurred by him in the performance of his duties as a member of such 
Board. 
(k) ACCREDITATION.—The Superintendent is authorized to establish 
a Committee on Fire Training and Education which shall inquire into 
and make recommendations regarding the desirability of establishing 
a mechanism for accreditation of fire training and education programs 
and courses, and the role which the Academy should play if such a 
mechanism is recommended. The Committee shall consist of the Super-
intendent as Chairman and eighteen other members appointed by the 
Administrator from among individuals and organizations possessing 
special knowledge and experience in the field of fire training and edu-
cation or related fields. The Committee shall submit to the Adminis-
trator within two years after its appointment, a full and complete 
Committee on 
Fire Training and 
Education. 
Establishment. 
Report to Ad-
ministrator. 
IS40 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
[88 ST 
AT. 
Termination. 
report of its findings and recommendations. Upon the submission of 
such report, the Committee shall cease to exist. Each appointed mem-
ber of the Committee shall be reimbursed for expenses actually 
incurred in the performance of his duties as a member. 
(1) ADMISSION.—The Superintendent is authorized to admit to the 
courses and programs of the Academy individuals who are members 
of the firefighting, rescue, and civil defense forces of the Nation and 
such other individuals, including candidates for membership in these 
forces, as he determines can benefit from attendance. Students shall be 
admitted from any State, with due regard to adequate representation 
in the student body of all geographic regions of the Nation. In select-
ing students, the Superintendent may seek nominations and advice 
from the fire services and other organizations which wish to send 
students to the Academy. 
FIRE TECHNOLOGY 
1
5 use 2207. 
gj,^ g ^^^ TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.—The Administra-
tor shall conduct a continuing program of development, testing, and 
evaluation of equipment for use by the Nation's fire, rescue, and civil 
defense services, with the aim of making available improved suppres-
sion, protective, auxiliary, and warning devices incorporating the 
latest technology. Attention shall be given to the standardization, com-
patibility, and interchangeability of such equipment. Such develop-
ment, testing, and evaluation activities shall include, but need not be 
M 
limited to— 
(1) safer, less cumbersome articles of protective c'othing, 
3 
including helmets, boots, and coats; 
(2) breathing apparatus with the necessary duration of service, 
reliability, low weight, and ease of operation for practical use; 
(3) safe and reliable auxiliary equipment for use in fire pre-
vention, detection, and control, such as fire location detectors, 
visual and audio communications equipment, and mobile equip-
ment; 
(4) special c'othing and equipment needed for forest fires, 
brush fires, oil and gasoline fires, aircraft fires and crash rescue, 
fires occurring aboard waterborne vessels, and in other special 
firefighting situations; 
(5) fire detectors and related equipment for residential use with 
high sensitivity and reliability, and which are sufficiently inex-
pensive to purchase, install, and maintain to insure wide accept-
ance and use; 
(6) in-place fire prevention systems of low cost and of increased 
reliability and effectiveness; 
(7) methods of testing fire alarms and fire protection devices 
and systems on a non-interference basis; 
(8) the development of purchase specifications, standards, and 
acceptance and validation test procedures for all such equipment 
and devices; and 
(9) operation tests, demonstration projects, and fire investiga-
tions in support of the activities set forth in this section. 
(b) LIMITATION.—The Administration shall not engage in the 
manufacture or sale of any equipment or device developed pursuant 
to this section, except to the extent that it deems it necessary to ade-
quately develop, test, or evaluate such equipment or device. 
(c) MANAGEMENT STUDIES.—(1) The Administrator is authorized 
to conduct, directly or through contracts or grants, studies of the 
operations and management aspects of fire services, utilizing quanti-
tative techniques, such as operations research, management economics, 
cost effectiveness studies, and such other techniques and methods as 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
1541 
may be applicable and useful. Such studies shall include, but need 
not be limited to, the allocation of resources, the optimum location of 
fire stations, the optimum geographical area for an integrated fire 
service, the manner of responding to alarms, the operation of citywide 
and regional fire dispatch centers, firefighting under conditions of civil 
disturbance, and the effectiveness, frequency, and methods of building 
inspections. 
(2) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or through 
contracts or grants, research concerning the productivity and efficiency 
of fire service personnel, the job categories and skills required by fire 
services under varying conditions, the reduction of injuries to fire 
service personnel, the most effective fire prevention programs and 
activities, and techniques for accurately measuring and analyzing the 
foregoing. 
(3) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or through 
contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance, development, testing, 
and demonstration projects to the extent deemed necessary to intro-
duce and to encourage the acceptance of new technology, standards, 
operating methods, command techniques, and management systems for 
utilization by the fire services. 
(4) The Administrator is authorized to assist the Nation's fire serv-
ices, directly or through contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance, 
to measure and evaluate, on a cost-benefit basis, the effectiveness of the 
programs and activities of each fire service and the predictable conse-
quences on the applicable local fire services of coordination or combi-
nation, in whole or in part, in a regional, metropolitan, or statewide 
fire service. 
(d) EuRAL ASSISTANT:.—The Administrator is authorized to assist 
the Nation's fire services, directly or through contracts, grants, or other 
forms of assistance, to sponsor and encourage research into approaches, 
techniques, systems, and equipment to improve fire prevention and 
control in the rural and remote areas of the Nation. 
(e) COORDINATION.—In establishing and conducting 
programs 
under this section, the Administrator shall take full advantage of 
applicable technological developments made by other departments and 
agencies of the Federal Government, by State and local governments, 
and by business, industry, and nonprofit associations. 
NATIONAL FIRE DATA CENTER 
SEC. 9. (a) GENERAL.—The Administrator shall operate, directly or 
is use 2208. 
through contracts or grants, an integrated, comprehensive National 
Fire Data Center for the selection, analysis, publication, and dissemi-
nation of information related to the prevention, occurrence, control, 
and results of fires of all types. The program of such Data Center shall ^^^^^^J^^f^,l^J 
be designed to (1) provide an accurate nationwide analysis of the fire 
problem, (2) identify major problem areas, (3) assist in setting pri-
orities, (4) determine possible solutions to problems, and (5) monitor 
the progress of programs to reduce fire losses. To carry out these func-
tions, the Data Center shall gather and analyze— 
(1) information on the frequency, causes, spread, and extin-
guishment of fires; 
(2) information on the number of injuries and deaths resulting 
from fires, including the maximum available information on the 
specific causes and nature of such injuries and deaths, and infor-
mation on property losses; 
(3) information on the occupational hazards faced by fire-
fighters, 
including the causes of deaths and injuries arising, 
directly and indirectly, from firefighting activities; 
38-194 O - 76 - 15 Pt. 2 
program, func-
semination. 
1542 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
(4) information on all types of firefighting activities, including 
inspection practices; 
(5) technical information related to building construction, fire 
properties of materials, and similar information; 
(6) information on fire prevention and control laws, systems, 
methods, techniques, and administrative structures used in foreign 
nations; 
(7) information on the causes, behavior, and best method of 
control of other types of fire, including, but not limited to, forest 
fires, brush fires, fire underground, oil l3low-out fires, and water-
borne fires; and 
(8) such other information and data as is deemed useful and 
applicable. 
(b) METHODS.—In carrying out the program of the Data Center, 
the Administrator is authorized to— 
(1) develop standardized data reporting methods; 
(2) encourage and assist State, local, and other agencies, public 
and private, in developing and reporting information; and 
(3) make full use of existing data gathering and analysis orga-
nizations, both public and private. 
J"f°=Ti!f'°" '^^^' 
(c) DISSEMINATION.—^The Administrator shall insure dissemina-
emination. 
. v / 
. 
-i t 
f r> 
i 
n 
T
T
I
T 
tion to the maximum extent possible or fire data collected and devel-
oped by the Data Center, and shall make such data, information, and 
analysis available in appropriate form to Federal agencies. State and 
local governments, private organizations, industry, business, and other 
interested persons. 
MASTER PLANS 
15 use 2209. 
SEC. 10. (a) GENERAL.—The establishment of master plans for fire 
prevention and control are the responsibility of the States and the 
political subdivisions thereof. The Administrator is authorized to 
encourage and assist such States and political subdivisions in such 
planning activities, consistent with his powers and duties under this 
^ct. 
Report to Con- 
(b) REPORT.—Four ycars after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the establish-
ment and effectiveness of master plans in the field of fire prevention 
and control throughout the Nation. Such report shall include, but need 
not be limited to— 
(1) a summary of the extent and quality of master planning 
activities; 
(2) a summary and evaluation of master plans that have been 
prepared by States and political subdivisions thereof. Such sum-
mary and evaluation shall consider, with respect to each such plan 
(A) the characteristics of the jurisdiction adopting it, including, 
but not limited to, density and distribution of population; ratio 
of volunteer versus paid fire services; geographic location, topog-
raphy, and climate; per capita rate of death and property loss 
from fire; size and characteristics of political subdivisions of the 
governmental units thereof; and socio-economic composition; and 
(B) the approach to development and implementation of the 
master plans; 
(3) an evaluation of the best approach to the development and 
implementation of master plans (e.g., central planning by a State 
agency, regionalized planning within a State coordinated by a 
State agency, or local planning supplemented and coordinated by 
a State agency) ; 
(4) an assessment of the costs and benefits of master plans; 
(5) a recommendation to Congress on whether Federal financial 
assistance should be authorized in order that master plans can be 
developed in all States; and 
gress. 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
1543 
(6) a model master plan or plans suitable for State and local 
implementation. 
(c) DEFINITION.—For the purposes of this section, a "master plan" 
"faster plan." 
is one which will result in the planning and implementation in the 
area involved of a general program of action for fire prevention and 
control. Such master plan is reasonably expected to include (1) a 
survey of the resources and personnel of existing fire services and an 
analysis of the effectiveness of the fire and building codes in such area; 
(2) an analysis of short and long term fire prevention and control 
needs in such area; (3) a plan to meet the fire prevention and control 
needs in such area; and (4) an estimate of cost and realistic plans for 
financing the implementation of the plan and operation on a continuing 
basis and a summary of problems that are anticipated in implementing 
such master plan. 
^^ 
, 
REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS OF FIREFIGHTING ON FEDERAL PROPERTY 
SEC. 11. (a) CLAIM.—Each fire service that engages in the fighting is use 2210. 
of a fire on property which is under the jurisdiction of the United 
States may file a claim with the Administrator for the amount of direct 
expenses and direct losses incurred by such fire service as a result of 
fighting such fire. The claim shall include such supporting information 
as the Administrator may prescribe. 
(b) DETERMINATION.—Upon receipt of a claim filed under sub-
section (a) of this section, the Administrator shall determine— 
(1) what payments, if any, to the fire service or its parent juris-
diction, including taxes or payments in lieu of taxes, the United 
States has made for the support of fire services on the property 
in question; 
(2) the extent to which the fire service incurred additional fire-
fighting 
costs, over and above its normal operating costs, in 
connection with the fire which is the subject of the claim; and 
(3) the amount, if any, of the additional costs referred to in 
paragraph (2) of this subsection which were not adequately 
covered by the payments referred to in paragraph (1) of this 
subsection. 
(c) PAYMENT.—The Secretary shall forward the claim and a copy 
of the Administrator's determination under subsection (b) (3) of this 
section to the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary of the Treasury 
shall, upon receipt of the claim and determination, pay such fire service 
or its parent jurisdiction, from any moneys in the Treasury not other-
wise appropriated but subject to reimbursement (from any appro-
priations which may be available or which may be made available for 
the purpose) by the Federal department or agency under whose 
jurisdiction the fire occurred, a sum no greater than the amount 
determined with respect to the claim under subsection (b) (3) of this 
section. 
(d) ADJUDICATION.—In the case of a dispute arising in connection 
with a claim under this section, the Court of Claims of the United 
States shall have jurisdiction to adjudicate the claim and enter judg-
ment accordingly. 
REVIEW o r 
CODES 
SEC. 12. The Administrator is authorized to review, evaluate, and relenT/on codecs 
suggest improvements in State and local fire prevention codes, build- rewew/"" ''° ^^' 
ing codes, and any relevant Federal or private codes and regulations, 
is use 2211. 
In evaluating any such code or codes, the Administrator shall consider 
the human impact of all code requirements, standards, or provisions 
1544 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
in terms of comfort and habitability for residents or employees, as 
well as the fire prevention and control value or potential of each such 
requirement, standard, or provision. 
FIRE SAFETY EFFECTIVENESS 
STATEMENTS 
1
5 use 2212. 
g^c. 13. The Administrator is authorized to encourage owners and 
managers of residential multiple-unit, commercial, industrial, and 
transportation structures to prepare Fire Safety Effectiveness State-
ments, pursuant to standards, forms, rules, and regulations to be 
developed and issued by the Administrator. 
15 u s e 2213. 
ANNUAL 
CONFERENCE 
SEC. 14. The Administrator is authorized to organize, or to partici-
pate in organizing, an annual conference on fire prevention and control. 
He may pay, in whole or in part, the cost of such conference and the 
expenses of some or all of the participants. All of the Nation's fire 
services shall be eligible to send representatives to each such conference 
to discuss, exchange ideas on, and participate in educational programs 
on new techniques in fire prevention and control. Such conferences shall 
be open to the public. 
PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS 
15 use 2214. 
g^Q 15^ (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There are hereby established two 
classes of honorary awards for the recognition of outstanding and 
distinguished service by public safety officers— 
(1) the President's Award For Outstanding Public Safety 
Service ("President's Award") ; and 
(2) the Secretary's Award For Distinguished Public Safety 
Service ("Secretary's Award"). 
(b) DESCRIPTION.— (1) The President's Award shall be presented by 
the President of the United States to public safety officers for extraor-
dinary valor in the line of duty or for outstanding contribution to 
public safety. 
(2) The Secretary's Award shall be presented by the Secretary, the 
Secretarv of Defense, or by the Attorney General to public safety 
officers for distinguished service in the field of public safety. 
(c) SELECTION.—The Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the 
Attorney General shall advise and assist the President in the selection 
of individuals to whom the President's Award shall be tendered and 
in the course of performing such duties they shall seek and review 
nominations for such awards which are submitted to them by Federal, 
State, county, and local government officials. They shall annually 
transmit to the President the names of those individuals determined 
by them to merit the award, together with the reasons therefor. Recip-
ients of the President's Award shall be selected by the President. 
(d) LIMITATION.—(1) There shall not be presented in any one cal-
endar year in excess of twelve President's Awards. 
(2) There shall be no limitation on the number of Secretary's 
Awards presented. 
(e) AWARD.— (1) Each President's Award shall consist of— 
(A) a medal suitably inscribed, bearing such devices and 
emblems, and struck from such material as the Secretary of the 
Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary, the Secretary of 
Defense, and the Attorney General deems appropriate. The Sec-
retary of the Treasury shall cause the medal to be struck and fur-
nished to the President; and 
(B) an appropriate citation. 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
1545 
(2) Each Secretary's Award shall consist of an appropriate 
citation. 
(f) KEGULATIONS.—The Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and 
the Attorney General are authorized and directed to issue jointly such 
regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—^As used in this section, the term "public safety offir^r'''''' ^^^^'^ 
officer" means a person serving a public agency, with or without 
compensation, as— 
(1) a firefighter; 
(2) a law enforcement officer, including a corrections or court 
officer; or 
(3) a civil defense officer. 
ANNUAL REPORT 
SEC. 16. The Secretary shall report to the Congress and the President 
Report to con-
not later than June 30 of the year following the date of enactment of fJenf. ^" 
this Act and each year thereafter on all activities relating to fire pre- 
is use 2215. 
vention and control, and all measures taken to implement and carry 
out this Act during the preceding calendar year. Such report shall 
include, but need not be limited to— 
(a) a thorough appraisal, including statistical analysis, esti-
mates, and long-term projections of the human and economic losses 
due to fire; 
(b) a survey and summary, in such detail as is deemed advisable, 
of the research and technology program undertaken or sponsored 
pursuant to this Act; 
(c) a summary of the activities of the Academy for the preced-
ing 12 months, including, but not limited to— 
(1) an explanation of the curriculum of study; 
(2) a description of the standards of admission and 
performance; 
(3) the criteria for the awarding of degrees and certificates; 
and 
(4) a statistical compilation of the number of students 
attending the Academy and receiving degrees or certificates; 
(d) a summary of the activities undertaken to assist the Nation's 
fire services; 
(e^ a summary of the public education programs undertaken; 
(f) an analysis of the extent of participation in preparing and 
submitting Fire Safety Effectiveness Statements; 
(g) a summary of outstanding problems confronting the 
administration of this Act, in order of priority; 
(h) such recommendations for additional legislation as are 
deemed necessary or appropriate; and 
(i) a summary of reviews, evaluations, and suggested improve-
ments in State and local fire prevention and building codes, fire 
services, and any relevant Federal or private codes, regulations, 
and fire services. 
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS 
SEC. 17. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the 
^
^ ^^'^ ^^le. 
foregoing provisions of this Act, except section 11 of this Act, such 
sums as are necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
ing June 30, 1975, and not to exceed $15,000,000 for the fiscal year 
ending June 30,1976. 
FIRE RESEARCH CENTER 
SEC. 18. The Act of March 3, 1901 (15 U.S.C. 278), is amended by 
striking out sections 16 and 17 (as added by title I of the Fire Preven-
15 use 278f. 
1546 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
278^ ^^^ ^^^^' 
*^^^ ^^^ Control Act of 1968) and by inserting in lieu thereof the 
following new section: 
frr^ol'\^^^f"'" 
"SEC. 16. (a) There is hereby established within the Department of 
ic r
T
<
=
r
< o
T
O
f 
Commerce a Fire Research Center which shall have the mission of 
performing and supporting research on all aspects of fire with the aim 
of providing scientific and technical knowledge applicable to the pre-
vention and control of fires. The content and priorities of the research 
program shall be determined in consultation with the Administrator 
of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration. In 
implementing this section, the Secretary is authorized to conduct, 
directly or through contracts or grants, a fire research program, 
including— 
"(1) basic and applied fire research for the purpose of arriving 
at an understanding of the fundamental processes underlying all 
aspects of fire. Such research shall include scientific investigations 
of— 
"(A) the physics and chemistry of combustion processes; 
"(B) the dynamics of flame ignition, flame spread, and 
flame extinguishment; 
"(C) the composition of combustion products developed by 
various sources and under various environmental conditions; 
"(D) the early stages of fires in buildings and other struc-
tures, structural subsystems and structural components in all 
other types of fires, including, but not limited to, forest fires, 
brush fires, fires underground, oil blowout fires, and water-
borne fires, with the aim of improving early detection capa-
bility; 
" (E) the behavior of fires involving all types of buildings 
and other structures and their contents (including mobile 
homes and highrise buildings, construction materials, floor 
and wall coverings, coatings, furnishings, and other com-
bustible materials), and all other types of fires, including 
forest fires, brush fires, fires underground, oil blowout fires, 
and waterborne fires; 
"(F) the unique fire hazards arising from the transporta-
tion and use, in industrial and professional practices, of com-
bustible gases, fluids, and materials; 
"(G) design concepts for providing increased fire safety 
consistent with habitability, comfort, and human impact in 
buildings and other structures; and 
"(H) such other aspects of the fire process as may be 
deemed useful in pursuing the objectives of the fire research 
program; 
" (2) research into the biological, physiological, and psychologi-
cal factors affecting human victims of fire, and the performance 
of individual members of fire services, including— 
"(A) the biological and physiological effects of toxic sub-
stances encountered in fires; 
"(B) the trauma, cardiac conditions, and other hazards 
resulting from exposure to fire; 
"(C) the development of simple and reliable tests for 
determining the cause of death from fires; 
"(D) improved methods of providing first aid to victims 
of fires; 
"(E) psychological and motivational characteristics of 
persons who engage in arson, and the prediction and cure of 
such behavior; 
"(F) the conditions of stress encountered by firefighters, 
the effects of such stress, and the alleviation and reduction of 
such conditions; and 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974 
1547 
"(G) such other biological, psychological, and physio-
logical effects of fire as have significance for purposes of 
control or prevention of fires; and 
"(3) operation tests, demonstration projects, and fire investi-
gations in support of the activities set forth in this section. 
"The Secretary shall insure that the results and advances arising 
from the work of the research program are disseminated broadly. He 
shall encourage the incorporation, to the extent applicable and practi-
cable, of such results and advances in building codes, fire codes, and 
other relevant codes, test methods, fire service operations and training, 
and standards. The Secretary is authorized to encourage and assist in 
the development and adoption of uniform codes, test methods, and 
standards aimed at reducing fire losses and costs of fire protection. 
"(b) For the purposes of this section there is authorized to be 
Appropriation. 
appropriated not to exceed $3,500,000 for the fiscal year ending 
June 30, 1975 and not to exceed $4,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
June 30,1976." 
VICTIMS o r FIRE 
SEC. 19. (a) PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Health, Education, and 
^2 use 290a. 
Welfare shall establish, within the National Institutes of Health and 
in cooperation with the Secretary, an expanded program of research 
on burns, treatment of burn injuries, and rehabilitation of victims 
of fires. The National Institutes of Health shall— 
(1) sponsor and encourage the establishment throughout the 
Nation of twenty-five additional burn centers, which shall com-
prise separate hospital facilities providing specialized burn 
treatment and including research and teaching programs, and 
twenty-five additional burn units, which shall comprise specialized 
facilities in general hospitals used only for burn victims; 
^ 
(2) provide training and continuing support of specialists to 
staff the new burn centers and burn units; 
(3) sponsor and encourage the establishment of ninety burn 
programs in general hospitals which comprise staffs of burn injury 
specialists; 
(4) provide special training in emergency care for burn vic-
tims ; 
(5) augment sponsorship of research on burns and burn treat-
ment; 
(6) administer and support a systematic program of research 
concerning smoke inhalation injuries; and 
(7) sponsor and support other research and training programs 
in the treatment and rehabilitation of burn injury victims. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION or APPROPRIATION.—For purposes of this sec-
tion, there are authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $5,000,000 
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and not to exceed $8,000,000 
for the fiscal year ending June 30,1976. 
PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION 
SEC. 20. Copies of any document, report, statement, or information 
^^ use 2217. 
received or sent by the Secretary or the Administrator shall be made 
available to the public pursuant to the provisions of section 552 of 
title 5, United States Code: Provided^ That, notwithstanding the 
provisions of subsection (b) of such section and of section 1905 of 
title 18, United States Code, the Secretary may disclose information 
which concerns or relates to a trade secret— 
(1) upon request, to other Federal Government departments 
and agencies for official use; 
1548 
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT.29, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
(2) upon request, to any committee of Congress having juris-
diction over the subject matter to which the information relates; 
(3) in any judicial proceeding under a court order formulated 
to preserve the confidentiality of such information without 
impairing the proceedings; and 
(4) to the public when he determines such disclosure to be neces-
sary in order to protect health and safety after notice and oppor-
tunity for comment in writing or for discussion in closed session 
within fifteen days by the party to which the information pertains 
(if the delay resulting from such notice and opportunity for com-
ment would not be detrimental to health and safety). 
15 use 2218. 
Comptroller 
General, access 
to records. 
Publication in 
Federal Register. 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 
SEC. 21. (a) ASSISTANCE.—Each department, agency, and instru-
mentality of the executive branch of the Federal Government and each 
independent regulatory agency of the United States is authorized 
and directed to furnish to the Administrator, upon written request, on 
a reimbursable basis or otherwise, such assistance as the Administrator 
deems necessary to carry out his functions and duties pursuant to this 
Act, including, but not limited to, transfer of personnel with their 
consent and without prejudice to their position and ratings. 
(b) POWERS.—With respect to this Act, the Administrator is 
authorized to— 
(1) enter into, without regard to section 3709 of the Revised 
Statutes, as amended (41 U.S.C. 5) such contracts, grants, leases, 
cooperative agreements, or other transactions as may be necessary 
to carry out the provisions of this Act; 
(2) accept gifts and voluntary and uncompensated services, 
notwithstanding the provisions of section 3679 of the Revised 
Statutes (31 U.S.C. 665 (b)); 
(3) purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, 
use, or deal in and with any property (real, personal, or mixed, 
tangible or intangible), or interest in property, wherever situated; 
and sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, or otherwise 
dispose of property and assets; 
(4) procure temporary and intermittent services to the same 
extent as is authorized under section 3109 of title 5, United States 
Code, but at rates not to exceed $100 a day for qualified experts; 
and 
(5) establish such rules, regulations, and procedures as are nec-
essary to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
(c) AUDIT.—The Secretary and the Comptroller General of the 
United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall 
have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipi-
ents of contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance that are pertinent 
to its activities under this Act for the purpose of audit or to determine 
if a proposed activity is in the public interest. 
(d) INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES.—All property rights with respect 
to inventions and discoveries, which are made in the course of or under 
contract with any government agency pursuant to this Act, shall be 
subject to the basic policies set forth in the President's Statement of 
Government Patent Policy issued August 23, 1971, or such revisions 
of that statement of policy as may subsequently be promulgated and 
published in the Federal Register. 
(e) COORDINATION.—To the extent practicable, the Administrator 
shall utilize existing programs, data, information, and facilities 
already available in other Federal Government departments and agen-
cies and, where appropriate, existing research organizations, centers. 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-499-OCT. 29, 1974 
1549 
and universities. The Administrator shall provide liaison at an appro-
priate organizational level to assure coordination of his activities with 
State and local government agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices 
concerned with any matter related to programs of fire prevention and 
control and with private and other Federal organizations and offices 
so concerned. 
ASSISTANCE TO CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 
SEC. 22. Upon request, the Administrator shall assist the Consumer 
is use 2219. 
Product Safety Commission in the development of fire safety standards 
or codes for consumer products, as defined in the Consumer Product 
Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.). 
CONFORMING AMENDMENTS 
SEC. 23. Section 12 of the Act of February 14, 1903, as amended 
(15 U.S.C. 1511), is amended to read as follows: 
" B U R E A U S I N DEPARTMENT 
"SEC. 12. The following named bureaus, administrations, services, 
offices, and programs of the public service, and all that pertains thereto, 
shall be under the jurisdiction and subject to the control of the Secre-
tary of Commerce: 
"(a) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 
fb) United States Travel Service; 
(c) Maritime Administration; 
"(d) National Bureau of Standards; 
"(e) Patent Office; 
"(f) Bureau of the Census; 
"(g) National Fire Prevention and Control Administration; and 
"(h) such other bureaus or other organizational units as the Secre-
tary of Commerce may from time to time establish in accordance with 
law." 
Approved October 29, 1974. 
Public Law 93-499 
A N A C T 
October 29, 1974 
To extend for an additional temporary period the existing suspension of duties 
[H. R. 7780] 
on certain classifications of yarns of silk, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled^ That (a) items a^s*^dm^"us. 
905.30 and 905.31 of the appendix to the Tariff Schedules of the United pe^lon "exten-" 
States (19 U.S.C. 1202) are each amended by striking out "11/7/73" ^i°"; internal 
' 
./ 
t5 
/ 
' 
Revenue Code of 
1954, 
amendments. 
"n