Missouri Code of State Regulations › Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY › Division 40 - Division of Fire Safety › Chapter 1 - General Organization › Section 11 CSR 40-1.010 - Organization and Methods of Operation

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 14, July 15, 2024
PURPOSE: This rule describes the organization and
				  methods of operation of the office of the State Fire Marshal.
(1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal was
				created in 1972 by the 76th General Assembly. With the enactment of the Omnibus
				State Reorganization Act of 1974, the office was transferred to the Department
				of Public Safety on July 1, 1974.
(2) The state fire marshal is appointed by
				the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. Responsible to the
				director of public safety, the state fire marshal is charged with the
				administration and enforcement of sections 320.200-320.270, RSMo.
(3) One function of the office of the
				Division of Fire Safety is to investigate suspicious fires and explosions and
				to develop information which will lead to prosecution for criminal fires. This
				active investigation and prosecution of incendiary fires is aimed at the
				apprehension of arsonists and the deterrence of other fires.
(4) The office of the Division of Fire Safety
				is also responsible for maintaining a state fire loss reporting system. This
				system is based upon reports submitted by each fire department in the state on
				every incident for which fire department equipment is used. The compiled data
				is disseminated in an annual report and is valuable in identifying Missouri's
				fire prevention programs.
(5) On
				October 10, 1973, the Bureau of Safety and Fire Prevention was transferred from
				the Department of Public Health and Welfare to the office of the Division of
				Fire Safety. The transfer made the state fire marshal responsible for assisting
				institutional fire and safety supervisors in the review of building plans for
				fire prevention features and for providing technical assistance in the
				preparation of rules pertaining to fire prevention.
(6) The Division of Fire Safety is also
				responsible for fire safety inspections for the Divisions of Family Services
				and Mental Health and it serves in an advisory capacity for the Division of
				Aging. This data also appears in the annual report.
(7) The division, charged on September 28,
				1985, with the regulation of fireworks manufacturing and sales in Missouri, now
				regulates all licensing and enforcement of the fireworks industry.
(8) On November 12, 1986, enforcement of
				Boilers & Pressure Vessels Act began. The Division of Fire Safety conducts
				safety inspections and certification of boiler and pressure vessels.
(9) On August 28, 1993, the division was
				authorized by sections 292.600-292.625, RSMo to administer the Emergency
				Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. This act which also creates the
				Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC) sets up a framework for local
				government to better prepare for hazardous chemical emergencies.
(10) Any person desiring information or
				assistance on any matter falling within the scope of the office of the Division
				of Fire Safety should contact the Division of Fire Safety, P.O. Box 844, 301 W
				High, Harry S Truman State Office Building, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (314)
				751-2930.
*Original authority: 536.023, RSMo 1975, amended
					 1976.