11 CSR 40-1.010
Organization and Methods of Operation
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.
AUTHORITY: section 536.023, RSMo 1986.*
Original rule filed Dec. 31, 1975, effective
Jan. 10, 1976. Amended: Filed June 2, 1977,
effective Dec. 15, 1977. Amended: Filed Nov.
16, 1988, effective Feb. 24, 1989. Amended:
Filed Nov. 5, 1993, effective June 6, 1994.
*Original authority: 536.023, RSMo 1975, amended
1976.