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The
Fire Marshal Division is the oldest of the five divisions within the Department
of Public Safety. It was established in 1911. Through promotion and enforcement
of fire safety regulations, training, building code provisions, and arson
investigations this division helps reduce the loss of life and property
by fire.
Although headquarted
in Des Moines, the Fire Marshal Division has field offices located throughout
the state. The division is comprised of four (4) bureaus: Fire
Prevention Inspection, Arson Investigation,
Building Code, and Fire
Service Training. Presently the division has 30 sworn officers and
17 civilian employees. |
| Fire Inspection Bureau |
| Fire
safety code inspections are conducted in a variety of facilities ensuring
compliance with both federal and state laws and rules. A total of 3722
inspections were conducted in 2001. Those facilities inspected by our
fire inspectors include:
• Nursing
Homes |
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In the past nine years, elementary students in grades three through six have submitted fire prevention posters. Together with funds provided by Employer's Mutual Insurance Company, the Fire Marshal Division incorporates the posters that seem to best deliver a fire prevention message into a calendar. The calendars are then distributed throughout to elementary schools, day care centers, nursing homes, as well as senior citizen centers state-wide. An essential element in fire prevention is that of fire safety education. |
| Fire
Deaths The new century started off with a total of 62 fire deaths in 2000, then decreased to 38 in 2001. In the year 2002, there have been 15 deaths recorded. Of those 15 deaths in 2002, only three (3) had smoke detectors and those had no batteries or were not in use. |
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Arson & Explosive Bureau
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Arson Investigation Bureau Special Agents are responsible for determining the cause of fires statewide. These agents investigate suspected arson fires along with bombings and other explosive related incidents. Several agents in the division are also members of the Clandestine Lab Emergency Response Team and are volunteer members of their local fire departments. Six hundred and eight-four investigations were conducted during FY 02. This included 459 fires which were investigated. Of those fires, 146 were determined to be the result of arson. One hundred and ninety-eight were accidental and the cause of 115 could not be determined. The remaining investigations represented bombing incidents, bomb threats, explosive disposals, and Clandestine Labs. Investigations by the Fire Marshal Division resulted in 53 arrests and 103 charges filed. An Arson Hotline is maintained 24 hours a day for citizens to provide information helpful in resolving suspected arson cases. In addition to providing training to local fire and law enforcement officials on fire investigations and issues relating to arson, classes are offered throughout the year to allow local officials opportunity to see first hand various types of explosives. This gives them guidance for safe and proper response to such incidents. |
Building Code Bureau
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The responsibility of the Building Code Bureau is to ensure the safety and accessibility of buildings. They accomplish this by review and approval of factory-built structures and mobile homes. In addition to reading plans, the bureau oversees enforcement of handicapped accessibility and energy requirements of the State Building Code. |
Fire Service Training Bureau
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Fire Service Training Bureau, orginally known as the Fire Service Institute,
Iowa State University, was made part of the State Fire Marshal Division
in July of 2000. The Training Bureau is located in Ames. Its mission is
to provide quality training and education for Iowa's fire and emergency
services. |
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The Fire Service Training Bureau is committed to meeting the needs of Iowa's Fire Service by emphasizing accredited training, partnerships with community colleges, as well as in-house training opportunities. |
Created 10/1/02 bal