Why does the Fire Marshall have a gun? Is he going to shoot me for leaving the fire door open?
Not quite.
Fire Marshals aren’t only responsible for code enforcement (such as the fire doors open/blocked egress/disabled alarm system problems), but also for fire investigation.
In some states, the Fire Marshal can be granted powers of arrest for the crime of arson. Unfortunately, some arsonists aren’t exactly happy to be taken into custody, and some even have a habit of shooting back. Thus the arming of Fire Marshals. In many cases, though, the investigator will work with the local police, so they’ll handle the arrest for him/her.
Or, it could be in the case of Massachusetts (and others) where the fire investigators for the State Fire Marshal’s Office are members of the Massachusetts State Police. Cops always seem to have that whole carry-a-gun thing ingrained in them, even when they’re not doing the normal “police” work.
Also, fire marshal’s don’t carry firearms in all jurisdictions. They sure don’t around here (I’m an assistant fire marshal). The investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s office don’t either, although they may be entitled to.
In our area we have dedicated fire investigators, many of whom are also POST certified law enforcement officers. In a nutshell a “fire cop”.
They have specialized training on fire cause and origin determination, collecting evidence related to arson, etc.
In our area we have dedicated fire investigators, many of whom are also POST certified law enforcement officers. In a nutshell a “fire cop”.
They have specialized training on fire cause and origin determination, collecting evidence related to arson, etc.
The people many would call “fire marshals” around here are fire prevention inspectors. They go out and make sure required exits are kept clear, fire extinguishers are charged, stuff like that. They don’t carry guns since they do not arrest, only cite for infractions.
This fella was rather politely fussing at our guy about a propped open stairway door. Had an automatic pistol.
[10 sec simplified reason for the fuss]
A propped stairwell is a big deal if there was a fire in the building, smoke and fire will use it to spread to other floors more quickly. This also reduces the stairwells value as an escape route if fires get into them. Stairwells usually require higher fire rated materials around them than other parts of a given building to help insure that they stay clear of fire.[/10 sec simplified reason for the fuss]
Well as you can see from the replies, various municipalities and agencies vary on their handling of investigation and inspection tasks.
Even if he was a dedicated investigator he will be plenty familiar with fire code and will point it out to someone if they are not playing by the rules, if need be that investigator can cite you just like an inspector can.
Depending on the area sometimes any firefighter can cite for fire code violations. Kinda like any police officer can write you a traffic ticket.
Drachillix holder of CA Fire Investigator 1A cert.
(would need a 1B and couple other things to work at it tho 
)
Of course.
BTW, he didn’t check the door at the other stairway. Maybe you could apply for the job. Nice weather. 