What We Do
The State Fire Marshal Division (SFMD) supports local fire and law enforcement authorities, other agencies and the general public with:
- Fire/arson investigation training for local public safety personnel.
- Fire investigations and fire death investigations.
- Materials, training and assistance to implement fire safety education programs.
- Fire inspections in public and charter schools, hotels/motels and health care facilities.
- Development and adoption of state fire code.
The SFMD collects and maintains fire incident data and uses it to strengthen our state fire code, our code enforcement and our fire safety education programs.
To learn more about what the SFMD does across Minnesota, read our 2020 annual report. Past annual reports are available here:
Read the division's strategic plan to learn more about how the SFMD plans to improve over the next several years.
Our Mission
SFMD strengthens Minnesota fire-safe environments by providing statewide leadership and guidance in support of fire and life safety policy, enforcement, prevention, and education.
Our Vision
SFMD exists so that the fire service is prepared, communities are supported, and Minnesotans are safer from fire.
Core Operating Principles
SFMD is trusted: We hold true to the public's faith in us to be knowledgeable, consistent, and dependable.
SFMD is accessible: Those that depend on our resources and services can expect to receive responsive, accurate, and practical support.
SFMD is forward-thinking: Different situations may require different types of support, but our efforts will always prioritize collaboration and put the safety of Minnesotans ahead of traditions or habits that are no longer useful.
Related Minnesota Statute
More information about the State Fire Marshal Division can be found in chapter 299F of Minnesota state statute.
Leadership
Amanda Swenson, interim state fire marshal
Amanda Swenson was appointed the interim state fire marshal in April of 2023 after service as the chief deputy state fire marshal since June of 2020.
Swenson joined the State Fire Marshal Division in 2014 as a fire and life safety educator. In 2018, she became the supervisor of the State Services and Support Team, which includes public education, fire service specialists, state response teams and fleet.
Swenson has been a firefighter on the Braham Fire Department since 2010.
Before she became a firefighter, Swenson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.
After earning her degree, she worked in the admissions office at Northland for seven years before returning to Minnesota. She then started working in 4-H youth development with the University of Minnesota Extension program in Mille Lacs and Isanti Counties. During this time, she also earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota.
History
The position of State Fire Marshal was created by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1905. In 1913, the Fire Marshal Department was created and in 1970, the State Fire Marshal Division became part of the newly created Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Since that time, five State Fire Marshals have headed the division: Gene Weber (1970-72), Wes Werner (1972-86), Tom Brace (1987-2003), Jerry Rosendahl (2003-2013), Bruce West (2013-2019) and Jim Smith (2019 to 2023).
Minnesota has had a state fire code, enforced by the State Fire Marshal, since 1975. For the first 28 years, the state fire code was known as the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code. Since 2003, it has been called the Minnesota State Fire Code.
Staff
The State Fire Marshal Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has a staff of 62, most of whom work in the downtown St. Paul headquarters, including the fire marshal, chief deputy, public educators, IT analyst, fire code specialists, supervisors and five support staff.
The fire/arson investigation team includes one chief and 11 investigators assigned to regions around the state, where they work with local authorities to determine cause and origin on an average of 450 fires per year.
Eleven inspectors and two supervisors comprise the inspection team that covers all daycare facilities, hotels, motels, resorts and public K-12 schools across the state. Another team of eight inspectors and one supervisor inspect Minnesota health care facilities.
Three sprinkler safety specialists approve fire sprinkler plans and inspect all newly- installed systems.
The State Fire Marshal Division works closely with the:
Here is the SFMD's organizational chart.
