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Fire code

Fire service roles

The information provides guidance to fire chiefs regarding their role as the fire code official in their community and communities they contract with for fire protection. 

Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) important definitions

Fire chief: The chief officer of the fire department serving the jurisdiction or the chief's authorized representatives.

Fire code official: The state fire marshal, the state fire marshal’s authorized representative, fire chief, fire department representatives authorized by the fire chief, or other authority specifically designated by ordinance or regulation who is charged with the administration and enforcement of the code. The appointing authority shall ensure that the fire code official is competent by virtue of certification as a fire inspector, training, or experience in fire prevention inspections and enforcement.

Authority having jurisdiction: Any municipal fire code official serving within their appointed jurisdiction or the state fire marshal or any of their authorized representatives.

Fire department: A regularly organized fire department, fire protection district or fire company regularly charged with providing firefighting or fire protection services to the state or a political subdivision.

More information about these definitions

Questions?

You can email us with your Minnesota State Fire Code questions. Code staff monitor this email address ​regularly and will respond to your question. During busier times, it may take up to a week before we are able to respond. If you don't hear back from us after one week, please let us know. Thanks for your patience.