State Fire Marshal

The Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal’s mission is to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The department carries out these duties through prevention education, inspections, code enforcement, and preparedness and response activities.

In 1917, the OSFM began with the state insurance commissioner serving as ex officio state fire marshal. In 1963, OSFM separated from the insurance commissioner and served under the governor. In 1971, the legislature incorporated OSFM under the Department of Commerce and provided for the appointment of a state fire marshal and the establishment of a separate administration office. The Department of Commerce was dismantled in 1987, and the OSFM was transferred to the Executive Department. The OSFM combined with the Oregon State Police in 1993 to consolidate safety responsibilities. OSFM became a separate department in 2023.