The is State Fire Marshal’s Office is dedicated to working with its partners through an integrated statewide system designed to protect human life from fire and explosion. This is accomplished through fire prevention, investigation, and public education activities. The system also includes code enforcement, managing the Fire Incident Reporting System (NIFRS), and helping local fire agencies and law enforcement throughout Montana.

ATTENTION

If you are trying to report a fire or other emergency, please dial 911.

Montana’s Fire Prevention and Investigation Program Office of the State Fire Marshal is authorized by Title 50, Chater 3 of the Montana Code Annotated. Under that program, Montana’s deputy state fire marshals:

  • Provide statewide fire prevention and investigation services to nearly 400 fire agencies, 56 county sheriff’s departments, more than 60 city police departments and numerous other state and federal agencies
  • Assist with adoption of fire safety regulations, inspection of public buildings, establishment and promotion of fire prevention programs, certification of local inspection programs, and the investigation of fires to determine cause and origin
  • Manage and maintain the records of all fires that occur within the state
  • Provide training to local public safety agencies

The State Fire Marshal’s Office manages the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for Montana through an e-mail account. Local fire and law enforcement agencies can e-mail [email protected] or call (406) 791-2706 to:

  • Get the latest version of the reporting system (also available from www.nfirs.fema.gov)
  • Report incidents to NFIRS
  • Reset your department password
  • Reactivate an inactive NFIRS account (Note: To keep your NFIRS account active, log in on a monthly basis even if there is no incident to report. Simply check the “no activity” box and log out.)
  • Ask questions about the reporting system

Please include the nature of your request in the e-mail’s subject line.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office makes deputy state fire marshals available to assist in determining the cause and origin of fires. It is appropriate for local fire or law enforcement officials to request assistance when they need help in:

  • Investigating fires that caused substantial financial losses (approximately $250,000 or more)
  • Investigating fires involving fatalities or serious injuries
  • Determining the cause of a fire

To request assistance with a fire investigation:

  • IF YOU ARE REPORTING AN ACTIVE FIRE PLEASE DIAL 911
  • If you are requesting a fire investigation during regular business hours, call the State Fire Marshal’s office at (406) 771-1510
  • After hours, call the Montana Highway Patrol dispatch at (406) 841-7044

Be ready to explain that you need the assistance of a Deputy State Fire Marshal at a fire scene and provide:

  • Your name, title, agency, city and county, and address of fire
  • A telephone number where you can be reached

Shortly after a local agency requests assistance, a Deputy State Fire Marshal will call to gather information and discuss when he or she will arrive on the scene. Prior to a Deputy State Fire Marshal’s arrival, it is helpful if local officials:

  • Secure the scene
  • Gather witness information
  • Diagram the building

Fire Safety Checklist for Temporary Lodging Facilities

Fire-Death-Information-Form.pdf

Firefighter Applicant Fingerprint Information.pdf

Investigations