Fire Prevention and Investigations

The 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 (NERIS), 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

NERIS (National Emergency Response Information System) has launched. Find more information below:

Administrative Rules of Montana 23.12.402 (3) requires each official responsible for investigating fires shall file with the state fire marshal a fire incident report on each and every fire occurring within the official’s jurisdiction. Fire incident reports must be submitted on forms downloaded, or filled out online, from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) at www.nfirs.fema.gov. The state fire marshal may notify a fire department of incomplete or invalid reports for resubmission with complete information.

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) 606-0778
  • 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

Image of Sparky the Fire Dog, mascot for the National Fire Protection Association, promoting the 2026 Fire Prevention Week theme "Charge Into Fire Safety, Safe Charging is a Superpower."

The Montana State Fire Marshal’s office is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week™, October 4-10, Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. Help us spread the word that everyday actions can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use your charging superpower by making smart choices every time you plug in. For more info: fpw.org.

“Reproduced from NFPA website fpw.org, © NFPA 2026.”

Battery Safety Tips:

  • Choose the right charger: Always use the charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer.
  • Don’t overcharge: Unplug devices once they are fully charged. 
  • Charge on a hard surface: Charge on a flat, hard surface such as a table, or desk. Never charge on a bed, couch, or underneath a pillow. 
  • Charge power tools and E-Bike/Scooters outside: Charge these larger items outside when possible, and follow the manufacturer’s charging and storage instructions. 
  • Know the warning signs: Stop using a device if it becomes very hot, makes a hissing or popping noise, has a strong odor, starts to swell, leak, or smoke. 
  • Recycle safely: Never put lithium-ion batteries in household trash or recycling bins. Take them to an approved battery disposal location. 

Battery recycling resources:

  • Batteries Plus (locations in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula) 

 

Investigations