2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal The Frederick County Office of the Fire Marshal prioritizes the protection of life and property within the county. This is achieved through a multi-pronged approach encompassing engineering, education, and enforcement. Fire Marshals within the office are responsible for a wide range of duties, including fire and life safety code enforcement, investigations, and other related activities across Frederick County and its municipalities. To ensure immediate response, a Fire Marshal is on call 24/7 to address urgent code enforcement complaints and investigate fires.

The Office is structured into two distinct sections: Code Enforcement and Investigations.

Fire Marshals within the office possess a high level of expertise. They are certified in Code Enforcement and hold prestigious credentials such as Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators and Certified Fire Investigation Technicians (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). These certifications are earned through rigorous processes, demanding proficiency in all aspects of code enforcement and investigation. This includes successful completion of practical skills assessments, written examinations, and continuous professional development. During the spring of 2024, all assigned Fire Marshal’s obtained certification as Evidence Collection Technicians (ECT) through the IAAI.

All personnel assigned to the Office of the Fire Marshal are appointed by the Maryland State Fire Marshal as Special Assistant State Fire Marshals/Investigators.

Code Enforcement Section

The Code Enforcement Section of the Fire Marshal's Office prioritizes public safety and well-being by ensuring compliance with various fire and life safety regulations. With over 7,000 properties requiring inspection across the county, the Fire Marshals diligently conduct proactive fire and life safety inspections in accordance with both Frederick County and Maryland State Fire Prevention Codes. The Fire Marshals actively collaborate with the Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting and other code enforcement officials from the various municipalities within Frederick County to ensure consistent code enforcement and facilitate efficient resolution of compliance issues. To effectively address this substantial workload, two additional Fire Marshal positions have been approved for the office, commencing in Fiscal Year 2026. The Office prioritizes inspections based on the potential risk to life and injury. Public assembly buildings, including restaurants, meeting halls, churches, schools, and apartment buildings, are considered high-risk and receive the most attention. All buildings, except for one and two-family dwellings, are subject to fire code compliance. The Office of the Fire Marshal also inspects a variety of other facilities and events, including State licensed facilities, such as migrant labor camps, day camps, counseling services, and assisted living facilities; and special events, including large gatherings like the Fourth of July celebration, The Great Frederick Fair, and all licensed firework displays.

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