The OSFM works in conjunction with the local fire departments to conduct and carry out fire prevention activities as authorized in Kansas Statutes 31-137 and 31-139.
A summary of the statues are as follows:
The state fire marshal and individuals listed below shall have the authority during all reasonable hours of operation to enter, inspect and investigate compliance with the rules and regulations of the state fire marshal.
- Deputies of the fire marshal
- Chief of any organized fire department, whether such fire department is regular or volunteer
- Any member of any such fire department who has been duly authorized by the chief
In an effort to streamline inspection reports and to better coordinate our efforts, OSFM has asked each fire department who wishes to conduct inspections within their jurisdictions to fill out a Memorandum of Understanding.
The Memorandum of Understanding was developed in an effort to obtain written verification on an annual basis from each fire department regarding their inspection intentions for that year. The intent is to reduce the duplication of inspection efforts as well as reduce the number of phone calls back and forth regarding when and if a facility will be inspected.
If a fire department does not wish to fill out the entire Memorandum of Understanding, we are still requesting that the fire department provide us with a listing of the facilities or occupancy types that they will be inspecting for the year. Without written guidance, OSFM may end up duplicating efforts in regards to inspections.