Code and Fire Prevention Support

Compliance officers and engineers can look into any matter covered by MGL Chapter 148 or 527 CMR 1.00.

Code compliance officers:

• Ensure statewide compliance with Massachusetts laws and regulations the State Fire Marshal enforces
• Have statewide jurisdiction
• Support the regulatory compliance efforts of local fire departments
• Review plans and issue permits for the operation of above ground storage tanks

Fire protection engineers support local fire prevention efforts by reviewing plans for new construction or substantial renovation. They also ensure the uniform application of the fire and building codes and other laws.

COVID-19 Pandemic Guidance

Fire Safety in Temporary Shelters and Uses

Guidance for fire and building officials on fire and life safety in temporary shelters and temporary uses of buildings from Commission or the Division of Professional Licensure and the State Fire Marshal: Joint DFS/DPL Advisory on Temporary Shelters

Advisory from the State Fire Marshal on the fire code and heating in tents, canopies and other temporary structures.

 

Emergency Order on Sale and Transfer Inspections

The Governor's Executive Order allowing the deferral of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm inspections ended on July 10, 2020. Buyers who agreed to defer these inspections must have them completed by October 9, 2020.  This includes all sales or transfers of residential property. The seller must make sure these inspections occur for any new sales or transfers after July 10. Contact your local fire department to schedule an inspection. Read the advisory from the State Fire Marshal for more information.

State Fire Marshal Advisory & Gov.'s Exec. Order Reinstating Licensing Deadlines and Resuming Certain Inspections

 

Hand Sanitizer Fire Prevention

DFS has written a new Hand Sanitizer Fire Prevention pamphlet about the use and storage of hand sanitizer in public and commercial places. It provides advice for places that are using and storing hand sanitizer for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a 70% alcohol mixture for hand sanitizer. Seventy percent alcohol classifies most hand sanitizers as a Class IB or Class IC flammable liquid, which is regulated by the the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR, and the Comprehensive State Fire Code, 527 CMR 1.00.

Fire Safety Division Forms and Applications

The Division of Fire Safety has forms and applications for local fire departments and for a variety of regulated industries including:

• Fire prevention forms and applications .
• Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspection Program forms and applications.

Visit the Fire Safety Division forms and applications page.

Massachusetts Fire Code

Learn about the Massachusetts State Fire Code, including:

Revisions to the Comprehensive Fire Safety Code took effect October 18, 2019. For more information see the Advisory - Revisions to 527 CMR 1.00: Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code .

Visit the Massachusetts State Fire & Electrical Code page.

Fire Code Compliance

Technical support staff provide:

• Fire protection engineering support
• Fire code interpretations
• Opinions on the application of fire safety laws and regulations
• Support to local enforcement agencies
• Plan review for above ground storage tanks and self-serve gas stations 
• Permits for above ground storage tanks and self-serve gas stations

Fire departments can reach the DFS Code Compliance Desk at [phone].

Additional Resources

DFS Licensing Exams

Smoke & CO Alarm Information for Selling 1- & 2-Family Homes

Fire Prevention Resources

Information for DFS-regulated industries and fire officials on:

• Aboveground Storage Tanks
• Blasting, Fireworks and Explosives (includes Blasting Detail Orientation Training)
• Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Safety
• Cannabis Fire Safety
• Commercial Cooking and Exhaust Systems (Hood Cleaning)
• Crop Mazes and Haunted Houses
• Crowd Management
• Fire Extinguishers
• Hand Sanitizer Fire Prevention
• Hotworks (Welding & Cutting)
• Marine Fueling
• Motion Picture & TV Production
• Nightclubs
• Places of Assembly
• Restaurants
• Schools
• Self-Service Gas Stations

FSD Advisories to Fire Departments and the Public

The State Fire Marshal issues technical advisories for fire professionals and the public:

Visit the FSD Advisories to Local Fire Departments page.