History of Office of the State Fire Marshal

• Past State Fire Marshals (PDF)

2020: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3074 (Chapter 259, Statutes of 2020) authored by Assemblyman Friedman which the Board of Forestry to promulgate regulations that includes an ember resistant zone within five feet a structure in the very high severity zone.

2023: In 2023, OSFM celebrated its Centennial Anniversary and Governor Newsom declares May 23, 2023 “California State Fire Marshal Centennial Day”. 

• To learn more about the Centennial Anniversary, visit: Office of the State Fire Marshal Centennial Anniversary

2008/10: As a result of the OSFM’s Residential Fire Sprinkler Task Force (Phase I – Water Purveyor [10/09/08 thru 03/30/09], Phase II – Installation [04/06/09 thru 05/21/09], and Phase III – Training & Education [07/21/09 thru 03/17/10]) Meetings and Final Report Documents, the Division Chief Kevin Reinertson/CAL-FIRE (Code Development & Analysis), Regional Manager (West) Bruce Lecair/NFSA, and Consultant Steve Hart/NAS-IP developed a 4-hour “Awareness Level Course” which would be delivered in twenty-four (24) cities throughout the state to targeted “stakeholders” who would be expected to be impacted by the new residential fire sprinkler regulations as of January 1, 2011, that requires all new single family dwelling to have residential fire sprinklers.

2010: From June 1st thru November 22nd the California State Fire Marshal Code Development & Analyst Unit coordinated and presented twenty-four (24) Residential Fire Sprinkler Awareness Level Classes (each being 4-hours in length) throughout the state (from Eureka and Susanville in the north to Oceanside and Palm Springs to the south) presenting an overview of the California Residential Code fire sprinkler provisions to well over 1,200 stakeholders (Building Departments, Fire Agencies, Water Purveyors, Architect, Professional Engineers, Homebuilder Contractors, Fire Protection Contractors, Plumbing Contractors, and any other interested persons).

2010: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2021 (Chapter 370, Statutes of 2010) authored by Nathan Fletcher (75th District – San Diego) which authorized the State Fire Marshal to delegate enforcement authority to his or her choice for University of California campuses or property who would be known as the “Delegated Campus Fire Marshal”.

2011: The Office of the State Fire Marshal in conjunction with the California Water Boards, Division of Water Quality Storm Water Section published on its website a 50-page document entitled “Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Discharge Best Management Practices Manual” in September 1988. The scope and purpose of the document is to 1) To provide a set of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) specifically a common set of tools for the proper processing of water discharge from a water-based fire protection system discharges in California, and 2) To provide direction to dischargers to contact the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4’S) operators to discuss any specific discharge requirements and reporting.

2011: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 29 (Chapter 8, Statutes of 2011) authored by Assemblyman Blumenfield that enacted the SRA fee to fund fire prevention work in the state responsibility areas.

2012: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1349 (Chapter 420, Statutes of 2012) authored by Senator Allan Lowenthal (27th District – Long Beach) which required the State Fire Marshal to address several issues related to Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Detectors including the use of a nonreplicable, non-removable battery that is capable of powering the smoke alarm for a minimum of 10-years.

2012: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2201 (Chapter 481, Statutes of 2012) authored by Assemblyman Steven Bradford Inglewood) which raises the civil penalties associated with violations of the Elder California Pipeline Safety Act of 1981 from $10,000 to $200,000 and raises the civil penalties for any related series of violations of the Act from $500,000 to $2-million.

2012: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1566 (Chapter 532, Statutes of 2012) authored by Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (20th District – Newark) which authorizes the State Fire Marshal to regulate the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) and makes conforming changes to the APSA. This bill provides statewide consistency and one point of contact for the AST Program by assigning regulatory authority of the program to the State Fire Marshal.

2012: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1701 (Chapter 536, Statutes of 2012) authored by Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (20th District – Newark) which authorizes the State Fire Marshal to regulate the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program by standardizing local agency oversight of cleanups to provide timely closure of sites.

2012: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1241 (Chapter 311, Statues of 2012) authored by Senator Kehoe which enacted the fire hazard impacts in the safety element for cities and counties. The jurisdiction’s general plan had to include any risk from wildfires including Department fire severity map data.

2013: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No.127 (Chapter 579, Statues of 2013) authored by Senator Skinner which required the Office of the State Fire Marshal to review the standard for building insulation and consider if the safety standards could be accomplished without the use of chemical flame retardants.

2015: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 864 (Chapter 592, Statutes of 2015) authored by Assemblyman Das Williams (20th District – Newark) which mandates the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations for best available technology for monitoring and containing liquid pipeline spills, and Senate Bill No. 295 (Chapter 607, Statutes of 2015) authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson which mandates the State Fire Marshal to conduct annual inspections for liquid pipelines.

2015: The Office of the State Fire Marshal adopted regulations for the licensing for Sprinkler System Pipefitters based on Assembly Bill No. 433 (Chapter 377, Statutes of 2013) authored by Assemblyman Gordon. The regulations became effective on July 1, 2017.

2016: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No.1069 ((Chapter 720, Statues of 2016) authored by Senator Wieckowski creating Accessory Dwelling Units and exempting them from the fire sprinkler requirements.

2017: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 932 (Chapter 786, Statutes of 2017) authored by Assembly Ting, which upon a declaration of a shelter crisis, the building permitting, zoning and safety standards are suspended. The law allow local ordinances may be used to address minimal health and safety standards.

2018: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2911 (Chapter 641, Statutes of 2017) authored by Assemblyman Friedman which required the Office of the State Fire Marshal to create a list low-cost recommended retrofits for existing structures in the Wildland Urban Interface areas to address issues with the California Wildfires.

2018: California Governor Edmund G. Brown issued Executive Order B-52-18 on May 10, 2018 that directed the State Fire Marshal to consider the early adoption of the Tall Wood Building regulations from the International Code Council. The Office conducted a workgroup the reviewed the regulations and supported the proposal. The Office adopted the Tall Wood Building regulations which become effective July 1, 2021.

2018: The Office of the State Fire Marshal adopted regulations through the California Building Standards Commission allowing the use of foam insulation without flame retardants under the foundation on grade. This was completed by several workgroups and testing done by Oklahoma State University to meet Senate Bill No.127 (Chapter 579, Statues of 2013) authored by Senator Skinner. 

2000: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1998 (Chapter 274, Statutes of 2000) authored by Assemblyman John Dutra (20th District – Fremont) which extends the prohibition to where the dangerous fireworks are placed, thrown, discharged or ignited, or fired at or near any person or group of persons with the intent of creating chaos, fear, or panic or where there is a likelihood of injury.

2000: The state Legislature (Senate Bill No. 1896) (Chapter 817, Statutes of 2000), authored by Senator Ortiz (6th District – Sacramento) required the Office of the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the State Department of Developmental Services, to promulgate departmental regulations for fire and life safety for respective occupancy classifications into which the State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing falls. This would also prohibit the imposition by a local fire official of fire safety requirements stricter than specified state and local requirements with respect to facilities that care for 6 or fewer clients. The definition of bedridden with chronic life-threatening illness for purposed of admitting to and remaining in these residential facilities.

2001: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 326 (Chapter 244, Statutes of 2001) authored by Assemblyman John Dutra (20th District – Fremont) which prohibits on or after July 1, 2002, the sale or application of wood roof covering materials in the state unless the materials have been approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal as complying with state law governing those materials and have passed at least 5-years of the 10-year natural weathering test.

2001: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 464 (Chapter 779, Statutes of 2001) authored by Assemblyman Diario Frommer Jr. (43rd District – Los Angeles) which reduced the voting membership of the State Board of Fire Services to seventeen (17) members and a quorum to nine (9) members, and revised the selection process for the volunteer firefighter, the fire chiefs, and the fire service labor representatives on the Board.

2002: In July of 2002 the McNally Fire (Tulare County) consumed 150,969-acres, and destroyed 17 structures.

2002: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1350 (Chapter 612, Statutes of 2002) authored by Senator Bruce McPherson (15th District – Santa Cruz) which required the State Fire Marshal to establish additional training standards that include the criteria for the responsibilities of fire responders to terrorism incidents.

2003: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1216 (Chapter 688, Statutes of 2003) authored by Assemblyman Juan Vargas (79th District – San Diego) required the State Fire Marshal, no later than January 1, 2005, in consultation with the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Department of Housing and Community Development, to recommend building standards that provide for comprehensive space and structure defensibility from fires spreading from adjacent structures or vegetation and to consider roofs, exterior walls, structure projections, and structure openings. This bill also defines “Urban Wildland Interface Community”.

2003: On January 1, 2003 the California All Incident Reporting System (CAIRS) took effect, utilizing the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), version 5.0 in accordance with Health and Safety Code (H&S) Section 13110.5.

2003: In October of 2003 the Cedar Fire (San Diego County) consumed 273,246-acres, destroyed 2,820 structures, and resulted in 20 deaths.

2003: In October of 2003 the Simi Fire (Ventura County) consumed 108.204-acres, destroyed and 300 structures.

2003: On June 11, 2003 the Office of the State Fire Marshal issued “California Building and California Fire Code Recommendations to the California Building Standards Commission” (14-pages) identifying the a) Executive Summary, b) Authority, c) Process, and d) SFM Recommendation for the adoption of the 2003 Editions of NFPA-5000 – Building Construction and Safety Code and the 2003 Edition of NFPA-1 – Uniform Fire Code after a lengthy process (Operation Code Comparison) by the SFM’s Fire & Life Safety Building Standards Advisory Board and the State Board of Fire Services assessment of these Reports and recommendations. (Note: The California Building Standards Commission initially proposed the adoption, but later repealed that decision and moved forward with the adoption of the 2007 CBC/CFC (based on the 2006 International Building Code and 2006 International Fire Code).

2004: In June of 2004 the Office of the State Fire Marshal, State Fire Training published “Rings of Fire: Tire Fire Prevention and Suppression” developed by DSFM Rodney Slaughter.

2004: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1153 (Chapter 22, Statutes of 2004) authored by Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez (56th District – Norwalk) which amends Section 538(e), and adds 538(g) to the Penal Code related to impersonating a State Fire Marshal is guilty of a misdemeanor an punishable by imprisonment in county jail for not more than 0ne year, by a fine not exceeding $2,000 or both.

2004: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1781 (Chapter 496, Statutes of 2004) authored by Senator William J. Knight (17th District – Palmdale) which requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations governing the possession and use of “Flame throwing Devices” and would prohibit the use or possession of a flame throwing device without a valid permit issued by the SFM, an would authorize the SFM to impose fees in amounts sufficient to cover the costs incurred in the administration and enforcement of these provisions.

2004: The Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review passed Senate Bill 1102 (Chapter 227, Statutes of 2004) which authorize funding sources other than the General Fund to be used for, as outlined in Section 78:

a) For state agencies, departments, or programs that are charged for the costs of fire and life safety building code inspections rendered by the State Fire Marshal, the State Fire Marshal shall charge an amount sufficient to recover the costs incurred for the fire and life safety building code inspection.
b) Upon the request of the State Fire Marshal, in the form prescribed by the Controller, the Controller shall transfer the amount of the charges for services rendered from the agency’s appropriation to the appropriation for the support of the state Fire Marshal’s office.
c) A state agency that has a dispute regarding charges for the life safety building code inspections provided by the State Fire Marshal shall notify the State Fire Marshal, in writing, or the dispute and the basis thereof. The State Fire Marshal shall immediately provide a credit to
the state agency in the subsequent billing or billings for the amount of the charges in dispute. No further transfer of funds shall occur with respect to the services for which the charges are disputed until the dispute is resolved by the State Fire Marshal, subject to the approval of the Department of Finance.

2004: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1369 (Chapter 720, Statutes of 2004) authored by Senator Sheila James Kuehl (23rd District – Santa Monica) which would revise current regulations by removal of all brush, flammable vegetation, or combustible growth that is located within 100- feet from the occupied dwelling or occupied structure, or building or structure, as applicable, or to the property line, or at a greater distance if required by state law, or local ordinance, rule, or regulations.

2004: The Office of the State Fire Marshal in conjunction with the Department of Forestry & Fire Protection conducted a Serious Accident Investigation Report on the “Marysville Fireworks Display Incident (July 4, 2004) resulting in one serious injury from pyrotechnic show, launched from Gazebo Island in Ellis Lake in the City of Marysville.

2005: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1718 (Chapter 346, Statutes of 2005) authored by Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy (59th District – Los Angeles/San Bernardino) required the State Fire Marshal to develop and submit (no later than July 1, 2006) to the California Building standards Commission (BSC) building regulations that strengthened and improved existing requirements governing the location of screens and required screen mesh size.

2005: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1194 (Chapter 537, Statutes of 2005) authored by Assemblywoman Jenny Oropeza (55th District – Los Angeles) which required that any person that owns, rents, leases, or manages a facility, that hosts a ticketed event for live entertainment make an announcement of the availability of emergency exits prior to the beginning of the live entertainment.

2005: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 178 (Chapter 633, Statutes of 2005) authored by Assemblyman Paul Koretz (42nd District – Los Angeles) which prohibited the sale of cigarettes unless the manufacturer of those cigarettes certifies to the State Fire Marshal that the cigarettes have been tested in accordance with the standards established by the American Society of testing and Materials and no more than 25% of the cigarettes exhibit full-length burns when tested.

2006: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2073 (Chapter 114, Statutes of 2006) authored by Assemblywoman Barbara Matthews (17th District – Tracy) which excluded the sale, installation, and servicing of a fire alarm sold in conjunction with an alarm system from the requirements imposed on home improvement contracts if the cost of making the fire alarm operable does not exceed $500 and other specified terms and conditions.

2006: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1423 (Chapter 265, Statutes of 2006) authored by Assemblywoman Patty Begh (1st District – Del Norte/Humboldt/Lake/Mendocino/Sonoma/ Trinity) which permitted the name change of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to CAL-FIRE with a prohibition of destroying existing supplies, forms, insignias, signs, or logos as a result of this authorization.

2006: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2177 (Chapter 745, Statutes of 2006) authored by Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian (59th District – Los Angeles/San Bernardino) which required the State Fire Marshal to convene a Work Group to develop a statutory and regulatory approach to update and modernize the building material listing process to expedite listing with the SFM.

2006: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1849 (Chapter 760, Statutes of 2006) authored by the Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development which required changing the criteria for fire retardant mattresses and mattress sets to the standards for resistance to open- flame tests adopted by the US-CPSC.

2006: In July of 2006 the Bar Complex Fire (Trinity County) consumed 100,414-acres.

2006: In September 2006 the Day Fire (Ventura County) consumed 162,702-acres, and destroyed 11 structures.

2007: In January of 2007 the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Pipeline Safety Division issued “The State Pipeline Mapping System Operator Submission Standards” (16-pages), which was in accordance with the intent of Assembly Bill No. 385 (Chapter 1252, Statutes of 1981) and Assembly Bill No. 592 (Chapter 814, Statutes of 1997).

2007: With an effective date of April 1, 2007, and after more than seven (7) years of work by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (Fire Engineering Division) and the many stakeholders who participated in the numerous AES Advisory Committee Meetings and deliberations, the SFM in cooperation with the NFPA published the first NFPA-25 2006 California Edition, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (Based on NFPA-25, 2002 Edition) as reflected in Title-19, CCR, Chapter 5.

2007: On June 24, 2007 (around 2:15 p.m. on Sunday) the Angora Fire (El Dorado County) consumed 3,100-acres, destroyed 242 residences, 67 commercial structures, and damaged 35 other homes. The fire was estimated to have destroyed $11.7-million in both California and Nevada before it was extinguished.

2007: On July 5, 2007 Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the formation of a “Blue Ribbon Fire Commission; to study and consider various approaches to reducing identified vulnerabilities, and shall submit findings and recommendations to the Governors of California and Nevada by March 21, 2008. These findings and recommendations shall: 1) Identify the wildfire suppression and fuels management practices that are currently used in the Tahoe Basin, and evaluate the effectiveness of those practices; 2) Recommend improvements and changes that will reduce the Tahoe Basin’s wildfire vulnerability while protecting the environment; and 3) Recommend ways to effectively educate homeowners and other members on appropriate fuel-reduction and fire-protection measures that they can take.”

2007: In July of 2007 the Zaca Fire (Santa Barbara County) consumed 240,207-acres, and destroyed 1 structure.

2007: In August of 2007, following the appointments of State Fire Marshal Sig Rogich by Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons and State Fire Marshal Kate Dargan by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to Co-Chair “The Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission”,
the first meeting of the full Seventeen (17) members of the Commission met to begin
deliberations.

2007: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 839 (Chapter 563, Statutes of 2007) authored by Senator Ron Calderon (30th District – Los Angeles) which created the “State Fire Marshal Fireworks Enforcement and Disposal Fund” and established funding transfer from local fines to replenish the Fund.

2007: In October of 2007 the Witch Fire (San Diego County) consumed 197,990-acres, destroyed 1,650 structures, and resulted in 2 deaths.

2008: In May of 2008 “The Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission Report” (249-pages) was completed, published and delivered to both Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

2008: The state Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 80 (Resolution Chapter 116, Statutes of 2008) authored by Senator Dave Cogdill (14th District – Fresno/Madera/Mariposa/San Joaquin/Stanislaus/Tuolumne) recognizing the vital services provided by the Fire Safe Councils for the citizens of California.

2008: In June 2008 the Klamath Theater Complex Fire (Siskiyou County) consumed 192,038-acres, and resulted in 2 deaths.

2008: In June of 2008 the Basin Complex Fire (Monterey County) consumed 162,818-acres, and destroyed 58 structures.

2008: In June of 2008 the Iron Alps Complex Fire (Trinity County) consumed 105,805-acres, destroyed 2 structures, and resulted in 10 deaths.

2008: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1338 (Chapter 760, Statutes of 2008) authored by the Assembly Committee on Budget which required the State Fire Marshal to charge local agencies and private entities for fire and life safety inspections and related activities.

2009: On August 18, 2009 a fire/explosion at approximately 3:45 p.m. in an apartment complex in Truckee, CA resulted in one (1) fatality and four (4) injured. The OSFM was asked to investigate the cause and subsequent to that request a determination was made that the concentration of
antifreeze solution added to the automatic fire sprinkler system may have been too high. As a result of that fire, the SFM working in conjunction with the NFPA and the National Fire Research Foundation (NFRF) made critical changes to the respective installation standards (NFPA-13 –
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System).

2009 In August of 2009 the Station Fire (Los Angeles County) consumed 160,557-acres, destroyed 209 structures, and resulted in 2 deaths.

1990: On April 10, 1990 the California State Fire Marshal’s Residential Demonstration Burn Trailer was dedicated by the State Fire Marshal James McMullen, during formal ceremonies on the East Lawn of the State Capital, in Sacramento, CA. The Residential Demonstration Burn Trailer was first suggested in August 1989 and funding was provided by the Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board of Northern California, Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board of Southern California and Sprinkler Fitters Locals 483, 660, District 22, and 709 at a cost of $27,000. In 2001 the Demonstration Burn Trailer was refurbished at a cost of approximately $6,000 and rededicated at the Office of the State Fire Marshal, 1131 “S” Street on June 12, 2001 before the CSFM’s Fire Sprinkler Advisory Committee (now referred to as the AES Advisory Committee).

1990: In May of 1990 the Office of the State Fire Marshal published a twenty-one (21) page pamphlet/booklet of the California Licensed Automatic Extinguishing Systems Companies.

1990: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 943 (Chapter 52, Statutes of 1990) authored by Senator Leroy F. Greene (6th District – Sacramento) requiring the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations establishing minimum requirements related to fire protection for new construction of public school buildings, including the placement of fire hydrants and water piping as necessary to supply water capacity required for the fire protection of the building.

1990: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2858 (Chapter 233, statutes of 1990) authored by Assemblyman Nolan Frizzelle (69th District – Orange) requiring the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations that identify and specify the scope of each class of pyrotechnic operator license. This bill would impose a state mandated local program, by creating a new crime. This bill would permit a person who possesses a pyrotechnic operator license, in addition, to handle, supervise, or discharge pyrotechnic devices in connection with motion picture productions.

1990: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2242 (Chapter 327, Statutes of 1990) authored by Senator Ed Davis (19th District – Los Angeles/Santa Barbara/Ventura) which under existing law, prohibits the operation of an automatic dialing-announcing device; however, under this amendment law enforcement agencies and fire protection agencies would be exempted from placing calls through automatic dialing-announcing devices, if those devices are used for specified purposes.

1990: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2084 (Chapter 350, Statutes of 1990) authored by Senator Ken Maddy (14th District – Fresno/Madera/Mariposa/Merced/Monterey/San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara) which amended Section 148.4 of the Penal Code to read:

148.4 (a) Any person who does any of the following is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail, not exceeding 1-year, or by a fine, not exceeding $1,000, or both.

1) Willfully and maliciously tampers with, molests, injures, or breaks any fire protection equipment, fire protection installation, fire alarm apparatus, wire, or signal.
2) Willfully and maliciously sends, gives, transmits, or sounds and false alarm of fire, by means of any fire alarm system or signal or by any other means or methods.

(b) Any person who willfully and maliciously sends, gives, transmits, or sounds any false alarm of fire, by means of any fire alarm system or signal or by any other means or methods, is guilty of a felony and upon conviction is punishable by imprisonment in a state prison or by a fine, not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 or both, if any person sustains as a result thereof, any of the following:.

(1) Great bodily injury.
(2) Death.

1990: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3527 (Chapter 856, Statutes of 1990) authored by Assemblyman Jerry Eaves (66th District – San Bernardino) which amended the “California Pipeline Safety Act of 1981” by defining “pipeline” to include all piping located in a refined products bulk loading facility. The bill also authorized the State Fire Marshal to hire six (6) field deputies to carry out its provisions. This bill also imposed a state-mandated local program by requiring the fire department having fire suppression responsibilities to immediately notify the SFM of an incident, and would require the SFM to immediately dispatch his or her employees to the scene.

1990: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1830 (Chapter 1083, Statutes of 1990) authored by Senator Cecil Green (33rd District – Los Angeles/Orange) which amended Sections 13146 and 17958.5, added Sections 13143.2, 13143.5, and 13869.7 and repealed Section 17920.7 of the H&S Code and in so doing transferred State Fire Marshal Regulations into the California Building Standards Code (1990 Edition) as well as permitting a city, county, or city and county to make changes or modifications in the requirements published in the California Building Standards Code relating to fire and panic, except for state historical buildings. The bill would require those changes or modifications to be reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions and would require the city, county, or city and county to make an express finding. And follow certain procedures.

1990: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 6666 (Chapter 1111, Statutes of 1990) authored by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (8th District – Lake/Napa/Sonoma/Yolo) which amended Sections 13146 and 17958.5, added Sections 13143.2, 13143.5, and 13869.7 and repealed Section 17920.7 of the H&S Code (similar to SB-1830); however, this bill provided that nothing in those provisions would authorize a local jurisdiction to mandate, or prohibit a local jurisdiction from mandating installation of residential fire sprinkler systems, as specified, or authorize a local jurisdiction to mandate, or prohibit a local jurisdiction from mandating, retrofitting of residential fire sprinkler systems, as specified, or apply in any manner to litigation filed prior to January 1, 1991.

1990: The state Legislature passed senate Bill No. 2819 (Chapter 1318, Statutes of 1990) authored by Senator Alan Robbins (20th District – Los Angeles) which added Section 830.1 to the Government Code which stated that for purposes of this chapter, seismic safety improvements or fire sprinkler improvements which are owned, built, controlled, operated, and maintained by the private owner of the building in which they are installed are not public property or property of a public entity solely because the improvements were finance, in whole or in part, by means of the formation of a special assessment district.

1990: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2994 (Chapter 1426 – Statues of 1990) authored by Assemblyman Jerry Eaves (66th District – San Bernardino) requiring the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations to require public address systems with an emergency backup power system for all buildings or structures constructed on or after July 1, 1991, which are intended for public assemblies of 10,000 or more persons.

1990: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2565 (Chapter 1650, Statutes of 1990) authored by the Assembly Committee on Governmental Efficiency and Consumer Protection which required the State Architect, Office of Statewide Health Planning, and the State Fire Marshal to establish a 2-1/2-year pilot project, ending June 30, 1993, to consolidate each agency’s school and hospital plan checking functions at two separate locations in Southern California. This bill required the State Architect to prepare two plans. One plan would related to improving the allocation of state agencies resources in order to meet the state’s responsibilities for review and approval of school and hospital design and construction. This plan would be developed in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal, the Director of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, and the public. The second plan would be to implement a comprehensive computer tracking system to track applications for all types of state design and construction related permits and approvals. The State Architect would be required to submit the plans to the Governor and the Legislature not later than July 1, 1991.

1990: In August of 1990 the Campbell Complex Fire (Tehama County) consumed 125,892-acres, and destroyed 27 structures.

1991: The state Legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution No. 4 – Relative to Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Regulations (Resolution Chapter 62, Statutes of 1991) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) which memorialized the President and the Congress of the United States to amend the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 to authorize the federal Department of Transportation to extend to its state agents, such as the State Fire Marshal, full enforcement authority over interstate pipelines within a state.

1991: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1725 (Chapter 602, Statutes of 1991) authored by Assemblyman Steve Peace (80th District – Imperial/San Diego) which amends Sections 1875, 1875.3, 1875.6, and 2054 of and adds Section 2058 to the Insurance Code clarifying that the State Fire Marshal and the Director of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are “Authorized Agencies” for the purpose of Arson Fires.

1991: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 47 (Chapter 865, Statutes of 1991) authored by Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin (18th District – Alameda/Santa Clara) which transferred various responsibilities to adopt building standards from the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, the State Fire Marshal, and the Department of Housing and Community Development to the State Building Standards Commission. This bill also revised and eliminated provisions involving the use of contractual agreements between the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, the Department of General Services, and the State Fire Marshal.

1991: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 100 (Chapter 924, Statutes of 1991) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) which enacted the “California Oil Refinery and Chemical Plant Safety Preparedness Act of 1991” that created the Technical Advisory Committee on Oil Refinery and Chemical Plant Safety Preparedness, within the State Fire Marshal. The bill also required the State Fire Marshal to establish a Statewide Oil Refinery and Chemical Emergency Preparedness Information Clearinghouse.

1991: On October 20, 1991 11:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning) the Oakland Hills Firestorm (Alameda County) consumed 1,520-acres. Destroyed 3,354 single family dwellings and 437 apartment and condominium units, and ultimately killed 25 people and injured another 150. The economic loss has been estimated at $1.5-billion.

1992: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2866 (Chapter 420, Statutes of 1992) authored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (53rd District – Los Angeles) which required regulations pertaining to fire safety and fire and panic safety building standards and other regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal for residential facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly to apply uniformly throughout the state. The bill prohibited a city, county, and city and county or fire protection district from adopting or enforcing any ordinance or local rules that is inconsistent with those building standards and other regulations adopted by the SFM.

1992: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2131 (Chapter 553, Statutes of 1992) authored by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (35th District – Santa Barbara/Ventura) required that on or after July 1, 1995, every new structure and every existing structure, when 50% or more of the roof is reroofed within a one-year period, to have a fire retardant roof covering that is at least a Class C roof covering

1992: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3206 (Chapter 661, Statutes of 1992) authored by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (8th District – Lake/Napa/Sonoma/Yolo) required enforcement of building standards and other regulations as they relate to R-3 dwellings to be delegated by the city, county, or city and county with jurisdiction in the area affected by the standard to either the chief of the fire authority or the city, county, city and county, or his or her authorized representative, or the chief building official of the city, county, or city and county or his or her authorized representative, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.

1992: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2552 (Chapter 992, Statutes of 1992) authored by Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter (76th District – Riverside/San Diego) which required that licensed health facilities with surgical suites and procedural rooms provide information and training in fire and panic safety in oxygen rich environments as part of employee orientation and ongoing in-service training.

1992: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1841 (Chapter 1060, Statutes of 1992) authored by Senator Nicholas C. Petris (9th District – Alameda/Contra Costa) required the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to develop and approved training course for emergency response personnel on Disaster Preparedness by December 1, 1994. This bill also required the SFM to establish statewide uniform requirements for fire hydrants (exempting the City and County of San Francisco if at least one coupling on the hydrant is of standard size).

1992: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 337 (Chapter 1188, Statutes of 1992) authored by Assemblyman Tom Bates (12th District – Alameda/Contra Costa) which required the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to identify areas in the state as “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones” within all counties pursuant to a prescribed schedule. This bill also required the State Fire Marshal to propose, and require the Building Standards Commission to adopt, amend, and repeal those regulations for buildings in very high fire hazard severity zones.

1992: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1947 (Chapter 1288, Statutes of 1992) authored by Senator Bill Green (27th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to establish separate fire and panic safety standards and criteria for the evaluation of each category of community care facility license, and to consider the characteristics of the persons served by each facility in establishing these standards and criteria.

1992: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3087 (Chapter 1316, Statutes of 1992) authored by Assemblywoman Jackie Speirs (19th District – San Francisco/San Mateo) which amended the Department of Social Services 36-hour training per year for operators of Day Care Centers and Family Dace Care Homes and outlined; including Fire Safety (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors devices etc.).

1992: On January 1, 1992, pursuant to the state Legislature (Assembly Bill No. 47) authored by Assemblywomen Delaine Eastin (18th District – Union City) transferred duties related to plan checking and functions for construction inspections of schools from the Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to the Division of the State Architect (DSA); and transfer the duties and functions for construction inspections of hospitals formerly conducted by the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and the Office of the State Architect (DSA) to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Develop- ment (OSHPD).

1992: The California Oil Refinery and Chemical Plant Safety Preparedness Act of 1991 became law on January 1, 1992. This act created a committee of nineteen (19) members who represented oil refineries, chemical plants, state and local government and the public. The committee has been given the challenge to review existing state and federal regulations to identify duplication, overlap, inconsistencies and to determine if additional protection is needed. The SFM, with the advice from the committee must report their findings to the Governor and Legislature by October 1, 1993.

1992: In March of 1992 a Final Report “Water Supply for Fire Protection in Schools” prepared by Favro-McLaughlin & Associates was submitted to the State Fire Marshal in response to Senate Bill No. 943 (Chapter 52, Statutes of 1990), authored by Senator Leroy F. Greene (6th District – Carmichael). The 19-page report; analyzed the calculations for the minimum number of fire hydrants and/or above ground tanks for new construction of schools in urban and rural areas, calculations for the minimum capacity (gallons per minute), duration (minutes or hours), and fire flow (required water for fire protection), and provided reasonable alternatives when fire hydrants and/or water was impractical.

1992: In June of 1992 a report “Fire Protection in Schools” prepared by Favro-McLaughlin & Associates was submitted to the State Fire Marshal in response to Assembly Bill No. 287 (Chapter 615, Statutes of 1988), authored by Assemblyman Dominic Cortes (24th District – San Jose). The 168- page report; analyzed the historical fire incidents, identified the risk, determined current dollar losses, determined estimated cost of fire sprinklers and intrusion alarm systems, determined prioritizing rooms and/or buildings, evaluated alternative, and prepared a summary analysis.

1993: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 178 (Chapter 178, Statutes of 1993) authored by Assemblyman Robert Frazee (74th District – San Diego) which allowed the State Fire Marshal to establish regulations for the certification according to Section 13233 (H&S Code), including the general form and content of letters certifying conformance with high-rise fire codes.

1993: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 557 (Chapter 906) authored by Assemblyman Sam Farr (22nd District – Monterey/Santa Cruz) which stated that on or before October 1, 1991, and each October 1 thereafter, the Department of Housing and Community Development, in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall transmit a report to the State Building Standards Commission on the more stringent requirements, adopted by a city, county, or city and county pursuant to Section 13869.7 (H&S Code), to the building standards relating to fire and panic safety adopted by the State Fire Marshal and contained in the California Building Standards Code.

1993: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1144 (Chapter 1046, Statutes of 1993) authored by Assemblyman Jan Goldsmith (75th District – San Diego) which required departments, boards, and commissions within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Resources Agency, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (Pipeline Safety) to implement any federal standard, rule, or regulation that has been adopted by a federal agency, to the extent permitted by state law.

1993: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1777 (Chapter 1126, Statutes of 1993) authored by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (35th District – Santa Barbara/Ventura) related to “Hazardous Materials” and required the Office of Emergency Services, by January 1, 1995, in consultation with the administering agencies and the State Fire Marshal, to adopt by regulation, a single comprehensive addendum to the hazardous materials reporting form for businesses to submit to administrating agencies for the purpose of complying with the requirements of filing a hazardous materials inventory form and complying with certain requirements of the Uniform Fire Code with regard to handling of hazardous materials.

1993: In March of 1993 the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Pipeline Safety Division published “California State Fire Marshal – Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Risk Assessment” report (189-pages) in response to Assembly Bill No. 385 (Chapter 1252, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder and Senate Bill No. 268 (Chapter 1277, Statutes of 1989) authored by Senator Herschel Rosenthal. These two bills were introduced in the aftermath of a deadly pipeline rupture and fire which occurred in San Bernardino, CA (See incident referenced May 12,
1989 – Above).

1993: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1281 (Chapter 498, Statutes of 1993) authored by Marguerite Archie-Hudson (48th District – Los Angeles) required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations regarding motion picture or television production facilities.
1994 The state Legislature passed the Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 134 - Relative to Wildland Fire Prevention Month (June) stating that the Legislature urges locally elected bodies to support local fire agencies in implementing programs that educate the public on wildland fire prevention.

1994: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2646 (Chapter 185, Statutes of 1994) authored by Assemblyman Jan Goldsmith (75th District – San Diego) which amended Section 7026.12 (Business & Professions Code) to permit “Owner-Builders” of an owner-occupied single-family dwelling, to install a fire protection system , if not more than two single-family dwellings on the same parcel are constructed within one year, plans are submitted to and approved by the city, county, or city and county authority, and the city, county, city and county authority inspects and approves the installation.

1994: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1281 (Chapter 498, Statutes of 1994) authored by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson (48th District – Los Angeles) requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations regarding motion picture or television production facilities.

1994: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3819 (Chapter 843, Statutes of 1994) authored by Assemblyman Willie L. Brown, Jr. (13th District – San Francisco) which amended the requirements relating to attic openings to include very high fire hazard severity zones designated by local agencies. This bill also amended the provision for reroofing new and existing structures and required the installer to provide a certificate of the roof covering classification and require wood-roofing materials to have passed a 10-year weather test. The bill was declared an urgency measure and was to take effect immediately.

1994: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2979 (Chapter 1244, Statutes of 1994) authored by Assemblywoman Margaret Solis (57th District – Los Angeles) required that the one member of the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) representing city government be selected from elected city mayors or council members or elected or appointed city chief administrative officers and that the county government representative be selected from elected county supervisors or elected or appointed county chief administrative officers.

1994: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No 1777 (Chapter 1292, Statutes of 1994) authored by Senator Mike Thompson (2nd District – Del Norte/Humboldt/Mendocino/Solano/Sonoma) required the owner or operator of any apartment house 2 stories or more in height that contains 3 or more dwelling units where the front door opens into an interior hallway or lobby are provide emergency procedure information to persons entering those buildings, and would require the information to also be posted in every apartment or be provided by certain other means at the option of the apartment owner. These requirements would be required to become operative as to apartment or residential condominiums on July 1, 1995.

1994: In response concerns raised regarding the potential hazards associated with backflow of stagnant water into potable water distribution systems from existing connections to Class 1 and 2 fire sprinkler systems (as defined by AWWA), an up-dated notice was sent (on February 4, 1994) to Local Fire Department and Fire Districts, Local Health Agencies, and Public Water System Operators clarifying the intent of Assembly Bill No. 2503 (Chapter 425, Statutes of 1982) and Assembly Bill No. 921 (Chapter 1177, Statutes of 1981) jointly signed by State Fire Marshal Ronny J. Coleman (SFM) and Director Kimberly Belshe (DHS).

1994: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1911 (Chapter 1293, Statutes of 1994) authored by Senator Mike Thompson (2nd District – Del Norte/Humboldt/Mendocino/Solano/Sonoma) to be known as the “Propane System Fire Safety Act” and would require the State Fire Marshal (SFM) in conjunction with the Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board (OSHSB) to adopt prescribed standards for the storage and handling of petroleum gasses prior to January 1, 1996. The bill further required the SFM in cooperation with the Department of Industrial Relations by January 1, 1997 to inspect and certify the safety of all propane storage systems existing as of January 1, 1995 and to prepare and adopt safety standards of fixed propane storage systems.

1995: On February 6-10, 1995 the SFM presented the first “New Fire Chiefs Orientation” course at its Headquarters Office, 7171 Bowling Drive, Sacramento for newly appointed Fire Chiefs from throughout the state. This thirty-five (35) hours of classroom instruction, covered the SFM’s roles and responsibilities in the enforcement of statewide fire and building codes, OSFM field operations, and the role of the local fire chief.

1995: In May 1995 California State Fire Marshal Ronny J. Coleman published a document “Design Alternatives Relevant to One- and Two-Family Residential Fire Sprinklers” for the purpose of identifying guidelines to encourage the installation of residential fire sprinklers in a cost-effective
manner, thus providing an improved level of protection to the occupant(s), community, and firefighter(s).

1995: On June 5, 1995 the State of California Little Hoover Commission sent letters to Governor Pete Wilson, Senator Bill Lockyer/ President Pro Tempore, and Assemblyman Willie L. Brown/ Speaker of the Assembly, Jr., supporting the “Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1995” which merges the Office of the California State Fire Marshal with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

1995: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 747 (Chapter 333, Statutes of 1995) authored by Assemblywoman Valerie Brown (7th District – Napa/Solano/Sonoma) which required certification of roof covering classifications be provided to the installer by the manufacturer or supplier. This bill also required that the 10-year natural weathering test be conducted in accordance with a specified standard of the Uniform Building Code at a testing facility recognized by the State Fire Marshal and would impose a state-mandated local program.

1995: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1751 (Chapter 662, Statutes of 1995) authored by Assemblyman Jan Goldsmith (75th District – Poway) required the State Fire Marshal to, on or before July 1, 1996, to adopt for use in apartment houses ((two or more stories, containing three or more dwelling units) a consumer-oriented model brochure or pamphlet that includes general emergency procedure information in English, in international symbols, and in the 4 most common non-English languages spoken in California.

1995: On September 28, 1995 the twenty (20) year Anniversary of the California Fire Academy at Asilomar was celebrated at the Asilomar Conference Center.

1996: In January 1996 the OSFM (State Fire Training), in conjunction with the Department of Forestry &
Fire Protection (CDF), published “California’s I-ZONE – Urban/Wildland Fire Prevention &
Mitigation” document (301-pages).

1996: On May 20. 1996 a “tire fire” in the Fresno, CA area (Fresno County) began which ultimately consumed approximately 2-million tires dumped in the Panoche Canyon.

1996: In August of 1996 the Highway 58 Fire (San Luis Obispo County) consumed 106,668-acres, and destroyed 13 structures.

1996: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3131 (Chapter 290, Statutes of 1996) authored by Assemblywoman Barbara Lee (16th District – Oakland) which required the State Fire Marshal, by July 1, 1998, to develop and adopt regulations specifying labeling and packaging information that address the requirements in the California Building Code intended to promote safety in the event of a fire. This bill also required that burglar bars have a release mechanism on the outside for use by the fire department in the event of a fire emergency.

1996: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3080 (Chapter 332, Statutes of 1996) authored by Assemblyman Bill Hoge (44th District – La Canada Flintridge) amends repeals, and add Sections of the Government Code, Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, and Public Resources Code relating to fire protection and brings about a certain level of closure to the Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1995 with regard to additional changes deemed necessary.

1996: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1492 (Chapter 627, Statutes of 1996) authored by Senator Milton Marks (3rd District – San Francisco) which required the federal Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission to comply with state building standards and state fire safety standards and reduced compliance dates from 10-years to 3-years and would be applicable to specific structures.

1996: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 616 (Chapter 975, Statutes of 1996) authored by Assemblyman Bill Morrow (72th District – Orange/San Diego) which created the “Fire Behavior and Fire Spread Study Matching Fund” to provide funds to the State Fire Marshal in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for the purpose of conducting studies and tests to redefine the elements of fire behavior and fire spread in residential and commercial occupancies.

1996: On November 6, 1996 the Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the California Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI) established the CSFM’s Manufactured Housing/Residential Fire Sprinkler Partnering Work Group to address the installation standards of newly constructed Manufactured Housing.

1996: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3495 (Chapter 202, Statutes of 1996) authored by Howard Kaloogian (17th District – Carlsbad) which authorized the State Fire Marshal to work with local chief fire officials to make certain inspections in state-owned buildings or state-occupied buildings for the purpose of enforcing certain regulations and standards relating to fire and panic safety.

1997: On July 1, 1997 the Office of the State Fire Marshal, State Fire Training Division began the “Fire Marshal Certification Track” (Fire Inspector I, Fire Protection Specialist, Plans Examiner, and Fire Marshal)

1997: During the week of August 18th thru 22nd 1997 the Headquarters for the Office of the State Fire Marshal relocated from the 7171 Bowling Drive, Sacramento, CA complex to the new location at 1131 “S” Street and the first day of business was August 25, 1997.

1997: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 592 (Chapter 814, Statutes of 1997) authored by Assemblyman Johan Kuehl (14th District – San Leandro), which required the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to utilize GIS-based location information to identify each pipeline or pipeline segment that is transporting petroleum products when the pipeline or pipeline segment is located within 1,000 feet of a public drinking water well. It further required that the SFM work closely with the State Department of Health Services and the State Water Resources Control Board and update at least every 2-years.

1997: The state Legislature passes Senate Bill No. 1040 (Chapter 871, Statutes of 1997) authored by Senator Kenneth L. Maddy (14th District – Fresno), which required the State Fire Marshal to adopt minimum requirements for the placement of distinctive devices, signs, or other means that identify exits and can be felt or seen near the floor before July 1, 1998.

1997: The state Legislature (in the First Extra Session) passed Assembly Bill No. 6, (Chapter 7[1X], Statutes of 1997) authored by Assemblyman Tom Torlakson (11th District – Contra Costa) whereby in Section 6 of the bill the Director shall identify areas in the state as “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones” based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. On or before January 1, 1995, the Director shall identify area as Very High Fire Severity Zones in the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Napa, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Barbara Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and Ventura. On or before January 1, 1996, the Director shall identify areas as Very High Fire Severity Zones in all other counties.

1997: On June 5, 1997 the Office of the State Fire Marshal issued an “Informational Notice Regarding Central Sprinkler Company’s ‘OMEGA’ Sprinkler; Status/Update” to all Fire Chiefs, Fire Marshals, Fire Prevention Organizations, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (Regions, Area, and Ranger Units), and Other Interested Parties and attached a number of documents.

1997: On August 15, 1997 the Office of the State Fire Marshal issued an “Informational Notice Regarding Central Sprinkler Company’s ‘OMEGA’ Sprinkler(s); Status/Update” to all Fire Chiefs, Fire Marshals, Fire Prevention Organizations, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (Regions, Area, and Ranger Units), and Other Interested Parties and attached a document “Attachment A” an overview of the entire issue as we know it to date. It included a chronology of events, discussions and relevant policies and code provisions.

1997: On September 25, 1997 the Office of the State Fire Marshal issued an “Informational Notice Regarding Central Sprinkler Company’s ‘OMEGA’ Sprinkler Heads” to all Fire Chiefs, Fire Marshals, Fire Prevention Organizations, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (Regions, Area, and Ranger Units), and Other Interested Parties and attached a number of documents.

1998: On August 7, 1998 a “Tire Fire” ignited at the S.F. Royster’s Tire Disposal Site, on South MacArthur Dr. near Linne Rd., south of Tracy, CA. The fire consumed over 7-million illegally stored tires and were allowed to burn for over two (2) years to avoid ground water contamination. The cleanup cost(s) was estimated to be $16.2-million.

1998: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1437 (Chapter 93, Statutes of 1998) authored by Senator Quinton I. Kopp (1st District – San Francisco/San Mateo) which under existing law required “Uniform Color Coding of Fire Hydrants that Relates to Flow Testing”, this bill provided for an alternative so that an agency may comply with the requirements by installing a reflective button in a mid0street location directly adjacent to the fire hydrant in the appropriate color that would otherwise be required for the hydrant and a curb marking as near to the hydrant as practicable in the same color.

1998: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 127 – Relative to Fire Prevention Week (October 4 through October 10) and would encourage all Californians to honor the courageous members of the state’s fire and emergency services by learning about fire dangers and preparing their families to react safely to fires when they occur.

1998: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 105 (Chapter 730, Statutes of 1998) authored by Senator Richard Polanco (22nd District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to adopt on or before September 1, 1999, regulations and standards to control the quality and installation of “Burglar Bars and Safety Release Mechanisms” installed, marketed, distributed, offered for sale, or sold in California.

1998: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2090 (Chapter 363, Statutes of 1998) authored by Gary Miller (60th District – Diamond Bar) which required the State Fire Marshal to authorize the sale of safe and sane fireworks from 9 a.m. December 26, 1999 through January 1, 2000 in response to the millennium celebrations.

1999: In August of 1999 the Big Bar Complex Fire (Trinity County) consumed 140,948-acres.

1999: On September 22, 1999 a lightning strike ignited a fire in the Filbin tire pile located in a canyon in a coastal mountain range near Westley, CA (Stanislaus County. An estimated 7-million scrap tires burned for 30-days before being extinguished. (Over 250,000 gallons of pyrolytic oil was recovered from retention ponds) and another 4-million gallons of contaminated firefighting water was impounded onsite. The total EPA response cost was approximately $3.5-million.)

1999: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1694 (Chapter 200, Statutes of 1999) authored by the Committee on revenue and Taxation which expanded the exclusion to specify that a fire detection system includes all equipment used to transmit fire alarm activations and related signals.

1999: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 423 (Chapter 380, Statutes of 1999) authored by Assemblyman John Dutra (20th District – Fremont) which outlines the requirements for roofing materials within very high fire hazard severity zones under the provisions of the State Building Standards Commission (BSC) and the California Building Code (CBC)

1980: On May 22, 1980 a “Memorandum of Understanding” was signed between the California Fire Chief’s Association (CFCA) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) outlining the “Management and Administration of the Certification System for the California Fire Service”.

1980: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 98 (Resolution Chapter 11, Statutes of 1980) – Relative to Plastic Pipe and references a documented, written Report prepared by the State Fire Marshal on the potential flammability of plastic pipe and the fire hazards associated with its use, in which the State Fire Marshal analyzed the potential fire hazards in residential, commercial and industrial installation of plastic pipe and evaluates the need for specialized firefighting techniques or equipment when fighting fire involving plastic pipe. The State Fire Marshal, in preparing the Report, need not perform original testing if such testing cannot be completed by the deadline (May 1, 1980).

1980: The state Legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution No. 61 (Resolution Chapter 27, Statutes of 1980) authored by Assemblywoman Marilyn Ryan (51st District – Los Angeles) – Relative to Firecrackers and Bottle Rockets, a measure to memorialize Congress to ban the sale and use of bottle rockets and firecrackers in the United States.

1980: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 99 (Resolution Chapter 74, Statutes of 1980) authored by Assemblyman Bill Lancaster (62nd District – Los Angeles) – Relative to Firefighters by requesting the State Board of Fire Services to conduct a study to establish voluntary health standards for the selection of individuals into the fire service that are physically and medically capable of performing as firefighters. It would request the SBFS to submit a Report of its study, with legislative recommendations, to the Legislature on or before January 1, 1981.

1980: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 100 (Resolution Chapter 75, statutes of 1980) authored by Assemblyman Bill Lancaster (62nd District – Los Angeles) – Relative to Firefighters by requesting the State Board of Fire Services to conduct a study to establish voluntary preventive program of physical fitness to promote and maintain firefighters in good physical condition. It would request the SBFS to submit a Report of its study, with legislative recommendations, to the Legislature on or before January 1, 1981.

1980: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1436 (Chapter 118, Statutes of 1980) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) which would delete obsolete and completed requirements from existing law and make other technical non-substantial changes to the State Fire Marshal regulations. This bill would expressly prohibit local rules and regulations relating to fire and panic safety in such specified buildings or structures which are inconsistent with such state building standards and regulations of the State Fire Marshal.

1980: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2287 (Chapter 149, Statutes of 1980) authored by Assemblywoman Leona H. Egeland (24th District – San Benito/Santa Cruz) which required the State Fire Marshal to establish and maintain a registry of burn injuries and deaths, and shall annually compile a statistical report of such injuries and deaths. To accomplish this task, the SFM shall, in conjunction with the burn centers, develop the form to be used in reporting information to the SFM under these provisions.

1980: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2138 (Chapter 588, Statutes of 1980) authored by Assemblyman Tom Bates (12th District – Alameda/Contra Costa) which an administrative hearing, upon request and after written notice of the State Fire Marshal’s interpretation, to resolve any conflict between the SFM and the local enforcement agency in the interpretation or application of such provisions as they pertain to community care facilities in case of a conflict by a local enforcement agency in the interpretation or application of the regulations of the SFM.

1980: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1309 (Chapter 888, Statutes of 1980) authored by Senator Omer L. Rams (18th District – Santa Barbara) which increased the amount of the fees for the certificate of registration for servicing, charging, or testing any portable fire extinguisher with the intent of this bill to use these additional revenues to add additional personnel to perform field enforcement and inspection as prescribed under existing law. This bill also appropriated $43,000 for this purpose.

1980: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 125 (Chapter 1260, Statutes of 1980) authored by Senator John Garamendi (13th District – Alpine/Amador/Calaveras/El Dorado/Mono/ Sacramento/ San Joaquin/Stanislaus/Tuolumne) which established, within the Health and Welfare Agency, the Emergency Medical Services Authority, which is responsible for the coordination and integration of all state activities concerning emergency medical services. Within Article 3 – Coordination with other state Agencies, the State Fire Marshal is specifically listed as member of the Interdepartmental Committee on Emergency Medical Services. It further states that public safety agencies may certify and recertify public safety personnel as EMT-I, and the State Board of Fire Services may certify and recertify fire service personnel as EMT-I, those persons who have completed a program of training approved by the county and passed a competency based examination.

1980: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1904 (Chapter 1378, Statutes of 1980) authored by Senator Milton Marks (5th District – San Francisco) which allowed existing high-rise structures made with reinforced concrete used solely for residential purposes, containing twelve (12) or fewer owner-occupied dwelling units which have at least two (2) exits and are located in a city and county (San Francisco) to be exempted from the April 26, 1979 from conforming.

1981: On January _?_, 1981 a $3-million dollar arson fire destroyed approximately 35,000 square feet of office space, including the Headquarters for the State Fire Marshal, 7171 Bowling Drive, Sacramento CA. The arsonist was subsequently caught and prosecuted for the crime. The SFM Offices were temporarily relocated to other vacant office space in the same office complex.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent resolution No. 36 (Resolution Chapter 39, Statues of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Don Rogers (33rd District – Kern) – Relative to Public For Safety Education, a measure to commend all fire protection agencies and local fire departments for their support of, and providing information, resources, and technical assistance to, schools, local agencies, and the general public in their fire safety education efforts and would encourage all fire protection agencies and local fire departments to provide effective fire safety education to the public on a continuous basis. The measure declared October 5-9, 1981, “Fire Prevention Week”.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 45 *Resolution Chapter 58, Statutes of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Herschel Rosenthal (45th District – Los Angeles) – Relative to Fire Safety requesting each state agency, department, and office to include in its budget request for 1982-83 fiscal year funding for conforming its facilities to fire safety standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and that the plans provide for conformance by July 1, 1983.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1328 (Chapter 359, Statutes of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (53rd District – Los Angeles) which required that if a local fire agency performed the required annual inspection of its jail and places of detention, that they are required to submit within 30-days of the inspection a report of the inspection to the State Fire Marshal.

1981: The state Legislature passes Assembly Bill No. 251 (Chapter 102, Statute of 1981) authored by Assembly John Vasconsellos (23rd District – Santa Clara) which amongst other details defined criteria for “Family Day Care Homes for Children” (Chapter 3.6 of this bill) and specified in Section 1597.54(b) of H&S Code “(b) Evidence that the family day care home contains a fire extinguisher
or smoke detector device, or both, which meets standards established by the State Fire Marshal.”

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 913 (Chapter 403, Statutes of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Dominic L. Cortese (24th District – San Benito/Santa Clara) which that, after a date 4-months after certain regulations of the state Fire Marshal become effective, the owners and operators of privately owned hotels and motels and high-rise structures shall provide to persons entering those buildings emergency procedures to be followed in the event of fire, and to provide the emergency procedure information in a prescribed manner in a hotel or motel and in a specified area in other high-rise structures, designated pursuant to the regulations of the State Fire Marshal.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 915 (Chapter 442, Statutes of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Chester B. Wray (71st District – Orange) required any licensed architect who submits final plans for a privately owned high-rise structure to acknowledge by letter to the local fire agency that to the best of the architect’s information, knowledge, and belief, the plans take into consideration applicable high-rise structure fire safety standards. This bill would also require the general contractor who constructed the structure to certify that the construction conforms to building to annually certify to the State Fire Marshal that he or she has requested the appropriate local fire agency to conduct an inspection of the building to determine if it conforms to those standards.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 919 (Chapter 443, Statutes of 1981) authored by Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (60th District – Los Angeles) which would make it illegal for any person to construct or maintain any high-rise structure in violation of the provisions of this chapter, building standards published by the State Building Standards Commission relating to fire and panic safety, or other regulations adopted pursuant to the provision of this chapter. If found guilty a person could be punished with up to six months in the county jail or by a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

1981: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 700 (Chapter 557, Statutes of 1981) authored by Senator Ralph C. Dills (28th District – Los Angeles) which required owners and operators of privately owned high-rise structures and hotels or motels to provide persons entering those buildings with emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a fire and required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations for the furnishings of emergency procedure information that may include the general contents of brochures, pamphlets, signs, or videotapes used in furnishing emergency procedure information, and provide at least the following: Post of Exit Plans, Operation of the Fire Alarm System, and Other Fire Emergency Procedures.

1981: The state Legislature passes Senate Bill No. 702 (Chapter 581, Statutes of 1981) authored by Senator Ralph C. Dills (28th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to establish or cause to be established a program of fire prevention training for fire prevention inspectors employed by local fire protection agencies. The training shall be conducted on a regional basis located near such agencies which employ or contract with such inspectors.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 275 (Chapter 617, Statutes of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Lawrence Kapsloff (78th District – San Diego), which required local fire enforcing agencies to, according to standards established by the State Fire Marshal, annually compile a list of those hotels, motels, and public accommodations, and high-rise structures not meeting regulations identified pursuant to Section 13240 (H&S). The local fire enforcing agency shall promptly notify the owner and operators of these buildings of the noncompliance with those regulations.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly No. 911 (Chapter 861, Statute of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) which established the State Fire Marshal to exercise safety regulatory authority over intrastate hazardous liquid pipeline by implementing the provisions of the federal Hazardous Liquids Pipeline Safety Act of 1979. The SFM on or before January 1, 1983, shall adopt hazardous liquid pipeline safety regulations in compliance with federal law related to hazardous liquid pipeline safety. This bill became known as the “Elder California Pipeline Safety Act of 1981”.

1981: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 689 (Chapter 973, Statutes of 1981) authored by Senator Robert B. Presley (34th District – Riverside/San Bernardino) which specifies that members of the Arson-Bomb Investigation Unit in the Office of the State Fire Marshal are peace officers.

1981: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 799 (Chapter 1073, Statutes of 1981) authored by Senator Henry Mello (17th District – Monterey/San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara/Santa Cruz) which, amongst other requirements prohibited the use or possession of fireworks within areas within the state responsibility area designated by the Director of Forestry as a hazardous fire area for the purpose of prohibiting the possession of fireworks, but would permit the Director to designate by regulations where specified types of fireworks not otherwise prohibited may be allowed.

1981: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 921 (Chapter 1177, Statutes of 1981) authored by Assemblyman Frank Vicencia (54th District – Los Angeles) which expressly restricts the authority of the Commission of Housing and Community Development to adopt regulations relating to fire and panic safety and, instead, requires those regulations be adopted by the State Fire Marshal. This bill would specified exceptions, also make any regulation adopted, amended, or repeal, which is filed with the Office of Administrative Law and the Secretary of State and intended to promote fire and panic safety, valid and effective only if adopted or approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal. The bill would provide that the regulations existing on the effective date of this bill would remain in effect until amended, repealed, or suspended by regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

1981: In September 1981 the SFM published the SFM Handbook (394-pages) and Appendix “A” Health & Safety Code Sections (22-pages) which included pertinent sections of the Health and Safety Code, Uniform Building Code, Title-19, CAC (revised to CRC) and Title-24, CAC (revised to CRC).

1982: In January 1982 California State Fire Marshal Philip C. Favro (in conjunction with Fire Protection Engineer Joseph S. Sacco, P.E.) published the document “California Voluntary Standards for Residential Sprinkler Systems – Design – Installation - Maintenance” after months of research by
Subject Matter Experts (Fire Service, Fire Sprinkler Industry, USFA, NFPA, Northern/Southern FPO’s Sections, CA Public Utilities Commission, CA Dept. of Health Services, and CA Dept. of Corporations). This “Voluntary Standards” described the minimum design, installation and maintenance criteria of a low cost automatic fire sprinkler system, which, when used in conjunction with smoke detectors, is intended to reduce life loss and property damage in one- and two-family dwellings.

1982: On or before June 28, 1982 a “Three-Party-Agreement” was signed between the California Fire Chief’s Association (CSFA), the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) providing the basis for the operation of the “California State Fire Academy Program” at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, through June 30, 1983.

1982: On April 7, 1982 several vehicles (including a gasoline cargo semi-truck/tanker, a bus and a car
collided and exploded into flames inside the Caldecott Tunnel on Highway 24 (between Orinda and Oakland) killing seven (7).

1982: The state Legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution No. 50 (Resolution Chapter 51, Statutes of 1982) authored by Assemblyman Jim Cramer (65th District – Los Angeles/San Bernardino) – Relative to Federal Funding for “FIRESCOPE” Project which stated that the Legislature of California respectfully memorializes the President and Congress to appropriate the funds necessary to complete development and full implementation of the “FIRESCOPE Project”.

1982: The Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 146 (Resolution Chapter 165, Resolutions of 1982), authored by Maxine Waters (48th District – Los Angeles) directed the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Department of Industrial Relations, to assess the current test methods in the field of combustion toxicology and to adopt the most appropriate existing methods to rate the relative toxicity of all materials intended for use in high density occupancy buildings. It further required that a Report to the Legislature by April 30, 1983.

1982: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 703 (Chapter 447, Statutes of 1982) authored by Senator Ralph C. Dills (28th District – Los Angeles) which added Section 13217 (H&S Code) which allowed the fire department of any city or county to annually inspect all high-rise structures for compliance with building standards and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal. If the local agency elects to perform the inspection, the results of the inspection shall be submitted to the SFM’s Office in a form and manner approved by the SFM no later than 30-days after the date of the inspection. If the local agency elects not to conduct the inspection, the SFM shall conduct the inspection.

1982: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2503 (Chapter 425, Statutes of 1982) authored by Assemblyman Bill Lancaster (62nd District – Los Angeles/San Bernardino) defined class 1 and class 2 automatic fire sprinkler systems (as defined in AWWA Manual (M-14). Under those definitions, fire protection systems of Class 1 and Class 2 would not require backflow protection at the service connection.
1982 The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1481 (Chapter 594) authored by Senator Robert B. Presley (34th District – Riverside/San Bernardino) which amended Section 12689 (H&S Code) by clarifying that it is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or deliver any dangerous fireworks to any person under 18-years of age. Additionally, it is unlawful for any person who is a retailer to sell or transfer any safe and sane fireworks to a person who is under 16-years of age.

1982: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No.2504 (Chapter 699, Statutes of 1982) authored by Assemblyman Bill Lanchaster (62nd District – Los Angeles), which required the State Fire Marshal was required to establish maintenance standards for fire extinguishers, including servicing frequency. The State Fire Marshal was required to establish and administer a fee supported program to license service firms.

1982: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3519 (Chapter 919, Statutes of 1982) authored by Assemblywoman Marian Bergeson (74th District – Orange/San Diego) which required added Article 1 (commencing with Section 11150 of the Penal Code) that required the Department of correction to notify in writing the State Fire Marshal and all police departments and the sheriff in the county in which the person was convicted, prior to the release of a person convicted of arson.

1982: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2457 (Chapter 1255, Statutes of 1982) authored by Assemblyman Bruce E. Young (63rd District – Los Angeles) which outlined adoption of procedures testing “Vapor Emission Standards for Cargo Tankers” and the roles of the State Fire Marshal, California Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation and State Air Resources Board with regard to implementation.

1982: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1420 (Chapter 1322, Statutes of 1982) authored by Senator Ralph C. Dills (28th District – Los Angeles) which amended Sections 13144.1 and 13144.2 (H&S Code) with regard to the State Fire Marshal preparing and publishing, biennially, listings of construction materials and equipment and methods of construction and of installation of equipment as well as the application process (application fee and listing fee).

1982: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2753 (Chapter 1396, Statutes of 1982) authored by Assemblyman Lawrence Kapiloff (78th District – San Diego) which amends/modifies the “County Services Area Law” (Chapter 2.2 pf Part 2 of Division 2 of Title-3 and “Fire Protection District Law of 1961” (Part 2.7 of Division 12 of the H&S Code).

1982: On September 4, 1982 a fire at the Dorothy Mae Hotel, in Los Angeles CA took the lives of twenty-four (24) people.

1982: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 961 (Chapter 303, Statutes of 1982) authored by Senator Alfred E. Alquist (11th District – Alameda/San Benito/Santa Clara) cited as the “Hospital Seismic Safety Act of 1982” which provided for the Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development (OSHPD) to assume enforcement of applicable laws and regulations, including plan checking and structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems and to observe the construction of hospitals, and that the intent of this law is for OSHPD to contract with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to analyze only fire safety and related details, and to observe only that part of construction of hospital projects and to report the findings to OSHPD.

1983: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 305 (Chapter 45, Statutes of 1983) authored by Assemblyman Norman S. Waters (7th District - Alpine/Amador/Calaveras/El Dorado/Mono/Placer/Sacramento/Tuolumne) which made the statute refer uniformly to five (5) fire service labor representatives on the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS). The bill also provided that the Chief of Fire Protection of the Department of Forestry, instead of the Director of Forestry, shall be a member of the Board.

1983: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 35 (Chapter 56, Statutes of 1983) authored by Senator Robert B. Presley (36th District – Riverside) required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations for permits for model rocket products designed and sold for the purpose of propelling recoverable model rockets to be sold or transferred pursuant to those regulations.

1983: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 223 (Chapter 323, Statutes of 1983) authored by Assemblyman John Vasconcellos (23rd District – Santa Clara) which directed the State Fire Marshal to: Establish and validate recommended minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire protection instructors at all career levels, Develop curricula for courses and seminars, Develop, validate, update, copyright, and maintain security over promotional examinations, Make examinations available to any fire agency in the state, Promote participation in and sponsor the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Program, Establish Advisory Committees or panels as necessary, and Establish fees necessary to implement these criteria.

1983: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 956 (Chapter 661, Statutes of 1983) authored by Assemblyman Bruce E. Young (63rd District – Los Angeles) which “transferred the responsibility for cargo tank inspection and certification” from the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as of January 1, 1984.

1983: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 676 (Chapter 1130, Statutes of 1983) authored by Assemblyman Frank Hill (52nd District – Los Angeles) related to Section 12001 (H&S Code) regarding explosives and the transportation of.

1983: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 760 (Chapter 1132, Statutes of 1983) authored by Assemblyman Tom Bates (12th District – Alameda/Contra Costa) which included a definition for “Non-Ambulatory” as is relates to any person(s) unable, or unlikely to physically or mentally respond to a sensory signal approved by the State Fire Marshal. This bill would exempt foster family homes and family day care homes for children with a capacity of six (6) or fewer and providing care and supervision for ambulatory children or children 2-years of age or younger, or both.

1983: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1171 (Chapter 1222, Statutes of 1983) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) which amended (Sections 51010, 51010,5, 51011, 51012, 51013, 51015, 51016, and 51018) and added (Sections 51012.3, 51013.5, 51014.3, 51014.5, 51018.5, 51018.7, 51018.8, and 51019.1) and repealed and added (Sections 51014, 51019, and 51020) of the government code relating to pipeline safety and the State Fire Marshal’s Program.

1983: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 163 (Chapter 1233, Statutes of 1983) authored by Senator Diane Watson (28th District – Los Angeles) which reclassified Family Day Care Homes” into two (2) classes; “Large Family Dare Care Homes” and “Small Family Day Care Homes” and in doing so would allow local government to classify those homes as a permitted use of residential property for zoning purposes, This bill would specify that small family day care homes are not subject to such standards and requirements of the State Fire Marshal and would require that large family day care homes be considered as single-family residences for the purposes of the State Uniform Building Code Standards.

1983: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1113 (Chapter 1313, Statutes of 1983) authored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (53rd District – Los Angeles) requiring the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect the original and annual renewal fees for fireworks licenses as specified. This bill created the “California Fireworks Fund” This bill permitted the SFM to establish the amount of the registration fees. This bill increased the membership of the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) to 17-members and that they meet at least annually. This bill also addressed the Listing Program, Fire Extinguisher Program, and the Hazardous Materials Training and Education Program.

1983: Within the OSFM the Pipeline Safety Division was specifically created to administer safety regulatory jurisdiction over interstate and intrastate pipelines used for the transportation of hazardous or highly volatile liquid substances within California.

1983: In February 1983 the SFM Handbook Appendix “B” – Fire Damper Installation Guide (27-pages) was added with the assistance of the California Association of Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association.

1983: In February 1983 the SFM Handbook Appendix “C” – Stage Inspection Guide (31-pages) was added.

1983: On April 30, 1983, in response to the Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 146 (Resolution Chapter 165, Resolutions of 1982), authored by Maxine Waters (48th District – Los Angeles) the State Fire Marshal issued “Assessment of Test Methods to Determine Combustibility/Toxicity of All Materials – A Report to the California State Legislature”, a seventy-one (71) page report.

1983: In July 1983 the SFM Handbook Appendix “D” – Fire Alarm Systems and Inspection Procedures (50-pages) was added with the assistance of the SFM’s Ad-Hoc Fire Alarm Committee.

1983: In July of 1983 the Office of the State Fire Marshal published a revised pamphlet/booklet edition of the California Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems Laws and Regulations (Laws Extracted from the Health and Safety Code).

1983: The SFM established a functioning laboratory in the Headquarters Office (7171 Bowling Drive, Sacramento, CA) in order to test flame retardant fabrics and materials.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 76 (Resolution Chapter 37, Statutes of 1984) authored by Senator Jim Nielson (4th District – Colusa/Glenn/Lake/Napa/ Shasta/ Sonoma/ Tehama/Trinity/Yolo) – Relative to Smokey Bear and resolved that Members convey “Happy 40th Birthday wishes to Smokey Bear” and commend his efforts to create public support for the prevention of wildfire in California; and proclaimed the week of May 13 thru 19th, 1984 as Smokey Bear Week.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 32 (Resolution Chapter 45, Statutes of 1984) authored by Senator Jim Ellis (39th District – Imperial/San Diego) –Relative to exit sign locations and requested the State Fire Marshal to conduct a study of the feasibility of adding a distinctive device or sign which locates exits that could be felt or seen at lower levels near the floor, and resolved that a study is to be conducted upon the availability of a specific appropriation in support of the study, and no more than $2,500 is to be spent for this purpose.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Constitutional Amendments No. 58 (Resolution Chapter 56, statutes of 1984) authored by Senator Daniel Boatwright (7th District – Contra Costa) – A resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the state, by amending subdivision © of Section 2 of Article XIII A thereof, related to property taxation. For the purposes of subdivision (a), the Legislature may provide that the term “newly constructed” shall not include both of the following:

1) The construction or addition of any active solar energy system.
2) The construction or installation of any fire sprinkler system, other than fire extinguishing systems, fire detection systems, or fire-related egress improvement, as defined by the Legislature, which is constructed or installed after the effective date of this paragraph.

1984: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 150 (Resolution Chapter 108, Statutes of 1984) authored by Assemblyman Patrick J. Nolum (41st District – Los Angeles) – Relative to fire protection and resolved that the Legislature hereby expresses its intent that no impediment be placed in the way of either the state or local government that would have the effect of limiting the provision of fire protection services by the state or local government agencies who request pay for those services.

1984: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1336 (Chapter 89, Statutes of 1984) authored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (53rd District – Los Angeles) which increased the State Board of Fire Services to eighteen (18) Members, which shall include six (6) fire service labor representatives.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 333 (Chapter 202, Statutes of 1984) authored by Senator David Roberti (23rd District – Los Angeles) which amended Section 12541 (H&S Code) as it pertained to fireworks. This bill also clarified that the “use and discharge of fireworks” permitted under state law present a fire hazard in many areas of California and local regulations of fireworks which is more restrictive than state law is necessary as the fire prevention measures in these areas of the state, and therefore, in order that this act may take effect prior to July 4, 1984, if necessary.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2334 (Chapter 262, Statutes of 1984) authored by Senator Jim Ellis (39th District – Imperial/San Diego) which adds Section 12541.1 (H&S Code) as it pertained to fireworks. This bill also clarified that the “sale, use, and discharge of fireworks” permitted under state law present a fire hazard in many areas of California and local regulations of fireworks which is more restrictive than state law is necessary as the fire prevention measures in these areas of the state, and therefore, in order that this act may take effect prior to July 4, 1984, if necessary.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2234 (Chapter 268, Statutes of 1984) authored by Senator Jim Ellis (39th District – Imperial/San Diego) which added Section 13146.2 (H&S Code) to read (a) Every city, or county fire department or district providing fire protection services required by Section 13145 and 13146 (H&S Code) to enforce building standards of the State Fire Marshal and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal shall, annually, inspect all structures subject to subsection (b) of Section 17921 (H&S Code) except dwellings, for compliance with building standards and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal. And (b) A city, county, or district which inspects a structure pursuant to subsection (a) may charge and collect a fee for the inspection from the owner of the structure in an amount, as determined by the city, county, or district, sufficient to pay its costs of that inspection.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1332 (Chapter 632, Statutes of 1984) authored by Senator Robert G. Beverly (27th District – Los Angeles) added Section 13108.6 (H&S Code) providing for the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations specifying the access to roof areas of commercial establishments which firefighters shall have and may limit or restrict the use of razor wire fences, chain link fences, or any other fences which would obstruct that access.

1984: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2950 (Chapter 681, Statutes of 1984) authored by Assemblyman Tom McClintock (36th District – Ventura) relating to fireworks and amended Section 12721 (H&S Code) which provided for the State Fire Marshal or any chief of a fire department, or his or her authorized representative and any fire protection agency authorized to enforce SFM’s regulations may seize any fireworks described in this part.

1984: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1346 (Chapter 1092, Statutes of 1984) authored by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg (10th District – Contra Costa/San Joaquin) which amended Section 13159.6 and added Sections 13112.1 and 13112.2 (H&S Code) any fines and forfeitures imposed by or collected in any court of the state, as a result of citations issued by the State Fire Marshal or salaried Deputy State Fire Marshals employed by the SFM for violations of any provision of this part or regulation after the receipt thereof, with the county treasurer of the county and one-half (1/2) of the amounts shall be deposited in the California Fire Service Training and Education System Fund.

1984: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2285 (Chapter 1228, Statutes of 1984) authored by Assemblywoman Lucy Killea (78th District – San Diego) which added Sections 13113.8 and 18029.6 (H&S Code) requiring on or after January 1, 1986, “every single-family dwelling and factory-built housing, which is sold shall have an operable smoke detector”. The detector shall be approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal and installed in accordance with the State Fire Marshal’s regulations. Unless prohibited by local rules, regulations, or ordinances, a battery- operated smoke detector shall be deemed to satisfy this requirement.

1984: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1448 (Chapter 1390, Statutes of 1984) authored by Senator Nicholas Petris (9th District – Alameda/Contra Costa) adding Sections 131173.7 and 18029.6 (H&S Code) “requiring a smoke detector”, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal, pursuant to section 13114 (H&S Code) shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction in each dwelling intended for human occupancy within the earliest application time prior as follows:

a) For dwelling units intended for human occupancy, upon the owner’s application on or after January 1, 1995, for a permit for alterations, repairs, or additions, exceeding $1,000.
b) For all other dwelling units intended for human occupancy on or after January 1, 1987.
c) For all used manufactured homes, used mobile homes, and used commercial coaches which are sold on or after January 1, 1986.

1984: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2818 (Chapter 1574, Statutes of 1984) authored by Assemblyman Pat Johnston (26th District – San Joaquin) which amended Sections 13142.4, 13142.5 and 13159 (H&S Code) and added Section 457.1 to the Penal Code relating to Arson. This bill and amendments where known as the “California Fire and Arson Training Act” and directed the State Fire Marshal to develop course curricula for arson, established the California Fire and Arson Training Fund, and added the violation of “Arson” to the Penal Code.

1984: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3593 (Chapter 1673, Statutes of 1984) authored by Assemblyman Gray Davis (43rd District – Los Angeles) relating to hazardous waste and established the statewide “Hazardous Waste Strike Force” consisting of representatives from eleven (11) agencies, and included the State Fire Marshal.

1984: A separate occupancy category was established for large and small family day care homes. Title-24, California Code of Regulations (CAC), Part 2 was amended to provide regulations for this new occupancy.

1984: In September of 1984 the Office of the State Fire Marshal published a revised pamphlet/booklet edition of the California Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems Laws and Regulations (Laws Extracted from the Health and Safety Code).

1984: In response to the passage of Assembly Bill No. 2503 (Chapter 425, Statutes of 1982) and Assembly Bill No. 921 (Chapter 1177, Statutes of 1981) and concerns raised regarding the potential hazards associated with backflow of stagnant water into potable water distribution systems from existing connections to Class 1 and 2 fire sprinkler systems (as defined by AWWA, Manual M-14), a notice was sent (on December 10, 1984) to Local Fire Department and Fire Districts, Local Health Agencies, and Public Water System Operators clarifying the intent of these laws and jointly signed by State Fire Marshal Ronald W. Bogardus, P.E. (SFM) and Director Peter Rank (DHS).

1985: In July of 1985 the Wheeler Fire (Ventura County) consumed 118,000-acres, and destroyed 28 structures.

1985: State Assembly Member Frank C. Hill (52nd District – Los Angeles) authored House Resolution No. 7 which resolved; “That the State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Fire Services are requested to study the feasibility of requiring the installation of fire sprinklers systems in all buildings hereafter constructed for human occupancy, and report the results of that study to the Legislature on or before January 1, 1986”.

1985: The state Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 26 (Resolution Chapter 96, Statutes of 1985) authored by Assemblyman Eddy M. Harris (13th District – Del Note/Humboldt/ Mendocino/Sonoma) – Relative to Fire Safety Standards which directed the State Fire Marshal and the Director of General Services conduct a study to determine which state-owned buildings administered by the Department of general services are in violation of existing fire and safety building standards and also, to combine their resources and estimate the cost of bringing each building under its control up to local fire safety standards and that they will work in conjunction with local enforcement agencies to establish a fire emergency preparedness program ; and to complete the study and report the results to the Legislature on or before October 1, 1996.

1985: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 311 (Chapter 622, Statutes of 1985) authored by Assemblyman Tom McClintock (36th District – Ventura) which permitted the State Fire Marshal to deny or revoke any fireworks licensee related to public displays and related certificate of insurance as a condition for licensing.

1985: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 310 (Chapter 629, Statutes of 1985) authored by Assemblyman Tom McClintock (36th District – Ventura) which added Section 12726 to the H&S Code having to do with dangerous fireworks seized and the disposal of such by the State Fire Marshal and having satisfied the following:

a) A random sampling of the dangerous fireworks,
b) The analysis of the random sampling,
c) Photographs have been taken of the dangerous fireworks,
d) The SFM has given written approval for the destruction of the dangerous fireworks.

1985: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1276 (Chapter 1529, Statutes of 1985) authored by Senator William Campbell (31st District – Ventura) which created “The Task Force on Juvenile Arson and Fire-setting” and the State Fire Marshal or his or her representative shall be the Chair of the Task Force. The Task Force shall do the following:

a) Study the extent, impact, and treatment of juvenile arsonists and fire-setters,
b) Determine if the California Fire incident Reporting System (CFIRS) and National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) should be expanded to include collecting, analysis, and  dissemination of date on juvenile fire-setters and arsonists,
c) Determine if cases of child fire-setting and arson are now mislabeled or go unreported,
d) Determine if the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data regarding juvenile fire-setters and arsonists should be instituted,
e) Determine if legal procedures such as arrest, sentencing, probation, confidentiality, and custodial procedures should be studied and revised,
f) Identify and analyze existing federal and state laws which may impact or relate to juvenile arson and fire-setters,
g) Research the effectiveness of existing intervention programs,
h) Determine if model programs, materials, and improved community training and education should be developed.

1985: On or about November 14, 1985 the State Fire Marshal’s Office relocated/opened a new Southern Region Office at 1501 West Cameron Avenue, West Covina, CA. The Southern Region Office oversees branch offices in Bishop, San Luis Obispo, and San Diego was formerly in downtown Los Angeles.

1986: On April 29, 1986 a fire engulfed the historic Los Angeles Central Library, which destroyed 400,000 library rare books and materials with another 1.2-million damaged.

1986: The state Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 95 (Resolution Chapter 105, Statutes of 1986) authored by Senator Art Torres (24th District – Los Angeles) – Relative to the Los Angeles Central Library Fire expressing regret of the Legislature concerning the recent fire which struck the Los Angeles Central Library Building and would commend and thank the firefighters who fought that fire. The measure would also pledge the support of the Legislature for, and urge all Californians to join in efforts to replace lost library materials and to secure new quarters for the Los Angeles Central Library.

1986: The state Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 95 (Resolution Chapter 105, Statutes of 1986) authored by Senator Art Torres (24th District – Los Angeles) – Relative to Fire Hazards which was a measure requesting the State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Fire Services to study the hazards caused by water-reactive chemicals and related matters and to report their findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than January 1, 1987.

1986: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 731 (Chapter 21, Statutes of 1986) authored by Assemblyman Gary A Condit (27th District – Merced/Stanislaus) which required the State Fire Marshal to define the terms “Liquefied Petroleum Gas” and “Detector” and “Automatic High Pressure Shutoff Device” as it relates to any new detector or new automatic high pressure shutoff device sold by any person on or after January 1, 1987, in this state shall be, prior to sale, be approved by the State Fire Marshal.

1986: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 79 (Chapter 93, Statutes of 1986) authored by Senator Ralph C. Dills (30th District – Los Angeles) which repealed provisions relating to fire inspections related to fire safety regulations and building standards generally, rather than only to life-threatening situations. The bill further clarified that fire inspection provisions to require the reporting of inspections made but not to mandate inspections and would require local fire enforcing agencies to notify the owner and operators of hotels, motels, and high-rise structures not meeting the State Fire Marshal’s regulations and building standards. The owner and operator of those occupancies shall comply with the SFM’s regulations and building standards within a “reasonable” time as established by the local fire enforcing agency.

1986: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3907 (Chapter 442, Statutes of 1986) authored by Assemblyman Bill Bradley (76th District – Riverside/San Diego) which required the State Fire Marshal to annually compile a statistical Report on all manufactured home and mobile home fires occurring within the state and to furnish the Department of Housing & Community Development with a copy of the Report. The Annual Report shall include, but not be limited to, the number of manufactured home and mobile home fires, the causes of the fires, the monetary loss, and any casualties or fatalities resulting from the fires.

1986: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3022 (Chapter 599, Statutes of 1986) authored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (53rd District – Los Angeles) which California Joint Apprenticeship Program would be sponsored jointly by the state Fire Marshal and the Federated Firefighters of California.

1986: The state legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1978 (Chapter 863, Statutes of 1986) authored by Senator William Campbell (31st District – Los Angeles) which expanded the State Fire Marshal’s jurisdiction to include those portions of interstate pipelines located within the state and to extend authorized by, an agreement between the SFM and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and would make those pipelines subject to the federal Hazardous Liquids Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 and the federal pipeline safety regulations. This bill also authorizing the SFM to assess and collect regulatory fees from interstate pipeline operators, and males these fees available to the SFM, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for these purposes. This bill also appropriates $137,000 from the Interstate Pipeline Operations Account to the SFM.

1986: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2116 (Chapter 1246, Statutes of 1986) authored by Senator Paul B. Carpenter (33rd District – Los Angeles/Orange) which required the State Fire Marshal to prescribe minimum safety standards for fire and life safety in licensed surgical clinics, and by regulation, to review and adopt minimum standards which would be required to be met as a condition of licensure for private facilities built after January 1, 1982, which are not licensed as surgical clinics on January 1, 1987, if a license is sought on or after January 1, 1987. In addition, all surgical clinics to meet certain construction and exiting requirements unless exempted by the SFM.

1986: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3726 (Chapter 1401, Statutes of 1986) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) would extend any easement or structure, fence, wall, or obstruction adjacent to the pipeline easement and would extend these prohibitions to every pipeline, effective January 1, 1987. This bill also required the last approval to be made annually and would authorize the SFM to charge a fee for the consideration and approval not to exceed the reasonable cost. This bill would revise the requirement to reporting every rupture involving a pipeline system and would define “rupture” and would specify that these requirements do not preempt any other applicable federal or state reporting requirements.

1986: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1977 (Chapter 1412, Statutes of 1986) authored by Senator William Campbell (31st District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to establish procedures for seeking, accepting, and administering gifts and grants for use in implementing the “California Fire and Arson Training Act”. This bill provides for an assessment of 10¢ for every $1, or fraction thereof, upon every fine, penalty, or forfeiture imposed and collected for public offenses limited to violations of the H&S Code and building standards and regulations which are enforced by the SFM or local agencies and local ordinances to be deposited in the California Fire and Arson Training Fund to be available, when appropriated by the Legislature for the OSFM to support fire and arson training.

1986: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2276 (Chapter 1439, Statutes of 1986) authored by Senator William Campbell (31st District – Los Angeles) which amended Section 451 of the Penal Code relating to the “Crime of Arson” and that this offense is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 3-, 5-, or 8-years.

1986: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill 2702 (Chapter 1503, Statutes of 1986) authored by Assemblywoman Marian LaFollette (38th District – Los Angeles) which required the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to establish, within 18-months after the effective date of this bill, the “California Hazardous Substances Incident Response Training and Education Program” which required:

a) Development of curriculum,
b) Train and certify Instructors at the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI),
c) Approve classes meeting the program’s requirements
d) Certify students who have completed an approve class,

The legislation required that the curriculum developed is accredited by the State Board of Fire Services/State Fire Marshal, who is also a member of the OES Curriculum Development Advisory Committee.

1987: In April or 1987 the State Fire Marshal issued “The potential toxic hazards relating to the use of plastic pipe for automatic fire sprinkler system – A Report to the Legislature” in accordance with the Budget Act of 1986/87 Supplemental Budget Control Language (1710-001-001). The purpose of this fifty-three (53) page Report was to determine whether two plastic products – specifically chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and polybutylene (PB) pipe – used in automatic fire sprinkler systems pose an undue risk and threat.

1987: The OSFM acquired the regulatory responsibility for interstate lines when a state certification was executed with the United States Department of Transportation. In doing so, the Pipeline Safety Division became an agent of the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for ensuring that interstate pipeline operators meet federal pipeline safety standards.

1987: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1315 (Chapter 220, Statutes of 1987) authored by Senator William A. Craven (38th District – San Diego) which established the salary of the State Fire Marshal (along with other Agency/Department Directors) at $68,000 annually.

1987: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1106 (Chapter 245, Statutes of 1987) authored by Senator Henry Mello (17th District – Monterey) required the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), in cooperation with manufacturers, contractors, installers, fire marshals, and local building officials to study pertinent laws, regulations and practices pertaining to the installation, inspection, and testing of automatic fire extinguishing systems and fire alarm systems and to report their recommendations to the Legislature by July 1, 1988. This bill also appropriated $50,000.00 from the CSLB Fund to perform this study.

(Note: As a result of the “Inoperable Fire Sprinkler Systems Investigation”, identified thirteen (13) jurisdictions and twenty-six (26) buildings a series of six (6) State Fire Marshal Approved seminars were presented statewide [05/07/86 Sacramento, 05/14/86 Pacifica, 05/21/86 Los Angeles, 05/28/86 Fresno, 06/04/86 San Diego, and 06/11/86 Santa Barbara] with instructors/representatives from the CSLB, BPE&LS, SAG, and SFM.)

1987: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1107 (Chapter 245, Statutes of 1987) authored by Senator Henry Mello (17th District – Monterey) amended Section 803 and added 386 to the Penal Code, making it a felony for a person who willfully or maliciously constructs or maintain a fire protection system in a building with the intent to install a fire protection system, which is known to be inoperable or to impair the effective operation of a system so as to threaten the safety of any occupant or used of the structure in the event of a fire.

1987: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 405 (Chapter 345, Statutes of 1987) authored by Assemblyman Curtis R. Tucker (50th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to gather information on all medical aid incidents and hazardous materials incidents and would require the chief fire official of each fire department of a city, city and county, fire protection district, or organized fire company, or other public or private entity to furnish such information to the SFM. The bill also required the SFM to annually analyze, in addition to the information and date relating to fires reported information and data relating to medical and hazardous materials incidents report, to compile a report, and disseminate copies of the report as prescribed. The SFM was appropriated $100,000 for this purpose.

1987: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 191 (Chapter 401, Statutes of 1987) authored by Senator Jim Ellis (39th District – San Diego) which with respect to hotels, motels, apartment houses, and certain other occupancies, require the State Fire marshal’s building standards to incorporate requirements for placement of distinctive devices, signs, or other means to identify exits and which can be felt or seen near the color. These building standards would be applicable to newly constructed occupancies for which a building permit is issued, or, if none, construction is commenced, on or after January 1, 1989. This was a state-mandated local program.

1987: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 216 (Chapter 672, Statutes of 1987) authored by Assemblyman William Duplissea (20th District – San Mateo) which prohibited the State Fire Marshal from establishing or collecting any fee for training classes provided by the SFM to fire protection personnel relating to state laws and regulations which local fire services are authorized or required to enforce. This bill required the SFM to prepare and conduct these training sessions and an appropriations of $30,000 annually from the General Fund to the SFM for expenditures for this purpose was provided.

1987: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 676 (Chapter 880, Statutes of 1987) authored by Assemblyman Tim Leslie (5th District – Placer/Sacramento) which prohibited the city, county, or fire district from adopting ordinances or rules relating to fire and life safety in “Alcoholism Recovery Facilities” which is more restrictive than those standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

1987: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1075 (Chapter 955, Statutes of 1987) authored by Senator Don Rogers (16th District – Kern/King/Los Angeles/San Bernardino) which required the State Fire Marshal to address roof coverings and openings into attic areas of buildings located in “Fire Hazard Severity Zones” and to Report to the Legislature by February 1, 1988, describing the regulations adopted pursuant to roof coverings and openings that are applicable to each of the fire hazard severity zones designed by the Director of Forestry and Fire protection. The Report shall also generally identify the fire hazard severity zones and the agency responsible for enforcement of the regulations within each zone.

1987: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 531 (Chapter 1168, Statutes of 1987) authored by Senator William Campbell (31st District – Ventura) which required the State Fire Marshal to, jointly, with the California Professional Firefighters, promote participation in, sponsor, and administer the California Joint Apprenticeship Program as the pre-employment recruitment, selection, and training system to be utilized for entry level firefighters.

1987: In August of 1987 the Stanislaus Complex Fire (Tuolumne County) consumed 145,980-acres, destroyed 28 structures, and resulted in 1 deaths.

1988: In January 1988 the Office of the State Fire Marshal (CA) published the document Recommended Residential Sprinkler Standard – 1- and 2-Family Dwellings” after months of research by the SFM’s Residential Sprinkler Advisory Committee. This recommended standard described the minimum design, installation and maintenance criteria of a low cost automatic fire sprinkler system, which, when used in conjunction with smoke detectors, is intended to reduce life loss and property damage in one- and two-family dwellings.

1988: On May 4, 1988 the City of Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 62-story First Interstate Bank Building, 707 West Wilshire Blvd. where fire had fully involved the 12th thru 16th floor. When it was over the fire claimed one (1) life, injured 35-civilians and 14-firefighters, and cause in excess of $50-million in damage.

1988: In July of 1988 the “Joint Contractors’ State License Board/State Fire Marshal’s Task Force on Fire Protection – A Report to the Legislature in Response to SB-1106” in response to Senate Bill No. 1106 (Senator Henry Mello, 17th District - Monterey) in response to a case in Monterey County in which a licensed Fire Protection Contractor (C-16) was arrested and convicted of installing a “non-functioning automatic fire sprinkler system”.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 16 (Chapter 79, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblyman Bill Lancaster (62nd District – Los Angeles/San Bernardino) which amended by extending the State Fire Marshal’s servicing, testing, and maintaining of automatic fire extinguishing system and requires licensing of persons engaged in these activities. This bill makes the effective date until January 1, 1991 and is an imposed state-mandated local program.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 287 (Chapter 615, Statutes of 1988), authored by Assemblyman Dominic L. Cortese (24th District – San Jose) amending Section 13190.3 and adding Section 13143.7 to the Health and Safety Code (H&S) which required the State Fire Marshal to study all pertinent laws and local building regulations regarding the installation and maintenance of automatic fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or intrusion detection systems in public and private school buildings and to report their findings and recommendations to the Legislature on or before January 1, 1990. The legislation provided funding in the amount of $25,000.00 for that purpose.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3811 (Chapter 653, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (53rd District – Los Angeles) which places the California Fire and Arson Training Act and the California Fire and Arson Training Fund together and will be known as the “California Fire and Arson Training Act”. This bill would recast the provisions of existing law and eliminate the necessity for policy guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 4466 (Chapter 720, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblyman Thomas Hannigan (4th District – Solano/Yolo) which required the owner or operator of any privately owned high-rise structure, any office building 2-stories or more in height, or any hotel or motel to provide to persons entering those buildings specific emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a fire, including procedures for handicapped and non- ambulatory persons. This bill and its provisions imposed a state-mandated local program.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 912 (Chapter 995, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) which amends the existing law, (The California Pipeline Safety Act of 1981) and deletes the reference to agents of the State Fire Marshal and local agencies having jurisdiction over the pipeline and would require every pipeline operator to notify the local fire department having fire suppression responsibilities, as well as the State Fire Marshal, prior to conducting hydrostatic tests. In addition, every pipeline operator shall provide the fire department a contingency plan for pipeline emergencies, and require every pipeline operator to offer to meet with the fire department at least once a year to discuss and review the contingency plans.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 4511 (Chapter 1189, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (60th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations to authorize the National Fire Protection Association 704 Standard System Diamond (NFPA-704) to be displayed at entrances to all buildings or other locations where hazardous materials are stored.

1988: The state legislature passed Assembly Bill 3091 (Chapter 1276, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblyman Tom Bane (40th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to adopt building standards and other regulations establishing minimum requirements for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life and property against fire and panic in buildings and structures used for specified occupancies.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3286 (Chapter 1445, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblywoman Marian LaFollette (38th District – Los Angeles) which required the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to use curriculum to include hazardous materials specialist training that equals or exceeds the standards of the National Fire Protection Association and that the curricula are accredited by the State Board of Fire Services/State Fire Marshal.

1988: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2189 (Chapter 1585, Statutes of 1988) authored by Assemblywoman Maxine Waters (48th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt building standards, establishing minimum requirements for the storage and handling of acutely hazardous materials, as defined, and would specify that this provision does not prohibit the local agency from adopting stricter or more stringent requirements.

1989: On May 12, 1989 at 7:36 a.m. a 6-locomotive/69-car Southern Pacific freight train (SP-7551 East- bound) lost control while descending Cajon Pass, killing four (4), ruptured a 14-inch high pressure petroleum transit pipeline (buried 6-feet underground alongside the railroad right-of-way, resulting in a large fire which fatally burned two (2), destroying eleven (11) houses and twenty-one (21) automobiles. Property damage was estimated to be $14-million.

1989: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 188 (Chapter 597, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblywoman Marian LaFollette (28th District – Los Angeles) providing the requirement to extend funds which are donated by private donor, contributed by local agencies, or provided by other funding sources (grants) for that matching purpose to the State Fire Marshal.

1989: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2350 (Chapter 616, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblyman Noland Frizzelle (69th District – Huntington Beach) gave the State Fire Marshal the ability to establish a schedule of fees for the inspection, approval, listing or testing laboratories which test consumer products for fire safety that are regulated by the State Fire Marshal.

1989: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1293 (Chapter 898, Statutes of 1989) authored by Senator Ken Maddy (14th District – Fresno/Madera/Mariposa/Merced/Monterey/San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara) which included the provisions of the “Permit Reform Act of 1981” and directed the Office of the State Architect and the State Fire Marshal, to submit a report to the Legislature no later than July 1, 1990, outlining problems and constraints in implementation of the Act.

1989: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1879 (Chapter 909, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (53rd District – Los Angeles) which extended the California Fire Service Training and Education Program indefinitely, as well as making the servicing, testing, and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems and licensing of persons engaged in these activities a state-mandated local program.

1989: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1098 (Chapter 993, Statutes of 1989) authored by Senator Herschel Rosenthal (22nd District – Los Angeles) which required the local fire enforcing agency or the State Fire Marshal, whichever has primary jurisdiction, upon request of a prospective licensee or a community care facility, residential care facility for the elderly, and child care facilities, to conduct a pre-inspection of the facility prior to the final fire clearance, including consultation and interpretation of fire safety regulations. This bill also permits a specified fee to be charged for the pre-inspection. This bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

1989: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1122 (Chapter 1252, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) which, in accordance the “California Pipeline Safety Act of 1981” the State Fire Marshal shall conduct and prepare a risk assessment study dealing with hazardous liquid pipelines that are located not more than 500-feet from any rail line. This bill required the study to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 1991. This bill also required the SFM to adopt regulations governing the construction, testing, operations, periodic inspection, and emergency operations of intrastate hazardous liquid pipelines located within 500-feet of any rail line.

1989: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1484 (Chapter 1261, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblywoman Carol Bentley (77th District – San Diego) which allows the State Fire Marshal to develop and adopt regulations establishing new occupancy classifications and specific fire safety standards appropriate for residential facilities, as defined in Section 1502 and residential care facilities for the elderly, as defined in Section 1569.2.

1989: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 27 (Chapter 1364, Statutes of 1989) authored by Senator William Campbell (31st District – Los Angeles/Orange) which outlined the administration of the FIRESCOPE Program (FIrefighting RESources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies) and the cooperation role the State Fire Marshal has along with the Office of Emergency Services (OES) Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF/CAL-FIRE) and the advice of the Rescue Service Advisory Committee/FIRESCOPE Board of Directors.

1989: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 385 (Chapter 1252, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblyman Dave Elder (57th District – Los Angeles) and Senate Bill No. 268 (Chapter 1277, Statutes of 1989) authored by Senator Herschel Rosenthal (22nd District – Los Angeles). Under AB-385 the SFM was to conduct a risk assessment study of pipelines which are located not more than 500 feet from any rail line and to submit the study to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 1991. Under SB-268 the SFM was required to adopt regulations before January 1, 1992 to establish appropriate frequency for testing and inspection, and to provide fire departments a map or suitable diagram showing the location of pipelines and a contingency plan for pipeline emergencies. (Note: These two bills were introduced in the aftermath of a deadly pipeline rupture and fire which occurred in San Bernardino, CA)

1989: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 68 (Chapter 1393, Statutes of 1989) authored by Assemblyman Richard Polanco (55th District – Los Angeles) which defined a “congregate health facility” as a residential home with a capacity of not more than six (6) beds, which provides inpatient care, including basic services and services to mentally alert, physically disabled persons who may be ventilator dependent, terminally ill persons, or catastrophically and severely disabled persons. This bill also required the State Fire Marshal, to adopt regulations on or before January 1, 1991, following a public hearing, establishing minimum requirements for the protection of life and property for congregate living health facilities.

1970: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 384 (Chapter 892, Statutes of 1970) authored by Assemblyman James A. Harvey (39th District – Los Angeles) which amended Section 13143 of the Health & Safety Code (H&S) to include facilities showing motion pictures for a fee having a capacity of ten (10) persons or more was added to the SFM inspection requirements.

1970: In July of 1970 the Laguna Fire (San Diego County) consumed 175,425-acres, destroyed 382 structures, and resulted in 5 deaths.

1970: On September 13, 1970 afire at the Ponet Square Hotel, 1249 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA took the lives of nineteen (19) people.

1970: In September of 1970 the Clampitt Fire (Los Angeles County) consumed 105,212-acres, destroyed 86 structures, and resulted in 4 deaths.

1970: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 769 (Chapter 844, Statutes of 1970) authored by Senator George R. Moscone – San Francisco) which required not later than January 1, 1973, all mattresses sold or offered for sale in this state shall be made from “flame retardant materials”.

1970: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1413 (Chapter 877, Statutes of 1970) authored by Senator Fred W. Marler, Jr. (2nd District (Butte/Colusa/Glenn/Shasta/Solano/Sutter/Tehama/Yolo/ Yuba) permitting an district maintaining a Junior College may establish and operate a fire department upon any Junior College Campus governed by it and located wholly outside any city, fire protection district, or other local agency which provides fire protection services.

1970: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1136 (Chapter 1315, Statutes of 1970) authored by Assemblywoman Clare L. Berryhill (30th District – San Francisco) which amended Sections of the Vehicle Code relating to the transportation of Explosives and “other” Hazardous Materials.

1971: The state legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 17 (Resolution Chapter 109, Statutes of 1971) authored by Assemblyman Ernest N. Mobley (33rd District – Fresno/Madera) – Relative to firefighters resolving that the Legislature of the State of California respectfully memorializes the President and Congress of the United States and the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility of utilizing military airplanes and personnel based in this state to inaugurate programs of training personnel and active participation in fighting fires in mountains and canyons of this state by dropping fire-retardant chemicals or water, or both fire-retardant chemicals and water, in self-bursting containers from airplanes.

1971: The state legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 143 (Resolution Chapter 178, Statutes of 1971) authored by Assemblyman Gordon W. Duffy (21st District – King/Tulare) – Relative to arson detection and request the California State Division of Forestry to study the best means for providing arson detection capability under contract to counties, cities, and fire districts located in state responsibility areas and to submit a report to the Legislature by March 1, 1972. The Legislature further resolved that the League of California Cities, the Attorney General, and County Supervisors Association of California are requested to jointly undertake a study of the best means for providing a statewide arson detection capability, and the feasibility of the establishment of an arson investigation unit to coordinate with local and state authorities the detection and investigation of suspicious or incendiary fires and to assist and provide expertise to local fire agencies on fires involving inter-jurisdictional areas or fires of more than local interest.

1971: The state legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 75 (Resolution Chapter 213, statutes of 1971) authored by Assemblyman Wadie P. Deddeh (77th District – San Diego) – Relative to Fire Safety resolving that the members of the Legislature request the State Fire Marshal to create a committee, acting under his direction, to study staffing standards and ratios of patients to staff members in Nursing Homes, Boarding Homes, Halfway Houses, Hospital, and all out-of-home, nonmedical care facilities covered by the provisions of Article 3 (commencing with Section 13920), Chapter 6.5 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code in relation to fire safety. The committee shall consist of private citizens and a member or representative of the following organizations (California Fire Chiefs Association, California Fireman’s Association, Federated Firefighters, California Nursing Home Association, California Hospital Association, State Department of Social Welfare, State Department of Mental Hygiene, State Department of Public Health, California Association of Homes for the Aging, California Association for the Retarded, State Department of Health Care Services, Board and Care Operators Association, Legislative Analyst, State Office of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Coordination). The committee shall report its findings to the Legislature by the sixtieth (60th) calendar day from the commencement of the 1972 Regular Session of the Legislature.

1971: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1428 (Chapter 1407, Statutes of 1971) authored by Senator George N. Zenovich (16th District – Fresno) which amended, added, and repealed Sections of the Health and Safety Code related to Hospitals, Children’s Homes, Nursery’s, Institutions, or any sanitarium or Institution for Insane or Senile persons, and Sanitarium or Institution for the Insane or Mentally Retarded, and any Nursing or Convalescent Home wherein six (6) or more guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis unless they have an “Automatic Fire Sprinkler System” approved by the State Fire Marshal. (There are three provisions which exempt the sprinkler requirement.)

1971: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2227 (Chapter 1428, Statutes of 1971) authored by Yvonne W. Brathwaite (63rd District – Los Angeles) which added Section 13143.6 to the Health and Safety Code (H&S) and required inspection of buildings housing developmentally disabled persons between the age of 18- and 65-years. This law also mandated automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings housing more than six (6) non-ambulatory clients and automatic fire alarm systems in buildings housing more than six (6) clients.

1971: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3036 (Chapter 1474, Statutes of 1971) authored by Assemblyman Ken Meade (16th District – Alameda) which added Section 17920.7 to the H&S Code related to building standards and provisions of structural fire safety and fire-resistant exits in existing multi-story structures let for human habitation, including, and limited to, apartment houses, hotels, motels, and dwellings or other structures wherein rooms used for sleeping are let above the ground floor.

1971: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3038 (Chapter 1718, Statutes of 1971) authored by Assemblyman Ken Meade (16th District – Alameda) adding Section 13025.5 (H&S Code) and addressing the fire hydrant outlet with other than 2-1/2-inch outlets requiring any fire protection and suppression service to carry a minimum of eight (8) adapters, consisting of four (4) increasers and four (4) reducers, which enable any such vehicle to couple its equipment and apparatus to fire hydrant outlets maintained by the City of Oakland and the City and County of San Francisco.

1971: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2686 (Chapter 1788, Statutes of 1971) authored by Assemblyman Robert W. Crown (14th District – Alameda) amending Section 6030 and adding Sections 6031, 6031.1, 6031.3, and 6031.4 of the Penal Code related to local detention facilities requiring the Board of Corrections to inspect each local detention facility in the state by January 1, 1974, and shall file with the Legislature by March 31, 1974, and on March 31st in each even numbered year thereafter, reports of the inspection of those local detection facilities that have not complied with the minimum standards established pursuant to Section 6030 (which includes the State Fire Marshal fire and life safety rules and regulations).

1972: The state Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 56 (Resolution Chapter 173, Statutes of 1972) authored by Senator James E. Whetmore (35th District – Los Angeles/Orange) – Relative to elevator safety and resolved that the Division of Industrial Safety is requested to study the subject of elevator safety, as more fully set forth in Senate Bill No. 797 (1972) Regular Session, and that in conducting such study the division shall consult with the California State Firemen’s Association (CSFA) and the California Fire Chiefs’ Association (CSFCA), and with manufacturers of elevator equipment, and to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature not later than the fifth (5th) day of the 1973 Session.

1972: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1199 (Chapter 410, Statutes of 1972) authored by Senator Clark L. Bradley (14th District – Alameda/Santa Clara) requiring the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt regulations establishing minimum standards in any building or structure used or intended for use as a home or institution for the housing of any person of any age when such person is referred to or placed within such home or institution for “protective social care” and supervision services by any governmental agency.

1972: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1502 (Chapter 482, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman Gordon W. Duffy (21st District – King/Tulare) which required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations necessary to control the quality and installation of automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and fire alarm devices marketed, distributed, offered for
sale, or sold in the state. (This was the first regulations related to fire alarm systems and components.)

1972: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 858 (Chapter 695, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman Frank Laterman (47th District – Los Angeles) to add Section 13143.7 (H&S Code) to clarify that the legislative intent of Section 13143.6 (H&S Code) and the regulations and standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal shall apply uniformly throughout the State of California and no city, county, city and county, or district shall adopt or enforce any ordinance or local rule or regulation relating to fire and panic safety in buildings or structures used or intended for use as a home or institution for the housing of any person of any age when such person is referred to or placed within such home or institution for ”protective social care and supervision services” by any governmental agency.

1972: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1522 (Chapter 749, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman Walter W. Powers (8th District – Sacramento) amending Section 19161 (B&P Code) which required (not later than June 7, 1973) all mattresses manufactured for sale in this state, including any mattress manufactured for sale for use in a hotel, motel or other place of public accommodations in this state, shall be fire retardant. Additionally, not later than April 1, 1975, all upholstered furniture sold or offered for sale by a manufacturer or wholesaler for use in this state, including any upholstered furniture sold to or offered for sale for use in a hotel, motel or other place of public accommodations shall be fire retardant and shall be labeled.

1972: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1011 (Chapter 1143, Statutes of 1972) authored by Senator Milton Marks (9th District – San Francisco) requiring the State Fire Marshal to promulgate flammability regulations covering children’s clothing, and that after July 1, 1974, no person shall sell, or offer for sale, “new children’s sleepwear” to and including size 14 which does not meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear to and including size 6X.

1972: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 547 (Chapter 1142, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman Alister McAlister (25th District – Santa Clara) which required the State Fire Marshal to promulgate flammability regulations covering articles of new children’s clothing to and including size 14 no later than July 1, 1974.

1972: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2165 (Chapter 1183, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman John L. Burton (20th District – San Francisco) requiring as of June 7, 1973 all mattresses manufactured for sale in this state including any mattress manufactured for sale for use in a hotel, motel or other place of public accommodations in this state, shall be fire retardant.

1972: The state Legislature passed (Assembly Bill No. 2066 (Chapter 758, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman Eugene A. Chapple (6th District – Alpine/Amador/Calaveras/El Dorado/Inyo/ Mariposa/ Mono/Nevada/Placer/Tuolumne/Yuba) required the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to developing a statewide fire incident reporting system – the “California Fire Incident Reporting System (CFIRS) Program” (beginning on January 1, 1974) and to annually analyze the information and date reported, compile a report, and disseminate a copy of such report together with his analysis to each chief fire official in the state. The SFM shall also furnish a copy of his report and analysis to any other interested person upon request.

1972: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 27 (Chapter 789, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman Eugene A. Chapple (6th District – Alpine/Amador/Calaveras/El Dorado/Inyo/
Mariposa/Mono/Nevada/Placer/Tuolumne/Yuba) which required the State Fire Marshal to annually compile a statistical report of all mobile home fires occurring within the state and shall furnish the commission with a copy of the report.

1972: Dry cleaning plants were no longer the hazard they once had been. The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1355 (Chapter 991, Statutes of 1972) authored by Senator George Deukmajian (37th District – Los Angeles) which provided for the chief or any city or county fire department or fire protection district and their authorized representatives in their respective areas to be the enforcing authority. The permitted the State Fire Marshal to delegate inspection authority.
(Statutes of 1972, Chapter 91), also contains the following provisions: Section 15. The State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Dry Cleaners shall arrange for the orderly transfer prior to the operative date of this act to the appropriate enforcing agency of any records, papers, and equipment held for the benefit or use of the State Fire Marshal or the State Board
of Dry Cleaners relating to a function, duty, power, responsibility and jurisdiction thereof that are transferred to or vested in any enforcing agency by this act.)

1972: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 519 (Chapter 1130, Statutes of 1972) authored by Senator Alfred E. Alquist (13th District – Santa Clara) which identified in the document that the State Fire Marshal is an ex-officio member of the Building Safety Board, within the Department of General Services.

1972: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2104 (Chapter 1226, Statutes of 1972) authored by Assemblyman Bob Wilson (76th District – San Diego) which required the State Fire Marshal to investigate every explosion or fire occurring in those areas of the state not under the jurisdiction of a legally organized fire department or fire protection district or other public entity. It is the intent of this Legislature to establish a specialized unit within the Office of the State Fire Marshal to provide assistance to fire officials and law enforcement officials in the investigation of the crime of arson throughout the state.

1973: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2050 (Chapter 917, Statutes of 1973) authored by Robert G. Beverly (46th District – Los Angeles) which amended Section 13143 of the Health & Safety Code as it relates to fire safety, and declaring the urgency there of, and to take effect immediately. This appears to have been as a result of SFM regulations which had an unduly restrictive effect on imposing of special local requirements which impacted the availability of foster care facilities throughout the state.

1973: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 67 (Resolution Chapter 107, Statutes of 107) authored by Assemblyman Ken MacDonald (37th District – Ventura) – Relative to hydrant charges and resolved that the Department of Water Resources and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are directed to jointly review in detail the entire question of hydrant charges by water purveyors, including the desirability of establishing minimum standards of water supply for fire protection purposes and the method of allocating and paying the costs of such services, and to report their findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than January 1, 1975.

1973: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 941 (Chapter 946, Statutes of 1973) authored by Senator George R. Moscone (10th District – San Francisco) which required the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt regulations establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life and property against fire and panic in high-rise structures. Such regulations shall differentiate between existing high-rise structures and new high-rise structures.

1973: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 150 (Chapter 993, Statutes of 1973) authored by the Assembly Select Committee on Industrial Safety, commonly referred to as the “Occupational Health and Safety Act” was adopted by the state Legislature and administered by the Division of Industrial Safety. For a time, this department contracted with the Office of the State Fire Marshal to perform fire safety duties required by the Act.

1973: On November 15, 1973 a fire in an Apartment Building (Los Angeles, CA) killed twenty-five (25) people.

1973: On December 31, 1973 the State Fire Advisory Board (SFAB) was abolished.

1973: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 543 (Chapter 1109, Statutes of 1973) authored by Senator Joseph M. Kennuck (33rd District – Los Angeles) known as the “State Fireworks Law” which defined fireworks and pyrotechnical devices; Regulations, Licensing, Labeling, Permits, Insurance, Reports, Fees, Violations, Penalties, and Remedies with regard to fireworks.

1973: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 584 (Chapter 1160, Statutes of 1973) authored by Senator John A. Nejedly (7th District – Contra Costa) as an urgency bill which required the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt regulations establishing minimum standards for as a home or institution including, but not limited to “Certified Family Care Homes”, “Out-of-Home Placement Facilities”, and “Halfway Houses”.

1973: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1805 (Chapter 1197, Statutes of 1973) authored by John T. Knox (11th District – Contra Costa) which created the State Board of Fire Services (succeeding/replacing the State Fire Advisory Board and consisted of 15-members and was given $14,000 from the State Treasury in support of the Board. The Board shall establish the following:

a) Minimum standards with respect to physical requirements, education, and training of fire personnel, (Note: This was the authorization for the Certification System for the California Fire Service.)
b) Minimum operational standards for firefighting techniques,
c) Minimum standards for fire apparatus and equipment,
d) Curricula for courses and seminars in fire science and technology training in colleges and institutions of higher education,
e) Advisory Committees or panels, as necessary, to assist the Board in carrying out its functions,
f) Procedures for seeking, accepting, and administering gifts and grants for use in implementing the intent and purposes of the Board.

1973: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 197 (Chapter 1204, Statutes of 1973) authored by Senator Donald L. Grunsky (17th District – Monterey/san Benito/San Luis Obispo/Santa Cruz) which stated that neither the State Fire Marshal nor any local public entity shall charge any fee for enforcing the provisions of Section 13143 of the Health & Safety Code or regulations adopted to facilities providing nonmedical board, room, and care for six (6) or less children which are required to be licensed.

1974: On January 1, 1974 as a result of Assembly Bill No. 1805 (Chapter 1197, Statutes of 1973), abolished the State Fire Advisory Board (SFAB) which was replaced by the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS).

1974: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2148 (Chapter 118, Statutes of 1974) authored by Assemblyman William T. Bagley (7th District – Marin/Sonoma) which required the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt regulations in homes or institutions including, but not limited to “Certified Family Care Homes”, “Out-of-Home Placement Facilities”, and “Halfway Houses” with regards to “Non-Ambulatory Status”. The SFM regulations included the requirements for an “Automatic Fire Sprinkler System” as well as an “Automatic Fire Alarm System”.

1974: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1611 (Chapter 231, Statutes of 1974) authored by Senator Joseph M. Kennuck (33rd District – Los Angeles) which amended Section 12505 of the Health & Safety Code with regard to “Dangerous Fireworks”.

1974: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1967 (Chapter 424, Statutes of 1974) authored by Senator Lou Cusanovich (23rd District – Los Angeles) which allocated $2.2-million (30-year loans) was allocated for the State Department of Health Services for the installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems or Smoke Detection Systems in “Nonprofit Children’s Institutions”.

1974: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3471 (Chapter 1055, Statutes of 1974) authored by Assemblyman Joseph B. Montoya (50th District – Los Angeles) which addressed couplings and fittings with an inside diameter of three (3) inches or less being standard threads, or non- threaded couplings and fittings which have been submitted to the State Fire Marshal and approved for use.

1974: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2452 (Chapter 1342 – Statutes of 1974) authored by Senator George N. Zenovich (16th District – Fresno) which amended Section 13113 of the Health & Safety Code with regard to Hospitals, Children’s Homes, Children’s Nurseries, or Institutions, or a Home or Institution for the Care of Aged or Senile Persons, or any Sanitarium or Institution for Insane or Mentally Retarded Persons, and any Nursing or Convalescent Home where in more than six (6) guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis.

1974: The SFM started a new ARSON BUREAU to investigate arson fires.

1974: The SFM entered into a contractual agreement with the Social Security administration to inspect all non-accredited hospitals and nursing homes in California which provide Medicare or Medi-Cal services. Twenty-fire (25) deputies were employed as a result of this first contract.

1975: On December 12, 1975 a fire in Gartland Apartment House, 495 Valencia Street (San Francisco, CA) killed fourteen (14) People.

1975: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 227 (Chapter 104, Statutes of 1975) authored by Assemblyman Ernest N. Mobley (31st District – Fresno/Tulare) that added Section 12541 (H&S Code) with regard to fireworks and stated that nothing in this section shall authorize the use or discharge of fireworks in any city or county in which such use or discharge is otherwise prohibited or regulated by law or regulation.

1975: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 776 (Chapter 406, statutes of 1975) authored by Senator Howard Way (15th District – Fresno/Inyo/Madera/Mariposa/Merced/Mono/Tulare) which allocated $2.2-million (30-year loans @ 5-percent [5%] per annum) was allocated for the State Department of Health Services for the installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems or smoke Detection Systems in “Nonprofit Children’s Institutions”. (Also see Senate Bill No. 1967 (Chapter 424, Statutes of 1974)

1976: The California Fire Academy at Asilomar, CA, a consortium of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the California Fire Chiefs’ Association, and Monterey Peninsula College, conducted the first course on-site.

1976: On December 20, 1976 a fire in an Apartment House Complex (Los Angeles, CA) killed ten (10) people.

1976: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1480 (Chapter 191, Statutes of 1976) authored by Senator Howard Way (15th District - Fresno/Inyo/Madera/Mariposa/Merced/Mono/Tulare) which amended Section 13113 of the Health & Safety Code and clarified the benchmarks (dates and requirements associated with installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems and/or Fire Alarm Systems) with regard to Hospitals, Children’s Homes, Children’s Nurseries, or Institutions, or a Home or Institution for the Care of Aged or Senile Persons, or any Sanitarium or Institution for Insane or Mentally Retarded Persons, and any Nursing or Convalescent Home where in more than six (6) guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis.

1976: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1342 (Chapter 252, Statutes of 1976) authored by Senator John A. Nejedly (7th District – Contra Costa) which also amended Section 13113 of the Health & Safety Code and clarified the benchmarks (dates and requirements associated with installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems and/or Fire Alarm Systems) with regard to Hospitals, Children’s Homes, Children’s Nurseries, or Institutions, or a Home or Institution for the Care of Aged or Senile Persons, or any Sanitarium or Institution for Insane or Mentally Retarded Persons, and any Nursing or Convalescent Home where in more than six (6) guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis.

1976: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 483 (Chapter 265, Statutes of 1976) authored by Senator Alfred Alquist (13th District – Santa Clara) which clarified the backflow/cross-connection requirements for automatic fire sprinkler systems as outlined in the five (5 “Classes of backflow (Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5) which is taken from the American Water Works Association Manual (M-14, 1966 Edition).

1976: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3143 (Chapter 696, statutes of 1976) authored by Assemblyman Joseph B. Montoya (60th District – Los Angeles) which modified the membership of the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) and the appointed positions by the Governor.

1977: In July of 1977 the Marble Cone Fire (Monterey County) consumed 177,866-acres.

1977: The state Legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution No. 28 (Resolution Chapter 104, Statutes of 1977) authored by Assemblyman Art Torres (56th District – Los Angeles) – Relative to the use of flame retardant chemicals in clothing, resolving that the Legislature of the State of California respectfully requests the Congress of the United States to undertake appropriate legislative action to 1) prohibit further use of the carcinogen “TRIS” (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate, 2) to require manufacturers to recall and materials treated with such substance in order to avoid further contamination, 3) to provide for ongoing studies of “TRIS” and other substances utilized as flame retardants to determine potential health hazards to consumers, and 4) to require garments treated with chemical substances be adequately labeled to disclose such treatment.

1977: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 399 (Chapter 321, Statutes of 1977) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) which repealed Section 13111 of the Health & Safety Code.

1977: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 892 (Chapter 513, Statutes of 1977) authored by Assemblywoman Marilyn Ryan (51st District – Los Angeles) which amended Sections 12505 and 12689 of the Health & Safety Code with regards to “Dangerous Fireworks”.

1977: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 670 (Chapter 567, Statutes of 1977) authored by Assemblyman Louis Papan (19th District – San Mateo) which required the State Fire Marshal (SFM), with the advice of the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) to adopt such regulations and standards as he may determine to be necessary to control the quality and installation of fire alarm systems and fire alarm devices marketed, distributed, offered for sale, or sold in this state.

1977: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 325 (Chapter 593, Statutes of 1977) authored by Senator Robert B. Presley (34th District – Riverside/San Bernardino) which defined the criteria for the State Fire Marshal and his deputies when being involved as a witness in a civil case, and demands payment for their mileage, and fees for one day, in advance.

1977: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 398 (Chapter 791, Statutes of 1977) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) which allocated the sum of $50,000 from the state’s General Fund to the Office of Emergency services for the “FIRESCOPE Program”, of which the State Fire Marshal is an active participant from the Fire Service Training element.

1977: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 456 (Chapter 1248, Statutes of 1977) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) related to Fire Service Training and Education and making an appropriation of $458,000 for the “California Fire Service Training and Education Program Act”. The State Fire Marshal shall:

a) Establish and validate minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire protection instructors at all career levels.
b) Develop, validate, update, copyright, and maintain security over a complete series of entry and promotional examinations based on the minimum standards established.
c) Have the authority to make the examinations developed available to any agency of the state, to any political subdivision within the state, or to any other testing organization, as deemed
appropriate.
d) Establish such fees as necessary to implement item (c).

1977: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1193 (Chapter 922, Statutes of 1977) authored by Assemblyman Art Torres (56th District – Los Angeles) required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations “prohibiting the use of TRIS” in all clothing. The SFM, in conjunction with the Department of Consumer Affairs, shall prepare and disseminate information to consumers on how to identify clothing, including children’s clothing subject to the provisions of Section 7400 of the Government Code.

1977: The state Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Department of General Services, Documents and Publications Section published “Laws Relating to Fires and Firemen” compiled by State Fire Marshal Phillip C. Favro.

1976: On November 18, 1976 the California Fire Chief’s Association (CFCA) and Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) entered into a “Statement of Agreement” to provide the basis for operation of the “California State Fire Academy Program” at Asilomar Conference Grounds through June 30, 1977.

1978: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1556 (Chapter 561, statutes of 1978) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to aid in the enforcement of all laws and ordinances and any rules and regulations adopted related to fires or to fire prevention and protection.

1978: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1741 (Chapter 562, statutes of 1978) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) which authorized the State Fire Marshal to withdraw from the state’s General Fund not more than $5,000 each year for investigative purposes.

1978: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3610 (Chapter 692, Statutes of 1978) authored by Assemblyman Walter M. Ingallis (68th District – Riverside) which added Section 13113.5 to the Health & Safety Code that required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations for the installation of automatic fire devices activated by products of combustion other than heat in all facilities within the scope of section 13143 and 13143.6 which provide 24-hour-per-day care which house six (6) or fewer persons and which do not have automatic fire sprinkler systems.

1978: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3961 (Chapter 860, Statutes of 1978) authored by Assemblyman Louis J. Papan (19th District – San Mateo) which amended Sections 13107 and 13108 of the Health & Safety Code and required the State Fire Marshal to investigate every explosion or fire occurring in any state institution, state-owned building, or any building which is determined to be state-leased/occupied.

1978: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3845 (Chapter 868, statutes of 1978) authored by Assemblyman Wadie P. Deddeh (80th District – San Diego) which related to the handling and transporting of “Flammable Liquids”.

1978: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2780 (Chapter 1018, Statutes of 1978) authored by Assemblyman Richard Alatorre (55th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to “inspect every jail or place of detention annually” for fire and life safety. The State Fire Marshal was given the responsibility for making the inspections unless he/she received written notice that the local fire authority would make the inspection.

1978: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2894 (Chapter 675, Statutes of 1978) which amended Senate Bill No. 941 (Chapter 946, Statutes of 1973), stating that regulations applicable to “existing high-rise structures” shall be adopted on or before January 1, 1975. Such regulations shall provide to the greatest feasible extend for the safety of occupants of high-rise structures and persons involved in fire suppression activities. All existing high-rise structures shall be conformed to the requirements contained in such regulations within three years after the adoption of the regulations. The period for compliance with such requirements may be extended upon showing of good cause for such extension if a systematic and progressive plan of correction is submitted to, and approved by, the enforcing agency. Such extension shall not exceed two years from the date of approval of such plan. Any plan or correction submitted pursuant to this section shall be submitted and approved on or before April 26, 1979.

1978: The state Legislature Senate Bill No. 2052 (Chapter 380, Statutes of 1978) authored by Senator Alfred H. Song (26th District – Los Angeles) required the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to promulgate flammability regulations covering new children’s clothing to and including size 14 becoming effective not later than July 1, 1975. The SFM regulations shall prohibit the use of “Tris” (2,3- dibromopropyl) in all clothing.

1978: The state Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Department of General Services, Documents and Publications Section published “Laws Relating to Fires and Firemen”.

1979: On or about June 22, 1979 a “Three-Party-Agreement” was signed between the California Fire Chief’s Association (CSFA), the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) providing the basis for the operation of the “California State Fire Academy Program” at the Asilomar Conference Grounds., through June 30, 1980.

1979: State Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Fire Services, authored Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23 – Home Fire Sprinkler Systems filed with Secretary of State on July 23, 1979, which requested the State Fire Marshal to “develop a set of suggested voluntary standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of automatic fire sprinklers for one- and two-family dwellings”, and to report thereon to the Legislature on or before December 31, 1980.

1979: Under state Legislation, “products of combustion” fire alarm devices were required to be installed in all unsprinklered care facilities which provided 24-hour care to six or fewer.

1979: The state Legislature removed a “DEAF” person from the statutory definition of non-ambulatory.

1979: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 367 (Chapter 314, Statutes of 1979) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) which repealed Section 13105.5 of the Health & Safety Code relating to fire protection and control.

1979: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 136 (Chapter 137, Statutes of 1979) authored by Assemblyman Eugene A. Chapple (3rd District – Butte/Colusa/Nevada/Placer/Sierra/Sutter/Yuba) which amended Section 13107 of the Health & Safety Code stating that the State Fire Marshal shall investigate every explosion or fire occurring in any state institution, state-owned building or any building which is state occupied and;
a) Upon request of the chief fire official of a legally organized fire department or fire protection district or governing body assist in an investigation,
b) Establish a training program in arson investigations and detection,
c) The SFM will report the facts of a crime in writing to the district attorney of the county in which the fire or explosion occurred.

1979: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 845 (Chapter 626, Statutes of 1979) authored by Assemblyman Louis J. Papan (19th District – San Mateo) which allowed the State Fire Marshal to deny the application for a license or application for renewal of a license filed by any person who has been convicted of a felony involving explosives or dangerous fireworks, or who has been convicted as a principal or accessory in a crime against property involving arson or any other fire- related offense.

1979: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 187 (Chapter 936, Statutes of 1979) authored by Senator William Campbell (33rd District – Los Angeles) which Relative to Section 13159.6 of the Health & Safety Code as it relates to fire service training.

1979: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill 331 (Chapter 1152, Statutes of 1979) authored by Senator Allan Robbins (20th District – Los Angeles) which in Section 21 covers many amendments to the Health & Safety Code as it relates to provisions of the State Fire Marshal’s regulations.

1979: The state Legislature re-wrote the Arson statutes. Existing archaic language was replaced; appropriate sanctions were added; and gross negligence with fire was added.

1960: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 53 (Chapter 43, Statutes of 1960) authored by Assemblyman Don Mulford (18th District – Alameda) which added Section 20753 to the Education Code related to fire protection in public schools in order to comply with State Fire Marshal regulations (Section 13143, H&S Code).

1961: The state Legislature (Assembly Bill No. 132) prohibited the filling of glass containers with gasoline, etc.

1961: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 826 (Chapter 1275, Statutes of 1961) authored by Senator Lee M. Backstrand (37th District – Riverside) which was referred to as the “Cargo Tank Program” which required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations which can be applied uniformly throughout the state, provide for the establishment and operation of an inspection service for cargo tanks, and issue “Certificates of Compliance” for all tanks in excess of 120 gallons which transport combustible liquids on the highways.

1961: On November 5, 1961 the Bel Air Fire (Los Angeles County) consumed 16,090-acres, destroyed 484 homes and damaged 190 additional homes, and $30-million (in 1961 dollars).

1961: The state Legislature passed Assembly 1355 (Chapter 565, Statutes of 1961) authored by Assemblyman Clark L. Monagan (12th District – San Francisco) known as the “Fire Protection District Act of 1961” which better defined the; General Provisions, Area, Formation, Board of Directors, General Powers and Duties, Provisions Relating to Elections, Finance/Taxation/Bonds, Contracts, Changes in Boundaries, Reorganization, and Reports.

1961: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1416 (Chapter 863, Statutes of 1961) authored by Senator Samual R. Geddes (15th District – Solano) which allowed school districts to undertake the installation of fire sprinklers systems or other fire prevention facilities recommended to the governing board by the State Fire Marshal in connection with any school building under the jurisdiction of the governing board.

1961: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2554 (Chapter 1916) authored by Assemblyman Chet Wolfrum (56th District – Los Angeles) which added Section 6531 to the Penal Code related to defining what a “Fire Bomb” , as a breakable container containing a flammable liquid with a flash point of 150° F or less, having a wick or similar device capable of being ignited, but no device commercially manufactured primarily for the purposes of this section of illuminating shall be deemed to be a fire bomb.

1961: The state legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2115 (Chapter 506, Statutes of 1961) authored by Assemblyman Vernon Kilpatrick (55th District – Los Angeles) adding section 12659.5 to the H&S Code stating that No retailer’s license, either original or renewal shall be issued to any retailer (of fireworks) for any calendar year, or for the remaining portion thereof, unless application for such license is received by the State Fire Marshal on or before June 15 of each such year.

1961: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2214 (Chapter 1207, Statutes of 1961) authored by Assemblyman Bert DeLotto (32nd District – Fresno) which added rules and regulations to be adopted by the State Fire Marshal regarding all fire extinguishers, portable appliances, and devices for controlling and extinguishing fires.

1961: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2759 (Chapter 1929, Statutes of 1961) authored by Assemblyman Edward M. Gaffney (24th District – San Francisco) which added “Organized Camps” to the Health & Safety Code (Section 18897) and established the State Fire Marshal for fire and safety laws and regulations.

1963: The state Legislature (Assembly Bill No. 535) prohibited the use of carbon tetrachloride in fire extinguishers.

1963: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 62 (Chapter 384, Statutes of 1963) authored by Senator Virgil O’Sullivan (8th District – Tehama/Glen/Colusa) which amended the licensing of fire
extinguishers requirements for the business of Marketing, Sales, Distributing, Use, Capacity, Servicing, Charging, of fire extinguishers, portable appliances, or devices for controlling and extinguishing fires.

1963: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 174 (Chapter 102, Statutes of 1963) authored by Senator Clark L. Bradley (18th District – Santa Clara) which amended the licensing of fire extinguishers requirements for the business of Distributing, Servicing, or Charging of fire
extinguishers, portable appliances, or devices for controlling and extinguishing fires.

1963: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 242 (Chapter 258, Statutes of 1963) authored by Senator Edwin J. Regan (5th District – Shasta/Trinity) relating to fireworks and stating that nothing shall be construed as permitting any person to set off fireworks on any kind in forest, fallows, grass- or brush-covered lands, either on his own land or the property of another unless it is done under a written permit from the State Forrester or his duly authorized agent, and in strict accordance with the terms of the permit and any other applicable laws.

1963: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No 434 (Chapter 548, Statutes of 1963) authored by Senator Lee M. Backstrand (37th District – Riverside) which established a fee schedule for application of cargo tanks and the issuance of a certificate of compliance.

1963: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 947 (Chapter 440, Statutes of 1963) authored by Assemblyman Tom Waite (62nd District – Los Angeles) which identified the State Fire Marshal as a member of the Departmental Coordinating Committee on Atomic Energy Development and Radiation Protection.

1963: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1067 (Chapter 1371, Statutes of 1963) authored by Senator Vernon L. Sturgeon (20th District – San Luis Obispo) which amended and added to the provisions requiring the State Fire Marshal to compile and publish the laws relating to firemen and fire protection and control, and such publication to be published each legislative year. This bill also amended certain provisions associated with the business of Marketing, Sales, Distributing, Use, Capacity, Servicing, Charging, of fire extinguishers.

1963: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 964 (Chapter 1453, Statutes of 1963) authored by “J” Eugene McAteer (14th District – San Francisco) which gave the State Fire Marshal the authority to allow the authority having charge of public property and public fire protection to continue to utilize equipment which does not meet the 1-1/2-inch criteria to continue to utilize it for a period of up to five (5) years.

1963: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 907 (Chapter 1554, Statutes of 1963) authored by Assemblyman Charles W. Meyers (19th District – San Francisco) which provides for the State Fire Marshal to enforce the orders, rules, and regulations in any state institution or other state- owned building and allows the State Fire Marshal to authorizes fire officials of a regularly organized fire department of a city, county, or fire protection district to enter any state institution or state-owned or state occupied building for the purpose of preparing a fire suppression preplanning program.

1963: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 244 (Chapter 1753, Statutes of 1963) authored by Senator Edwin J. Ragan (5th District – Shasta/Trinity) referred to as the “Mobile Park Fire Prevention Bill” which allowed clearly stated that a city, county, or city and county may adopt and enforce within its jurisdiction rules and regulations relating to the prevention of fire or the protection of life and property in mobile home parks.

1963: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 668 (Chapter 1955, Statutes of 1963) authored by Assemblyman W. Byron Rumford (17th District – Alameda) which required the state Fire Marshal to publish a loose-leaf form lists of construction materials and equipment and methods of construction and of installation or equipment as well as amending the fees charged for such listings.

1964: The state Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Department of General Services, Documents and Publications Section published “Laws Relating to Fires and Firemen”, compiled by State Fire Marshal Glenn B. Vance.

1965: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 314 (Chapter 304) authored by Senator Frank S. Petersen (4th District – Mendocino/Lake) which required the Department of Corrections to notify the State Fire Marshal “in-writing” of the release of a person convicted of arson from an institution.

1965: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 13 (Chapter 380, Statutes of 1965) authored by Senator Walter W. Stiern (34th District – Kern) allowing a governing board of a school district may undertake corrective measures relating to fire and panic safety, pursuant to Section 13143 (H&S Code) by the State Fire Marshal in connection with any school building. The maximum rate of tax of any school district for any school year is hereby increased (by not more than $.10 for each $100 of assessed valuation of property within the district in each fiscal year) to produce the amount necessary to effect the corrective measures recommended by the SFM.

1965: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1747 (Chapter 523, Statutes of 1965) authored by Assemblyman Edwin L. Ziberg (5th District – Napa/Solano) requiring the Division of Housing to adopt rules and regulations which are reasonably consistent with generally recognized fire protection standards, governing conditions relating to prevention of fire or for the protection of life and property against fire in mobile homes and mobile home parks. The rules and regulations relating to the installation of water supply and fire hydrants shall not apply within mobile home parks constructed, or approved for construction, prior to January 1, 1966.

1965: Sections 13113 of the Health & Safety Code (H&S) were approved by the state Legislature Senate Bill No. 55 (Chapter 526, Statutes of 1965) authored by Paul J. Lunardi (7th District – Nevada/Placer/Sierra) to require the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt regulations establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life and property against fire and panic in any building or structure used or intended for use as an asylum, jail, mental hospital, hospital, sanitarium, home for aged, children’s nursery, children’s home or institution, school, or any similar occupancy of any capacity, and in any theater, dance hall, skating rink, auditorium, assembly hall, meeting hall, night club, fair building, or similar place of assemblage where fifty (50) or more persons may gather together in a building, room or structure for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction or education.

1965: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 900 (Chapter 708, Statutes of 1965) authored by Senator Eugene McAteer (14th District – San Francisco) required all elevators equipped with photoelectric tube devices, which control the closing of automatic, power-operated elevator doors, shall have a switch in the elevator car that, when actuated, will render the photoelectric tube device ineffective. The switch shall be constant pressure type, requiring not less than 10-pounds nor more than 15-pounds pressure to actuate, and shall be located not less than 6-feet nor more than 6-feet-6-inches above the car floor and shall be in or adjacent to the operating panel.

1965: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2314 (Chapter 733, Statutes of 1965) authored by Assemblyman Don Mulford (16th District – Alameda) adding Section 13006.5 (H&S Code) requiring every owner, operator, lesser, or other person in charge of any apartment house, rooming house, motel, or hotel or any occupant who becomes aware of any fire or smoldering combustion of an unwanted or insidious nature which is not confined within equipment designed for fire or which is a hazard shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if he or she fails to report said fire or smoldering combustion without delay to the local fire department.

1965: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1244 (Chapter 1175, Statutes of 1965) authored by Assemblyman Robert T. Monagan (12th District – San Joaquin) which allowed the State Fire Marshal to prepare and “Conduct Voluntary Regular Training Sessions” devoted to the interpretation and application of the laws and the rules and regulations in Title-19, CAC relating to fire and panic safety.

1965: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2386 (Chapter 1317, Statutes of 1965) authored by Assemblyman Charles J. Conrad (57th District – Los Angeles) which added clarification to the transportation of fireworks within the state without obtaining a transportation permit from the SFM.

1965: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3032 (Chapter 1556, Statutes of 1965) authored by Assemblyman Charles W. Meyers (19th District – San Francisco) requiring any Children’s Home, Children’s Nursery, or Institution, or a Home or Institution for the Aged and Senile Persons, or any Sanitarium or Institution for Insane or Mentally retarded Persons and any Nursing or Convalescent Home wherein more than six (6) guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis unless there is installed and maintained in operable condition in every building or portion where patients or guests are housed an automatic sprinkler fire system, except that if in the opinion of the inspecting officer, a heat-activated fire alarm system of a type approved by the State Fire Marshal is acceptable.

1965: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 952 (Chapter 1781, Statutes of 1965) authored by Senator Alan Short (20th District – San Joaquin) which amended and repealed Health and Safety Code sections related to clothes cleaning establishments.

1966: On March 1, 1966 a Train-Tank Truck Collision (Bakersfield, CA) killed fourteen (14) people.

1966: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 9 (Chapter 58 [1stX Session], Statutes of 1966) authored by Assemblyman Pearce Young (5th District – Napa/Solano) amending sections of the Penal Code relating to arson.

1966: The Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Department of General Services, Documents and Publications Section published “Laws Relating to Fires and Firemen”, compiled by State Fire Marshal Glenn B. Vance.

1967: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 349 (Chapter 251, Statutes of 1967) authored by Assemblyman Charles J. Conrad (57th District – Sherman Oaks) which clarified the term “Explosives” for Class A, Class B, and Class C in accordance with the Interstate Commerce Commission terms.

1967: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 914 (Chapter 274, Statutes of 1967) authored by Assemblyman John V. Briggs (35th District – Fullerton) adding Section 12603.5 (H&S Code) relating to fireworks allowing the governing body to delegate the power to grant or deny the application to the officer to whom the application was made. The governing body shall also provide for a hearing by the governing body by which an applicant may appeal a denial of his application. The governing body shall, after such hearing, reverse, modify, or sustain the denial.

1967: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1323 (Chapter 537, Statutes of 1967) authored by Senator Howard Way (15th District (Fresno/Inyo/Madera/Mariposa/Merced/Mono/Tulare) which allowed the State Fire Marshal to approve equipment or devices for use in 140° F dry cleaning plants that do not conform.

1967: The state Legislature passed senate Bill No. 27 (Chapter 735, Statutes of 1967) authored by Senator Walter W. Stiern (18th District – Kern/Kings) allowing a governing board of a school district may undertake corrective measures relating to fire and panic safety, pursuant to Section 13143 (H&S Code) by the State Fire Marshal in connection with any school building. The maximum rate of tax of any school district for any school year is hereby increased (by not more than $.10 for each $100 of assessed valuation of property within the district in each fiscal year) to produce the amount necessary to effect the corrective measures recommended by the SFM.

1967: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill Not. 683 (Chapter 1028, Statutes of 1967) authored by Senator Lou Cuscanovich (23rd District – Los Angeles) which requires all portable fire extinguishers to; Comply with the SFM regulations, Bears the seal of approval from U/l, F/M, or SFM “approved Testing Laboratory, and Complete instructions regarding types of fires, use and care, and finally, does not use any “Vaporizing Liquid” agent such as Carbon Tetra-Chloride, or Methyl Bromide.

1967: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1906 (Chapter 1106, Statutes of 1967), which required the State Fire Marshal to adopt and enforce reasonable regulations which in his judgment are designed to promote the safe transportation of liquids, regarding the design, construction, and maintenance of cargo tanks and fire safety devices and to prevent the intermixing of incompatible materials in or on tank vehicles.

1967: The state Legislature passes Senate Bill No. 844 (Chapter 1116, Statutes of 1967) authored by Senator Walter W. Stevens (25th District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt regulations (Section 13108 of the Health & Safety Code) were expanded to permit local fire authorities to enter State-owned buildings and State institutions for the purpose of pre-fire planning. The law was also amended to allow local fire officials inspection authority in State-owned or occupied buildings other than State Institutions with written approval of the SFM.

1967: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2047 (Chapter 1197, Statutes of 1967) authored by Assemblyman William T. Bagley (7th District – San Rafael) required the State Fire Marshal to write regulations for family care homes, licensed or certified to care for six (6) or less, in a manner compatible with the maintenance of operating programs in this state.

1967: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 927 (Chapter 1497, Statutes of 1967) authored by Senator Joseph M. Kennick (33rd District – Los Angeles) which added “High Explosives” to the current laws and regulations of the State Fire Marshal.

1967: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 928 (Chapter 1498, Statutes of 1967) authored by Senator Joseph M. Kennick (33rd District – Los Angeles) related to the transportation of explosives amending Sections 27903, 31600, 31601, 31609, 31610 and 31614 and adding Section 27905 to the H&S Code.

1967: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 795 (Chapter 1552, Statutes of 1967) authored by Senator Lou Cusanovich (23rd District – Los Angeles) which required the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to adopt and enforce minimum fire safety regulations for “Organized Camps”.

1967: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 878 (Chapter 1696, Statutes of 1967) authored by Assemblyman John Vasconcellos (24th District – San Jose) which amended Section 13143 of the Health & Safety Code (H&S) as it relates to asylums, jails, mental hospitals, hospitals sanitariums, home for aged, children’s nursery’s, children’s homes, or institutions, schools, theaters, dance halls, skating rinks, auditoriums, assembly halls, meeting halls, night clubs, fair buildings, amusement, entertainment, instruction, deliberation, worship, drinking and dining and awaiting transportation and education.

1968: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2003 (Chapter 662, Statutes of 1968) authored by Assemblyman Frank Murphy, Jr. (31st District – Santa Cruz) which amended existing language and added new sections to clarify Class A, Class B, and Class C Explosives.

1968: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1370 (Chapter 750, Statutes of 1968) authored by Assemblyman James A. Hayes (39th District – Long Beach) which repealed Section 13143.5 of the Health & Safety Code.
1968 The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 766 (Chapter 802, Statutes of 1968) authored by Senator Milton Marks (9th District – San Francisco), which required the State Fire Marshal to “establish maintenance standards for fire extinguishers”, including servicing frequency.

1968: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 799 (Chapter 1001, Statutes of 1968) authored by Senator John F. McCarthy (4th District – Marin/Solano/Napa) which provided for the State Fire Marshal to exempt “Signaling Devices” use on or in any automobile, truck, boat, vessel, railroad, airplane. Or any other means of transportation which are certified in writing to meet the standards of federal or state agencies for such purposes.
1968 The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 964 (Chapter 1220, Statutes of 1968) authored by Senator William E. Coombs (20th District – San Bernardino) which amends several Sections of the Health & Safety Code and repeals Section 12762 of the Health and Safety Code as it relates to fireworks.

1969: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 139 (Resolution Chapter 130, Statutes of 1969) authored by Assemblyman Don Mulford (16th District – Alameda) – Relative to Fire Service Recognition Day and resolved that the members request the Governor to issue a proclamation designating May 10, 1969, as “Fire Service Recognition Day” and to urge all citizens to visit their nearest fire station on this date to become acquainted with their men, their apparatus and equipment, and the professional type of service they provide today as contrasted with yesteryears.

1969: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 387 (Chapter 138, Statutes of 1969) authored by Assemblyman Peter F. Schabarum (49th District – Los Angeles) which identified the “Governor’s Council” of which the State Fire Marshal (along with twenty-three other State Directors, Adjutant General, and Commissioner) is stated.

1969: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 201 (Chapter 187, Statutes of 1969) authored by Senator Allan Short (6th District – Sacramento/Joaquin) which required every county, city, district, public authority, or any other public entity which owns or operates any cargo tank or tank vehicle to pay to the State Fire Marshal the registration fees imposed by this division for the operation of cargo tanks.

1969: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1713 (Chapter 568, Statutes of 1969) authored by Assemblyman Floyd L. Wakefield (52nd District – Los Angeles) which amended Sections of the Health and Safety Code relating to Explosives.

1969: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1804 (Chapter 572, Statutes of 1969) authored by Assemblyman Frank Murphy, Jr. (31st District – Merced/San Benito/Santa Cruz) requiring all policemen, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, members of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and firemen in this state be trained to administer first aid.

1969: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 303 (Chapter 661, Statutes of 1969) authored by Senator Mervyn M. Dymally (29th District – Los Angeles) requiring any Children’s Home, Children’s Nursery, or Institution, or a Home or Institution for the Aged and Senile Persons, or any Sanitarium or Institution for Insane or Mentally retarded Persons and any Nursing or Convalescent Home wherein more than six (6) guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis unless there is installed and maintained in operable condition in every building or portion where patients or guests are housed an automatic sprinkler fire system, except that if in the opinion of the inspecting officer, a heat-activated fire alarm system of a type approved by the State Fire Marshal is acceptable. Such system shall be activated by detectors responding to invisible products of combustion other than heat.

1969: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 307 (Chapter 798, Statutes of 1969) authored by Assemblyman Hames A. Hayes (39th District – Los Angeles) which provided for provisions for the State Fire Marshal to consider the “Standards” of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

1969: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3 (Chapter 997, Statutes of 1969) authored by Assemblyman Frank P. Belotti (2nd District – Humboldt/Mendocino/Sonoma) allowing a governing board of a school district may undertake corrective measures relating to fire and panic safety, pursuant to Section 13143 (H&S Code) by the State Fire Marshal in connection with any school building. The maximum rate of tax of any school district for any school year is hereby increased (by not more than $.10 for each $100 of assessed valuation of property within the district in each fiscal year) to produce the amount necessary to effect the corrective measures recommended by the SFM. This bill to remain in effect until July 1, 1970.

1951: The LPG study was made in cooperation with the industry and submitted to the 1951 state Legislature. The industry could see no way to effectively finance either of the two plans submitted by the State Fire Marshal and no legislation was sponsored.

1951: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2026 (Chapter 786, Statutes of 1951) authored by Assemblyman George D. Collins (22nd District – San Francisco) which amended Section 625(a) of the Penal Code relating to the unlawful interference with a fire alarm apparatus or false alarms, and providing punishments.

1951: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 414 (Chapter 1127, Statutes of 1951) authored by Senator Arthur H. Breed, Jr. (16th District – Alameda) which amended several Sections of the H&S Code as it relates to Fire-Resistive Construction, Compliance, Alternate Construction, Gas Appliances, Storage or Repair of Motor Vehicles, Storage, and Maintenance of Mechanical Systems.

1951: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 749 (Chapter 1290, Statutes of 1951) authored by Assemblyman Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) which required the State Fire Marshal to promulgate and make available at cost each year a list of the flame-retardant chemicals, flame- retardant fabrics or materials, and flame retardant application concerns approved by the SFM.

1951: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1953 (Chapter 1500, Statutes of 1953) authored by Assembly Member A. L. Stewart (47th District – Los Angeles) which created the State Building Standards Commission (BSC) was set up with the SFM as one of the ten members. The Commission was tasked to adopt, amend, and publish a single code of all administrative regulations in order to eliminate duplication.

1951: The Department of Corrections was required, pursuant to state Legislation passed Assembly Bill No. 1188 (Chapter 1563, Statutes of 1951), to notify the SFM fifteen (15) days prior to the release of a person convicted of ARSON and that the Department of Mental Hygiene to notify the SFM office within 5-days after the release of a person committed as a result of arson. The SFM was then required to notify all regularly organized fire departments in the county where the person was committed from and was to reside.

1953: The state Legislature authorized the Legislative Counsel to analyze the existing 1881 Fire District Act and prepare a report for the 1955 state Legislature outlining the changes necessary to make it worthwhile.

1953: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 304 (Chapter 1576, Statutes of 1953) authored by Senator John F. Thompson (18th District – Santa Clara) whereby the State Fire Marshal was allocated $25,000.00 from the Dry Cleaners Fund to conduct research and to develop and disseminate information on fire and other hazards caused by the use of dry cleaning solvents and processes. The resulting pamphlet/booklet called “Cleaner Deal” showed the hazards of home dry cleaning. The pamphlet/booklet was passed out by the thousands to fire departments for use on their home inspection programs and to school children during Fire Prevention Week, television spots were also made and given to every television station in the state.

1955: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 547 (Chapter 1690, Statutes of 1955 authored by Senator Edwin J. Regan (5th District – Shasta/Trinity) which allocated $7,500 to the State Fire Marshal to investigate, study and report its conclusions and recommendations of the 1881 Fire District Act. This was due in part to the complexity of the issues. The Report was to be submitted to the Legislature within fifteen days after the commencement of the 1957 Regular Session.

1955: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1976 (Chapter 1891, Statutes of 1955) authored by Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) which was commonly referred to as “The Fireworks Law” which was divided up into the following elements: General Provisions and Definitions, Administration, Permits, Licenses, Enforcement, Prohibitions, and Penalties. The State Fire Marshal was now licensing wholesalers, importers, and exporters and others who handle fireworks in this State was authorized. The State Fire Marshal also required his seal of approval on all fireworks for the first time to list then as “Safe and Sane Fireworks”.

1955: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3781 (Chapter 1480, Statutes of 1955) authored by Assemblyman Herbert R. Klocksuem (44th District – Long Beach) adding Sections 13111, 13114,and 13114.5 to the Health and Safety Code (H&S) to include sections on heat-activated fire alarm systems and fire sprinkler systems in Children’s Homes, Children’s Nursery, Institutions, or a Home or Institution for the Care of Aged and Senile Persons, or any Sanitarium or Institution for the Insane or Mentally retarded Persons wherein more than six (6) guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis With these sections, the SFM was required to approve and list fire alarm using standards substantially consistent with NFPA Standard 72 (1952 edition) and automatic fire sprinkler systems.

1955: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 313 (Chapter 1252, Statutes of 1955) authored by Senator John F. Thompson (18th District – Santa Clara) which modified construction requirements relating to clothes cleaning establishments within the Health & Safety Code (Sections 13352, 13354, 13362, 13364, 13375, 13388, and 13396) and specific to the State Fire Marshal (Section 13375).

1955: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 870 (Chapter 1693, Statutes of 1955) authored by Senator John F. Thompson (18th District – Santa Clara) which allocated an additional $25,000 from the Dry Cleaner Fund to be used by the State Fire Marshal for the purpose of conducting research, developing and dissemination of the dry cleaning industry and the general public information on fire and other hazards caused by the use of dry cleaning solvents and dry cleaning processes.

1955: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 546 (Chapter 419, Statutes of 1955) authored by Senator Edwin J. Regan (5th District – Shasta/Trinity) added Section 13105.5 to the Health and Safety Code (H&S) requiring the State Fire Marshal to compile a book of all laws relating to fires and firemen.

1957: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 21 (Resolution Chapter 30, Statutes of 1957) authored by Assemblywoman Beth J. Johnson (56th District – Los Angeles) – Relative to the holding of the Convention of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in the City of Los Angeles which extended to the IAFC a most cordial invitation to hold their 1958 convention in the State of California and in the City of Los Angeles.

1957: The state Legislation passed the Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 183 (Chapter 271, Statures of 1957) authored by Assemblyman William J. Biddick (12th District – Stockton) – relating to honoring and congratulating Jay W. Stevens (who was appointed the FIRST CA State Fire Marshal (1923) and served the people of California for 53-years.

1957: The new “Fire District Act” was approved by the state Legislature and fire districts were reorganized.

1957: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 2504 (Chapter 439, Statutes of 1957) authored by Senator John A. Murdy (35th District – Orange) which amended Section 13111 (H&S Code) with regard to heat-activated fire alarm systems and fire sprinkler systems in Children’s Homes, Children’s Nursery, Institutions, or a Home or Institution for the Care of Aged and Senile Persons, or any Sanitarium or Institution for the Insane or Mentally retarded Persons wherein more than six (6) guests or patients are housed or cared for on a 24-hour-per-day basis With these sections, the SFM was required to approve and list fire alarm using standards substantially consistent with NFPA Standard 72 (1952 edition) and automatic fire sprinkler systems; however, it applied to existing occupancies after January 1, 1957 but shall not apply to Fire Resistive Construction (Type I or Type II as designated in the Basic Building Design and Construction Standards of the SFM..
1957 The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 100 (Chapter 1517, Statutes of 1957) authored by Senator John F. Thompson (19th District – Santa Clara) which amended Section 9530 of the Business & Professions Code (B&P Code) and addressed the seven (7) member State Board of Dry Cleaners, within the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards.

1957: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1562 (Chapter 1224, Statutes of 1957) authored by Assemblywoman Beth J. Johnson (56th District – Los Angeles) which repealed, amended, and added to the regulations relating to explosives. This required the SFM to write reasonable rules and regulation for the Sale, Permits, Records, Inspections, Penalties, and Transportation of certain defined explosives.

1957: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill 1270 (Chapter 1725, Statutes of 1957) authored by Senator Nelson S. Dillworth (37th District – Riverside) which amended several Sections of the Education Code, specific to State Fire Training (Instructor funding) was the amendments addressing Vocational Education and funding sources such as the Vocational Education Federal Fund.

1957: The state legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 687 (Chapter 2357, Statutes of 1957) authored by William A Munnell (51st District – Los Angeles) authorized the State Fire Marshal to standardize the 1-1/2” fire hose. This project was to be completed within five (5) years and was allocated $10,000.00 by the state Legislature.

1958: The state Legislation passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 56 (Resolution Chapter 104, Statutes of 1958) authored by Assemblyman Frank Luckel (78th District – San Diego) – Relative to welcoming the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Pacific Coast Intermountain Association of Fire Chiefs and directs that every courtesy be extended to these distinguished visitors to make their stay in our great State a pleasurable and memorable one.

1959: The state Legislation passed the Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 75 (Chapter 248, Statutes of 1959) authored by Senator A. A. Erhart (29th District – San Luis Obispo) – relating to fire extinguishers and appliances and devices for extinguishing fires. The Legislature requested that the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and the State Fire Advisory Board (SFAB) conduct a complete study to the Legislature of fire extinguisher sales and service industry and to propose how the state could effectively control portable fire extinguisher activities not later than the fifth calendar day of the 1961 Regular Session.

1959: The state Legislation passed the Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 78 (Chapter 123, Statures of 1959) authored by Assemblyman Seth J. Johnson (56th District – Los Angeles) – related to fire safety in schools following a recent school fire in Chicago resulting in the life loss of 90 school children and three teachers (December 1, 1958 – Our Lady of the Angels Grade School).

1959: The state Legislation passed Assembly Bill No. 2357 (Chapter 1891, Statutes of 1959) authored by Assemblyman Seth J. Johnson (56th District – Los Angeles) amending Section 13145 and 13146 and adding Sections 13146.3 and 13146.5 (H&S Code) relating to the inspection of buildings for the prevention of fire and protection of life and property against fire and panic. It further stated (Section 13146.3 H&S Code) that State Fire Marshal and his authorized representatives “shall make such inspections not less than once each year in buildings used as a public or private school”.

1959: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 456 (Chapter 431, Statutes of 1959) authored by Senator Edwin J. Regan (5th District – Shasta/Trinity) which amended the Penal Code to state that any person, other than an officer or member of a fire department, who willfully wears exhibits, or uses the authorized badge, insigne, emblem, device, label, certificate, card, or writing of an officer or member of a fire department or a deputy state fire marshal, with the intent of fraudulently personating an officer or member of a fire department or the Office of the State Fire Marshal, or of fraudulently inducing the belief that he is an officer or member of a fire department or the Office of the state Fire Marshal, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
1959 The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 464 (Chapter 1135, Statutes of 1959) authored by Senator High P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) amending and adding Sections 12555 and 12764 of the fireworks statutes to the Health & Safety Code (H&S) regarding “model rockets”.

1959: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2588 (Chapter 1634, Statutes of 1959) authored by Assemblyman Gordon H. Winton, Jr. (31st District – Madera/Merced) which required the SFM to publish, in bulletin form, lists of materials and equipment and methods of construction and installation of equipment which are in conformity with the fire and panic safety standards of Title- 19, California Administrative Code (CAC) now referred to as CCR.

1959: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1704 (Chapter 1826 – Statutes of 1959) authored by Assemblyman Frank Lanterman (48th District – Los Angeles) abolished the Dry Cleaners’ Fund and existing balance transferred to the State Treasurer for deposit and use by the State Board of Dry Cleaners and the State Fire Marshal for enforcement provisions.

1959: The state Legislation passed Assembly Bill No. 1962 (Chapter 1671, Statutes of 1959) authored by Assemblyman Seth J. Johnson (56th District – Los Angeles) related to the transportation of explosives, and defining those requirements of the State Fire Marshal in that regard.

1959: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2377 (Chapter 1891, Statutes of 1959) authored by Assemblyman Seth J. Johnson (56th District – Los Angeles) which stated that the State Fire Marshal, or the chief of any city or county fire department or fire protection district and their authorized representatives may, and in counties with a population over 220,000, shall enforce in their respective areas, rules and regulations that have been formally adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

1959: The state Legislation passed Assembly Bill No. 1964 (Chapter 1740, Statutes of 1958) authored by Assemblyman Seth J. Johnson (56th District – Los Angeles) related to the transportation of explosives, and defining those requirements of the State Fire Marshal in that regard.

1959: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 757 (Chapter 669, Statutes of 1959) authored by Senator Stanford C. Shaw (36th District – San Bernardino) which prohibited the use of carbon tetrachloride extinguishers on school buses.

1940: The Regional Office in Los Angeles moved from the State Building to the Chamber of Commerce Building at 1151 South Broadway in June of 1940.

1940: On or after June of 1940 the OSFM issued Defense Bulletin No. 2: “A Plan for Organization of Industrial Plans and Key Industries Against Sabotage by Fire”, and Defense Bulletin No. 3: “The Problem of Developing a Training Program for Fire Department Personnel in Fire Investigations, Sabotage and Kindred Crimes”.

1941: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 396 (Chapter 756, Statutes of 1941) authored by Assemblyman Lee T. Bashore (49th District – Glendora) which provided the State Fire Marshal with an annual salary of $4,800.00.

1941: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2574 (Chapter 320, Statutes of 1941) authored by Assemblyman Thomas J. Doyle (45th District – Los Angeles) which gave the State Fire Marshal the authority to regulate, the use of dry cleaning solvents with a flash point of not less than 138.5° F, so long as such machinery is not used in a building occupied in whole or in part as a dwelling, apartment house, hotel, restaurant, or place of public assemblage.

1941: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1800 (Chapter 600, Statutes of 1941) authored by Assemblyman Seth Millington (4th District – Gridley), an appropriating bill which allocated $183,618 (Item #99) for the support of the Division of Fire Safety and payable from the Fire
Marshal’s Fund.

a) Salaries and Wages ….. $114,410.00
b) Operating Expenses ….. $ 68,048.00
c) Equipment ……………… $1,160.00

1942: In July of 1942 a SFM Branch Office was opened in San Diego with a DSFM being stationed there through the courtesy of the City of San Diego Fire Department, who provided free desk space in their Central Fire Station.

1942: Shortly after the San Diego Branch Office was opened, another Branch Office was established in Fresno with a DSFM and similar arrangements to office space in use through the cooperation of the City of Fresno Fire Department.

1943: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1600 (Chapter 62, Statutes of 1943) authored by Assemblyman Albert C. Wollenberg (21st District – San Francisco) which appropriated $28,665 (Item #102) for support of the Division of Fire Safety (Office of the State Fire Marshal) and an additional amount of $186,808 (Item #103) for the support of the Division of Fire Safety.

1943: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 912 (Chapter 193, Statutes of 1943) authored by Assemblyman Albert C. Wollenberg (21st District – San Francisco) which established a “certificate of registration and a licensing process” for spotting, sponging, pressing and clothes cleaning establishments by the State Fire Marshal no later than the first day of July in each year. A fee schedule and delinquent payment penalty schedule was also included in the legislation.

1943: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 710 (Chapter 782, Statutes of 1943) authored by Senator Harry D. Parkan (21st District – San Mateo) requiring the State Fire Marshal to “make and enforce” orders, rules, and regulations relating to fire protection in the design and construction of means of egress and adequate exiting from, the installation and maintenance of fire alarm and fire extinguishment equipment or systems in, and furnishings in any State Institution, Factory, Asylum, Hospital, Sanitarium, Nursery, Church, School, Hall, Theater, Amphitheater, Night Club or similar occupancy or other place where a large number of persons work, live or congregate.

1943: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 653 (Chapter 899, Statutes of 1943) authored by Assemblyman Frances Dunn, Jr. (13th District – Alameda) requiring every factory or workshop and every projection room of every moving picture theater shall be ventilated and have at least two (2) separate exit doors from the projection room.

1944: On July 17, 1944 an Explosion/fire at the Munitions Depot (Port Chicago, CA) took the lives of three-hundred (300) people.

1945: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 330 (Chapter 20, Statutes of 1945) authored by Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) which “Established the Flammability Laws” for fabrics and governing wearing apparel, cloth, drapery or other fabric or material, made from or containing any synthetic fiber.

1945: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 725 (Chapter 727, Statutes of 1945) authored by Assemblyman Dwight H. Stephenson (9th District - Sacramento) which established one of the first tent laws for tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures.

1945: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 726 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 1945) authored by Assemblyman Dwight H. Stephenson (9th District - Sacramento) which wearing apparel, cloth, drapery or other fabric or material, made from or containing natural or synthetic fiber, including such thereof as are inflammable and constitute a risk of fire and a hazard of injury to life and property, providing for regulation of the use of such articles, and declaring the urgency of this act, it to take effect immediately.

1945: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 705 (Chapter 867, Statutes of 1945) authored by Senator T. H. DeLap (17th District – Contra Costa) relating to administrative procedures (Sections 11500 to 11528 of the Government Code) and identified the State Fire Marshal as being as one of the thirty-seven (37) Board, Directors, etc. to delegate, appoint and act as “Hearing Officer”.

1945: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 270 (Chapter 880, Statutes of 1945) authored by Assemblyman Lester A. McMillan (61st District – Los Angeles) requiring the State Fire Marshal to revoke any license to operate a clothes cleaning establishment or any permit relating to the storage of a volatile and inflammable product. The SFM may refuse to issue a renewal, or may suspend or revoke, a certificate of registration or license for cause.

1945: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 567 (Chapter 958, Statutes of 1945) authored by Assemblyman Donald C. Field (43rd District – Los Angeles) which defined the construction features (Location of Building, Floor Material, Skylights, Boiler Criteria, etc. and specified the State Fire Marshal to review the plans of clothes cleaning establishments.

1945: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 578 (Chapter 982, Statutes of 1945) authored by Assemblyman Don A. Allen (63rd District – Los Angeles) which amended Section 12500 (H&S Code) as it relates to fireworks and was declared an urgency measure.

1945: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 875 (Chapter 1173, Statutes of 1945) authored by Senator George J. Hatfield (24th District – Madera/Merced) which added a new heading to Chapter 1, Part 1, Division 12 of the Health & Safety Code relating to the State Fire Marshal (Sections 13101 thru 13111.2) and Article 2 The State Fire Advisory Board (Section 13140 thru 13146, 13316 and 13654.
Note: This legislation further created in the Office of the State Fire Marshal a State Fire Advisory Board, who shall act in an advisory capacity to the State Fire Marshal.

1945: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1279 (Chapter 1185, Statutes of 1945) authored by Senator Jerrold L. Seawell (7th District – Nevada, Placer, Sierra), which required that the State Fire Marshal have at least eight (8) years of experience with a local fire department before being appointed.

1947: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 92 (Resolution Chapter 203, Statutes of 1947) authored by Senator Ben Hulse (39th District – San Bernardino) which in enacting Assembly Bill No. 1718 the Legislature, that the intent of the Legislature in this matter being clear, all state officers and other persons are notified that in enacting Assembly Bill No. 1718 the Legislature intended, and still intends, that the salary of the State Fire Marshal be increased from $7,000 to $10,000 per annum.

1947: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 456 (Chapter 110, statutes of 1947) authored by Assemblywoman Kathryn T. Niehouse (79th District – San Diego) which required owners, lessees, managers or other persons in control or in charge of any hotel, lodging house, or rooming house to place and maintain in conspicuous places in the halls of the building signs directing the way to exits and stairways. He shall also post notices in a conspicuous place in each room giving location of and direction to nearest fire escapes or other safety exits.
1947 The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 347 (Chapter 291, Statutes of 1947) authored by Fred H. Kraft (40th District – San Diego) which prohibited any “Solvent” having a flash point less than 100°F, closed cup test, to be used in the process of dry cleaning.

1947: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1154 (Chapter 793, Statutes of 1947) authored by Assemblyman Dwight H. Stephenson (9th District – Sacramento) requiring the State Fire Marshal to conduct research in “Inflammable” articles of wearing apparel, cloth, drapery, or other fabrics containing natural or synthetic fiber, and to develop testing of these materials and the to administer the provisions of this chapter for the prevention of risks and the avoidance of the hazards (dangerous risk of fire).

1947: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1183 (Chapter 800, Statutes of 1947) authored by Assemblyman Dwight H. Stephenson (9th District - Sacramento) which expanded the tent laws by adding criteria for “10 or more persons may gather for any lawful purpose, in any tent, awning or fabric enclosure unless it is of a nonflammable material or are treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition.

1947: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1462 (Chapter 1030, Statutes of 1947) authored by Senator Oliver J. Carter (5th District – Shasta/Trinity) requiring all solvents offered for sale at retail, having a flash point below 120° F shall have on the container a label indicating the contents to be flammable.

1947: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1524 (Chapter 1316, Statues of 1947) authored by Assemblyman Marvin Sherwin (16th District – Alameda) which amended the fireworks regulations and added provisions with respect to securing local permits and securing proper licensing, bonding, or certificate of public liability insurance. It further states that no permit shall be granted for the discharge of dangerous fireworks except in connection with public displays of fireworks.

1947: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 366 (Chapter 1389, Statutes of 1947) authored by Assemblyman Johnan J. Hollibaugh (53rd District – Los Angeles) which increased the annual salary of the state Fire Marshal to $10,000.00.

1947: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1718 (Chapter 1442, Statutes of 1947) authored by Assemblyman Albert C. Wollenberg (21st District – San Francisco) which increased the annual salary of the state Fire Marshal to $10,000.00.

1947: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 658 (Chapter 1534, Statutes of 1947) authored by Senator Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) allocated $5,000.00 to the State Fire Advisory Board to study and analyze facts relating to the establishment of a State Fire Training School.

1947: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 951 (Chapter 1542, Statutes of 1947) authored by Senator Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd – Stanislaus) requiring the State Treasury to appropriate $12,000 to proceed with the Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 21 of 1947 as it relates to inflammable materials.

1947: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1463 (Chapter 1549, Statutes of 1947) authored by Oliver J. Carter (5th District – Shasta/Trinity), which added Sections 13119 through 13130 to the Health and Safety Code (H&S) to govern flame-retardant chemicals, treated fabrics, and materials and application concerns.
Note: Due to the greater increase in the use of synthetic materials, a resolution was passed by the state Legislature memorializing the United State Congress to pass Federal legislation
related to flammable wearing apparel.

1949: The state Legislature implemented the State Fire Advisory Board’s recommendations and established a Traveling Instructor Program and summer conferences. The programs were coordinated by the Department of Education.

1949: The state Legislature amended Section 13143 of the Health and Safety Code (H&S) to further define the State Fire Marshal authority. As a result, Title-19, California Administrative Code
was developed.

1949: The state Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 91 (Resolution Chapter 174, Statutes of 1949) authored by Assemblyman Ralph M. Brown (30th District – Stanislaus) – Relative to liquid petroleum gas allocating $2,500.00 to the State Fire Marshal to ascertain, study, and analyze all of the facts relating to the storage, use and handling of liquidized petroleum gas, and after consulting with representatives of the liquid petroleum gas industry and the fire service of California, prepare an outline of the safety standards deemed necessary and to report his findings and recommendations to the Legislature not later than the fifteenth day of the 1951 Regular Session of the Legislature.

1949: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 31 (Chapter 1007, Statutes of 1949) authored by W. P. Rich (10th District – Sutter/Yuba) which required the State Fire Marshal or his deputies or assistants, to enter and inspect spotting, sponging, or pressing establishments, private schools or colleges of spotting, sponging, or pressing, or agencies of clothes cleaning establishments.

1949: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2499 (Chapter 1051, Statutes of 1949) authored by Assemblyman Glenard P. Lipscomb (56th District – Los Angeles) which amended previous bills addressing the spotting, sponging, or pressing establishments, private schools or colleges of spotting, sponging, or pressing, or agencies of clothes cleaning establishments construction and operational regulations.

1949: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 234 (Chapter 1163, Statutes of 1949) authored by Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) which appropriated $69,518 from the Department of Education for fire training under the provisions of the Vocational Education Fund. As an “urgency Measure” these funds were deemed necessary for the following reason: “Adequate fire training programs are necessary to provide adequate protection to persons and property from the ravages of fire in both urban and rural areas of the State”. In order that the fire training programs now being carried on may be increased in scope and effectiveness at the earliest possible moment and the public welfare served to the greatest degree possible, it is necessary that this act take effect immediately.

1949: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 235 (Chapter 1164, Statutes of 1949) authored by Senator Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) which appropriated $21,785 for “Fire Service Training Institutes”.

1949: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 238 (Chapter 1169, Statutes of 1949) authored by Senator Hugh P. Donnelly (22nd District – Stanislaus) which added Section 9165 to the Education Code relating to “Instructors for Fire Training Programs under the Vocational Education Fund”

1949: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 359 (Chapter 1249, Statutes of 1949) authored by Assemblywoman Kathryn T. Niehouse (79th District – San Diego) amending Section 24526 of the Education Code which required that public, private, or parochial school buildings with over fifty (50) students in one classroom have a dependable and operative fire warning system.

1949: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 347 (Chapter 1403, Statutes of 1949) authored by Senator George J. Hatfield (24th District – Madera/Merced) requiring the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt rules and regulations establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire as Section 13143 (H&S Code pertains to a number of occupancies. In preparing these changes, the SFM will secure the advice of the Department of Education as it relates to public schools.

1930: Chief Jay Stevens established Regional Offices in San Francisco, located in the Insurance Exchange Building (led by Deputy McDill) and Los Angeles, located in the State Building (headed
by Deputy Scovall).

1931: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1500 (Chapter 143, Statutes of 1931) authored by Emory J. Arnold (53rd District – Los Angeles) which amended the six (6) criteria of the “Act of 1923 to create the Office of the State Fire Marshal” and provided for the SFM to appoint city fire
marshals and their salaried assistance as deputies.

1931: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 427 (Chapter 427, Statutes of 1931) authored by Robert Lincoln Patterson (48th District – Kern) which amended the criteria of the original act creating the Office of the State Fire Marshal by defining more specifically the design and construction of all state institutions, the installation of equipment and furnishings used is factories,
asylums, hospitals, sanitariums, churches, schools, halls, theaters, amphitheaters, and all other places where large numbers of persons work, live, or congregate for any purpose.

1931: The state Legislature pass two pieces of legislation, Assembly Bill No. 1083 (Chapter 424, Statutes of 1931) authored by Assemblyman William B. Hornblower (25th District – San Francisco) “An Act Regulating Spotting, Sponging and Pressing Establishments” (commonly referred to as the Press Shop Law) and the second, Assembly Bill No. 1084 (Chapter 425, Statutes of 1931) authored by Assemblyman William B. Hornblower (25th District – San Francisco) which defined the roll of the State Fire Marshal “An Act Relating to the Office of the State Fire Marshal”.

Note: This later Act stated:
“It shall also be his duty to make and enforce orders, rules and regulations, not inconsistent with any existing law or ordinance related to:

a) The protection from fire in the design and construction of all state institutions; the meansand adequacy of exits there from, and the installation and maintenance of fire alarm andfire extinguishment systems therein;

b) The installation of equipment and furnishings that present unusually fire hazards and the means and adequacies of exits in case of fire, from factories, asylums, hospitals, sanitariums, churches, schools, hall, theaters, amphitheaters and all other places where large numbers of persons work, live or congregate for any purpose. It shall also be his duty to carry on educational work throughout the state, encouraging the adoption of fire prevention measures, and to prepare or cause to be prepared information relating to the subject of the fire prevention and extinguishment for dissemination.”

1931: A “3rd Act” to regulate cleaning and dyeing shops or stores and spotting, sponging and/or pressing establishments was passed that year. The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1380 (Chapter 521, Statutes of 1931) authored by Assemblyman George H. Wilder (68th District – Los Angeles) which focused more on the regulations by the State Fire Marshal to regulate, inspect, and defined penalties for violating the provisions of the rules and regulations.

1931: The state Legislation passed Assembly Bill No. 734 (Chapter 580, Statutes of 1931) authored by Assemblyman Hubert B. Scudder (7th District – Sonoma) which authorized the SFM to develop the tools that were necessary to standardize fire hose couplings and fire hydrant fittings to a national standard.

1931: State Fire Marshal Jay Stevens and Chief John C. Beswick (Bureau of Industrial Education, State Department of Education) met with Fire Chief Ralph J. Scott, then with the City of Los Angeles Fire Department. From this meeting was born the State Fire Training System. The system was initially administered by the State Department of Education.

1932: In September of 1932 the Matilja Fire (Ventura County) consumed 220,000-acreas.

1933: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1011 (Chapter 48, Statutes of 1933) authored by Assemblyman Bruce B. Scudder (7th District – Marin/Sonoma) which amended the powers and duties of the Office of the State Fire Marshal with regard to the appointment of active Chiefs of Fire Departments, City Fire Marshals and/or his salaried field assistance.

1933: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 675 (Chapter 278, Statutes of 1933) authored by Assemblyman Lawrence Cobb (58th District – Los Angeles) which made the appropriations for the support of the Division of Industrial Fire Safety (Office of the State Fire Marshal) to be $100,000 payable to the State Fire Marshal’s Fund.

1933: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 969 (Chapter 635, Statutes of 1933) authored by Senator Walter H. Duval (33rd District – Ventura) which amended the 1931 bills (AB-1083, AB- 1084, and AB-1380) by addressing issues raised in the enforcement of the previous cleaning and dyeing shops and stores and spotting, sponging and /or pressing establishments.

1935: The Legislature changed the agency name to the Division of Fire Safety. While the other three division heads within the Department of Industrial Relations were given annual salaries of $5,000.00, the State Fire Marshal still received no compensation.

1935: The state Legislature (passed Assembly Bill No. 700 (Chapter 341, Statutes of 1935) authored by Assemblyman C. C. Cottrell (31st District – Santa Clara) which allocated $123,848 (Item #53) for the support of the Division of Industrial Fire Safety. (Note: The Department of Industrial Relations was allocated $1,434,700.35 (Item #51) and an additional $5,832.24 (Item # 52) to support “Motor Boat Inspection Program”.)

1935: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2134 (Chapter 507, Statutes of 1935) authored by Assemblyman John B. Pelletier (44th District – Los Angeles) relating to school property fire loss and allowed a school district situated within or partly within cities of the first class (Class 1) or of the first and one-half (Class 1-1/2) class any board of education, in lieu of carrying the insurance may establish a “Sinking Fund” for the purpose covering the fire losses and place therein each year a sum not less than fifty percent (50%) of the amount of premium which such board may estimate would be necessary to carry such insurance.

1937: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 90 (Chapter 90, Statures of 1937) authored by Assemblyman Thomas A. Maloney (20th District – San Francisco) which established the Labor Code and General Provision No. 57 under the Department of Industrial Relations stated that “The State Fire Marshal shall be Chief of the Division of Fire Safety and shall receive no compensation thereof.

1937: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 500 (Chapter 157, Statutes of 1937) authored by Assemblyman Alfred W. Robertson (39th District – Santa Barbara) appropriating (Item #79) for the support of the Division of Fire Safety (within the Department of Industrial Relations) the amount of $122,158. (Note: The amount allocated for the Department of Industrial Relations was $1,625,185 not including the $122,158 for the Division of Fire Safety. It was also noted that the Division of Forestry, Department of Natural Resources was allocated $28,000 from the State Board of Forestry Fire Prevention Fund...)

1937: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1048 (Chapter 393, Statutes of 1937) authored by Assemblyman Ralph Louis Welsh (63rd District – Los Angeles) requiring the adoption and use of a “uniform fire alarm code signal” in all public, private, or parochial schools. The signal is given by means of an apparatus emitting intermittent sound signals, then such signal shall be given repeated successive short intermittent signals for a full period of ten (10) seconds, to be immediately followed by an intermission or period of silence of five (5) full seconds before said signal is repeated. In no case shall this signal or signals be given for less than one (1) minute period.

1937: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2733 (Chapter 522, Statutes of 1937) authored by Assemblyman Cecile R. King (67th District – Los Angeles) which was “An Act to reduce the fire hazards of clothes cleaning establishments and to promote the occupational security of the operators therein, providing for the enforcement thereof by the State Fire Marshal, Chief of the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Industrial relations, providing ways and means for enforcement and providing penalties for violations.”

1938: The state Legislature passed the first fireworks law, Assembly Bill No. 475 (Chapter 534, Statutes of 1938) authored by Assembly Member Kent Redwine (57th District – Los Angeles) which regulated the sale of fireworks.

1939: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 657 (Chapter 60, Statutes of 1933) authored by Senator Frank W. Mixter (32nd District – Tulare) an act to “Establish a Health and Safety Code”, thereby consolidating and revising the law relating to the preservation of the public health and safety, including the health and safety of persons, the custody and disposition of dead bodies, the safety and protection of property; and matters incidental thereto.

1939: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1200 (Chapter 486, Statutes of 1939) authored by Assemblyman Ben Rosenthal (52nd District – Los Angeles) which made appropriations in the amount of $148,583 (Item #90) for the support of the Division of Fire Safety (Office of the State Fire Marshal).

1939: The Regional Office in San Francisco moved from the Insurance Exchange Building to the Kohl Building at 406 Montgomery Street in December of 1939.

1923: On May 23, 1923 the state Legislature passed “An Act to create the Office of the State Fire Marshal…”, Assembly Bill No. 409 (Chapter 188, Statutes of 1923) authored by Assemblyman Harry F. Morrison (29th District – San Francisco).

1923: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 881 (Chapter 239, Statutes of 1923) authored by Assemblyman Charles F. Reindollar (17th District – Marin) which gave several counties the power to regulate or to prohibit and prevent within their respective counties the sale and use of fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes, and other pyrotechnics.

1923: On September 17, 1923 the Berkeley Fire (Alameda County), located north of the University of California Berkeley Campus, consumed some 640 structures, including 584 homes in a densely- built neighborhood.

1927: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 666 (Chapter 880, Statutes of 1927) authored by Senator Edgar S. Hurley (16th District – Alameda) “An act to reduce the fire insurance hazards of the business of clothes cleaning establishments, providing for the enforcement thereof by the State Fire Marshal, providing ways and means for enforcement and providing penalties for violations”.

(During the 1910’s the average U.S. dry-cleaning operation used 12,000 gallons of gasoline a year. In the early 1920’s the development of Stoddard solvent [W.J. Stoddard was an Atlanta GA drycleaner and president of the National Institute of Dry-cleaning] was heralded as a major
research breakthrough in the dry cleaning industry. Stoddard solvent had a higher flash point then other petroleum based solvents.)

1929: The OSFM was called the Division of Industrial Fire Safety and operated within the Department of Industrial Relations. The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 95 (Chapter 39, Statutes of 1929) authored by Assemblyman T.M. Wright (44th District – Santa Clara) which showed an approved Budget of $1,484-million while the Office of the State Fire Marshal was established to be $42,340.00 was approved.

1929: The state Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 252 (Chapter 115, Statutes of 1929) authored by Senator H.J. Evans (35th District – Los Angeles) which authorized the State Board of Forestry to designate “Hazardous Fire Areas” within the State of California.

1929: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 433 (Chapter 155, Statutes of 1929) authored by Assemblyman Robert B. Fry (30th District – San Francisco) the “Act to Reduce the Fire Insurance hazards of the Business of Clothes Cleaning Establishments, providing for the Enforcement thereof by the State Fire Marshal, providing ways and means for Enforcement and providing penalties for Violations” by amending the 1927 law (SB-666).

1929: The state Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 1117 (Chapter 415, Statutes of 1929) authored by Assemblyman James A. Miller (32nd District – San Francisco) which transferred money in the Contingent Fund of the SFM to the clothes cleaning establishment fund, abolishing the Fund of the State Fire Marshal and providing support of the Division of Industrial Fire Safety, in the Department of Industrial Relations.