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April 3, 2020
Dear Stakeholder, Industry Associations, Local Government Partners and Cooperating Agencies:
As the COVID-19 emergency continues to evolve, fire departments and fire protection contractors must ensure fire prevention and life safety systems and equipment are in working order. These systems and products are essential functions in safeguarding the public, businesses and institutions.
The CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) regulations continue to be in effect and relevant deadlines apply. The California Fire Code, California Building Code, California Code of Regulations Title 19 and Federal Regulations remain in effect. We are actively evaluating the longterm options for our licensing renewal deadlines, and other statutory and regulatory timelines. Given the circumstance, we are exercising reasonable accommodations and increased coordination when it comes to enforcing the various requirements and inspections. We recommend local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to do the same, as these regulations are essential.
The OSFM recommends the following guidance from the National Fire Protection Association:
• All commercial and multi-occupancy residential buildings should maintain fully operational fire and life safety systems as required in law and/or regulations.
• Building owners and managers should adhere to the expected schedules for inspection, testing, and maintenance.
• Public and private contractors and employees who perform the inspection, maintenance and other responsibilities for these systems are deemed essential workers.
The entire OSFM staff is working to ensure the continuity of operations and government throughout this dynamic event, while protecting the health of our employees and the public we serve. Please feel free to contact our office if you should have questions or if clarification is needed.
For COVID-19 updates, Information Bulletins, and State and National guidance, you may also reference our website at OSFM.fire.ca.gov/OSFM-COVID-19.
Best regards,
MICHAEL RICHWINE
Acting State Fire Marshal
CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal