Editing Fire marshal (section)

=== California fire marshals ===

[[File:CALFire Photo.png|thumb|A group photo of CALFire staff]]

Like most states, Californian fire marshals are typically associated with a city or region's local fire department. Yet, California has two additional authorities that hold the official designations of fire marshal. One is the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).<ref>[http://www.fire.ca.gov/ California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection]</ref> It is tasked with the building code enforcement of all structures and occupancies within the state. They have the authority to issue building permits, conduct building inspections and investigate code violations. California Fire marshals are designated peace officers.<ref>[http://osfm.fire.ca.gov California Fire marshals]</ref> The person heading this office is officially designated as the State Fire Marshal.<ref>[http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/ California Office of the State Fire Marshal]</ref>

The second authority designated as fire marshals is the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) who is the state building official for all California hospitals.  They are tasked with the structural, electrical and fire/life safety reliability of all hospital construction in the state.  This responsibility is paramount in California due to the frequency and intensity of earthquake seismic activity it experiences.