Editing Fire marshal (section)

=== Pennsylvania fire marshals ===

There are two levels of fire marshals in Pennsylvania, the state police fire marshal and the local fire marshal. The State Fire Marshal had been an independent office until powers and duties were transferred to the state police in 1919. In 1927, the state ([[Commonwealth (U.S. state)|Commonwealth]]) created the local fire marshal position underneath the state police, via an act of April 27, 1927 (P.L. 450, No. 291).

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fire marshals are usually considered the final investigative authority for fires deemed exceptionally costly (over $1,000,000) or where a death has occurred. PSP fire marshals are notified by the local fire marshal when their involvement is necessary. State law authorizes and identifies the local fire marshal as an "Assistant to the State Police Fire Marshal". Local fire marshals are selected for their positions by the local fire chief or municipality. The State Police Commissioner (Colonel) then appoints them to the PSP office.

Local fire marshals are authorized to investigate fires, obtain and execute search documents, take evidence, and detain and question in the process of establishing origin and cause. This process may or may not result in affecting an arrest or prosecution. Both levels of Fire Marshals often testify in civil and criminal court proceedings, and respond and collaborate with insurance investigators. Along with state law, many municipalities have assigned local [[Law enforcement officer|law enforcement officer (LEO)]] status to their respective fire marshals due to the nature of the service, requirements to detain, question or arrest, enforce fire safety-related laws, and to protect themselves during potential [https://web.archive.org/web/20100305072517/http://www.wfmz.com/news/22307128/detail.html high-risk investigations]. (Some of the largest [https://web.archive.org/web/20100926124137/http://methlabhomes.com/2008/09/pennsylvania-meth-cook-used-cave-to-make-1-million-in-meth/ methamphetamine labs] in the U.S. have been found in Pennsylvania during local fire marshal's investigations.)

All municipalities and fire districts require fundamental fire training and substantial fire fighting experience, followed by progressive continuing fire investigation education supplied by the Pennsylvania State Police. Municipalities who have granted specific LEO status usually require either [http://www.mpoetc.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/mpoetc/7545 PA Act 120] or [http://www.lethalweapons.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/lethal_weapons_training_program/7611 PA Act 235] training in addition.