Communications

Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread has appointed Matt Clark as North Dakota’s State Fire Marshal. Clark, who most recently served nearly five years as fire chief of the Williston Fire Department, brings 21 years of fire service experience along with extensive leadership, public safety, and legislative collaboration expertise. In his new role, Clark will oversee fire prevention, investigations, inspections, and public education efforts statewide, working with local, state, and elected partners to strengthen fire safety and community resilience across North Dakota.

North Dakota’s fire departments are transitioning to the new National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) — a secure, cloud-based platform that modernizes how emergency data is collected and analyzed. Replacing the 40-year-old NFIRS system, NERIS provides departments with real-time dashboards, analytics, and GIS-based tools at no cost. The State Fire Marshal’s Office and Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread say the move will simplify reporting, improve statewide data accuracy, and strengthen public safety. Departments are encouraged to begin onboarding now ahead of NFIRS’ retirement on January 1, 2026.

The North Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging long-term care providers and families to prioritize oxygen safety after a tragic fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility claimed 10 lives. Investigators say the use of home oxygen contributed to the fire’s intensity.

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson emphasizes that while oxygen doesn’t burn, it can fuel fires dangerously fast. Facilities and families are encouraged to review precautions, including installing Thermal Fuse Cutoffs (TFOs)—small devices that shut off oxygen flow if tubing ignites.

Today, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, a division of the North Dakota Insurance Department, released the preliminary fire statistics for 2024.

November marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and the simple steps North Dakotans can take to protect their families.