Hot Topics Blog

This month we’re settling into our new main office at 2792 East Broadway Avenue in Bismarck, thanks to a great partnership with the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association. Our team also attended the National Association of State Fire Marshals Symposium in Biloxi, where the theme “All hours, all hazards: Disaster never sleeps” underscored the importance of a team approach to disaster response. In August, I testified before the Emergency Response Services Interim Committee on ways state agencies can better support fire departments during major incidents, with more hearings planned this fall. Finally, our fire safety focus is appliance fires—our investigators are using new portable X-ray technology to examine appliances without damaging them, giving us valuable insights into causes and prevention.

Over the last five years, North Dakota has seen a steady stream of fires caused by everyday appliances—more than 60 from clothes dryers alone, plus spikes from heat lamps and small kitchen devices like air fryers. Most of these fires are preventable with simple habits: clean dryer lint traps and vents, secure or replace risky heat lamps with safer alternatives, and unplug small appliances when not in use. As Fire Marshal Doug Nelson notes, “Most appliance fires don’t start with bad luck—they start with everyday habits.”

As summer winds down, several key initiatives are underway in the fire service. The Fire Department Certificate of Existence program is now open, with all departments required to submit by October 31. We're also expanding fire investigation training to meet new certification standards, preparing for the NASFM Annual Symposium in Mississippi, welcoming a new deputy fire marshal in Devils Lake, and tracking three upcoming legislative studies—starting with a focus on volunteer recruitment and retention on August 20.

As students prepare to head back to college, it’s important to remember that campus fire safety goes far beyond dorm rooms—most fatal fires occur in off-campus housing, where protections like smoke alarms or sprinklers may be lacking. Fire departments can play a key role by sharing safety tips, hosting events, and staying connected with students and parents—even in areas without a campus. Encouraging fire-safe habits now can help protect young adults for years to come.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is preparing for the statewide transition from NFIRS to the new National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) in 2025, with a mass transition planned for November. Departments must continue reporting in NFIRS until notified and should begin planning now to extract and store historical data, as NFIRS access will end January 31, 2026.

Ensuring fire safety in North Dakota’s apartments and rental units is essential under the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC). Key provisions include restrictions on open-flame devices and grills, requirements for clear exits, visible signage, functional emergency lighting, accessible fire extinguishers, and working carbon monoxide alarms. Fire professionals play a critical role in verifying compliance during inspections and educating property managers and tenants to help prevent hazards and ensure safe evacuations.

It’s almost Certificate of Existence (CoE) season! While the annual process may sound simple, we know it can come with a few headaches—especially when time and resources are tight.

This post from Marcy Ost breaks down what departments can do now to prepare, what to expect when submissions open, and how we’re here to help every step of the way. Plus, don’t miss the details on our upcoming Lunch and Learn!

Big things are heating up this summer at the State Fire Marshal’s Office! From the reopening of the National Fire Academy to major events like NASFM and the kickoff of the 2026 Fire Code adoption process, there's no shortage of important updates, opportunities, and ways to get involved in this post from State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson.

They’re fun, convenient, and everywhere, but hobby appliances like e-scooters, hoverboards, and power tools can pose serious fire risks if their lithium-ion batteries aren’t handled with care. In his blog post, Deputy Fire Marshal Jordan VanBerkum outlines the hidden dangers of these high-powered batteries and the signs of potential failure. From bulging battery packs to the wrong chargers, small mistakes can lead to big hazards.

Fireworks are a beloved part of our Independence Day celebrations, but they also come with serious risks. In his latest blog post, State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson shares sobering statistics, safety tips, and important legal guidance to help keep North Dakotans safe this Fourth of July. Even sparklers, often seen as harmless, can burn at temperatures hot enough to ignite a house fire.