By Doug Nelson, State Fire Marshal
Hello and welcome to the start of the holiday season. As the days get busier for the holidays, so too does fire prevention messaging and fire service activities.
NERIS Launches in North Dakota
The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is replacing the old system and will begin on-boarding and reporting fires for North Dakota as of November 3rd, 2025. This is an exciting step towards improving fire reporting.
To help this transition, we will be sending out information early in the month and continue regular updates. This will primarily be through email, so please make sure important vital NERIS communications don’t end up in your junk mail folder.
Please check on our website to register at Upcoming Events | North Dakota Fire Marshal.
Fire Code Updates
Our state fire code adoption is nearly in final draft stage. Fire chiefs, marshals from around the state, and our office will meet to discuss what will be included in the final draft as we move forward with planning for the administrative rule process. Please let us know if you are interested in being a part of these meetings or if you have any ideas of how to improve our fire code.
Collaboration With Industry
Two initiatives we’ve been working on with industry partners include gathering input for fireworks century code updates and fire protection contractors for updates to fire protection system licensing in the state. We are looking to industry to provide some framework on what regulation reforms could be positive for both the private and public sector. Our goal is to collaborate to find the most positive changes that can improve safety in our state.
November Safety Highlights
November has many other safety initiatives including Carbon Monoxide Awareness, Injury Prevention, Holiday Safety, remembering past tragic fires, and showing our appreciation for Veteran’s on the 11.
Please reach out if there is anything that we can help with and we wish everyone a safe run up to the holidays.