News

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.

The holiday season brings several important updates for North Dakota’s fire service, including new information about AAIS’s FLAMES fire protection evaluation tool. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is also partnering with statewide organizations to host a free fireworks regulation training on January 29 in West Fargo, with more details coming soon. January will feature additional events, including the adoption of the new State Building Code and Community Risk Reduction Week. As NERIS onboarding continues to grow statewide, we encourage everyone to stay engaged, stay informed, and take time to slow down and safely enjoy the season.

Following International Fraud Awareness Week, the North Dakota Insurance Fraud Division is highlighting its strong partnership with fire departments in detecting and preventing fire-related insurance fraud. Firefighters are often the first to spot suspicious indicators at a scene, providing crucial early documentation that helps investigators determine whether a claim is legitimate. The Fraud Division strengthens these efforts with investigative authority, legal tools, and an in-house prosecutor who can move cases swiftly from investigation to prosecution. Together, these collaborations protect public safety, reduce fraud-related costs, and reinforce a unified effort to safeguard North Dakota communities.

As winter sets in, carbon monoxide (CO) risks rise sharply due to ice houses, continuous home heating, and increased generator use—making CO one of the most preventable emergencies for North Dakota fire departments, especially volunteer agencies. Key safety reminders for the public include using CO alarms, ventilating ice houses, properly maintaining heating equipment, and keeping generators far from homes and shelters. Fire departments can help reduce incidents by sharing seasonal CO safety tips, checking their own monitoring equipment, and engaging the community through local outreach. CO emergencies spike every winter, but timely reminders can save lives across North Dakota.

Carbon monoxide (CO) becomes a serious winter hazard as furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances run more often. Because CO is colorless and odorless, dangerous levels can build up quickly without proper detection. The International Fire Code (IFC) requires CO alarms in homes and buildings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, along with proper placement and maintenance. Regularly servicing heating systems, keeping vents clear, and testing alarms are simple steps that prevent most CO emergencies. By following the code and practicing good safety habits, we can keep our community safe throughout the winter season.

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.

As the holiday season begins, fire prevention efforts are ramping up across North Dakota. NERIS, the new National Emergency Response Information System, officially launched on November 3, marking a major step forward in modernizing fire reporting statewide. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will share updates and host a Lunch & Learn on November 6 to assist departments with onboarding. Work also continues on state fire code updates and collaborations with industry on fireworks regulations and contractor licensing reforms. This month’s safety focus includes carbon monoxide awareness, injury prevention, and holiday fire safety—important reminders to stay proactive and safe throughout the season.

November offers powerful reminders of why fire prevention and community risk reduction matter, with anniversaries of the Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire and the MGM Grand Hotel fire underscoring that our best defense is prevention. Use this month’s touchpoints to engage your community: Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, National Injury Prevention Day (Nov. 18), and seasonal holiday safety around heating, cooking, and crowded venues. Quick actions—inspections, safety reminders, and pre-plan reviews—save lives. Updates: free CO detectors are available through Lauren’s Project; join our Lunch & Learn on Dec. 2; and the ND Community Risk Reduction group meets the third Friday at 9 a.m. (contact Marcy at malost@nd.gov).

The fire codes we follow today were shaped by past tragedies, including the Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in Boston on November 28, 1942—the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history, claiming 492 lives and injuring 166. The blaze began when a match ignited flammable decorations in the overcrowded club, spreading rapidly and trapping patrons behind blocked exits and a jammed revolving door. The disaster exposed serious lapses in building safety and code enforcement, leading to major reforms in fire and building codes that influence the International Fire Code today. Modern requirements for safe occupancy limits, clear exits, and restrictions on combustible materials exist largely because of lessons learned from Cocoanut Grove.

Fall is the perfect season for fire chiefs to engage kids with fun, memorable lessons on fire safety. Simple activities like mini fire drills, coloring sheets, Halloween safety tips, equipment demonstrations, and storytime events make learning both exciting and effective. These easy-to-implement ideas help children practice safe habits while building positive connections with their local fire department. Even small outreach efforts can make a lasting impact—one child at a time.