State Fire Marshal

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is the law enforcement branch of the Division, which is responsible for conducting fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other associated crimes (i.e. insurance fraud, homicide, motor vehicle theft, terrorism, etc.) across the state.

This is the State Fire Marshal's forensic laboratory. It is one of only three in the nation and is the only State of Florida laboratory providing specialized expert forensic analysis of criminal evidence related to fires and explosions. Personnel chemically analyze fire and explosion scene evidence for ignitable liquids, explosives and other chemical hazards. Other personnel digitally analyze video and images for information related to crime scenes, suspects, and victims.

The Bureau of Fire Prevention is comprised of four sections, under the direction of the Chief of Fire Prevention, Casia Sinco. The four sections and their Managers are: Inspections Section, George Cooper; Plans Review, Karl Thompson; Boiler Safety, Mike Burns; and Regulatory Licensing, Keith McCarthy.

The BFST operates the Florida State Fire College and governs over 30 Certified Firefighter Training Centers located throughout Florida and maintains the employment history of all firefighters in the state, as well as administering the Firefighters suplemental Compensation Program, and managing Florida Firefighter OSHA rules, assists with FFOSHA requirements and provides information to firefighters about establishing and maintaining safety and health processes and procedures.