Monthly Report
California State Fire Marshal
August 2002
Statutes and Regulations Course
Work on the new Statutes and Regulations course is continuing. Course developers are looking at holding a beta test/pilot class in October. SFM is looking for representatives from the fire service who have fire prevention and/or training backgrounds to provide a critique of the class. If you are interested, please contact Hugh Council by telephoning (916) 445-8174. SFM is planning to deliver the first "official" class at the FPO workshop in Monterey next February.

Terrorism Response Training Program
Thanks to a grant approved by Governor Davis, California will soon have a standardized training curriculum for responding to a terrorist attack. First Responder Operations: Terrorism Consequence Management is a comprehensive 16-hour course designed to train firefighters and paramedics on the proper first response to Weapons of Mass Destruction attacks and other terrorist threats. Additional information on this program can be found on the SFM web site at: osfm.ca.gov

Potential Effects of Budget Cuts on SFM Programs
SFM continues to deploy staff to field assignments. Our goal is to provide local fire officials with access to a Deputy State Fire Marshal who can provide them with assistance on just about every program operated by SFM. However, the success of this endeavor may be significantly tempered by the State's budget situation. SFM Code Enforcement, Regulations Development and CFIRS programs are all supported by appropriations from the General Fund. Any cuts in General Fund appropriation will have significant effect on SFM's success in these programs.

SB 1896 Regulations
SFM continues to work with interested parties (including the Department of Social Services and Department of Developmental Services) in the development of regulations in response to SB 1896 (regulations for bedridden clients in residential facilities serving 6 or more).