Leadership message: Through teamwork, the Campus Fire Marshal Program ensures fire and life safety
(SACRAMENTO)
Dear Colleagues,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out today to clarify the role and responsibilities of the UC Davis Health Campus Fire Marshal and our team, particularly as they relate to our partnership with the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
Per our formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Campus Fire Marshals at UC Davis Health act as official proxies of the OSFM. This designation grants us the same authority and responsibilities as a Deputy State Fire Marshal (Grade III), as outlined in Section 13108 of the California Health and Safety Code. This authority is granted by the State Legislature and, by extension, the people of California.
Under Section 13108(f), our office has legal authority to access any and all areas of state-owned, leased, or occupied properties at any time – including UC Davis Health facilities. While we are always mindful of sensitive environments such as surgical suites, quarantine areas, and research zones, the law provides unrestricted access with very few exceptions. The only areas requiring escort by law are law enforcement facilities and pharmacies.
The Campus Fire Marshal Program exists to ensure a compliant and effective Fire and Life Safety (F&LS) environment for everyone who works at, receives care from, or visits UC Davis Health. We achieve this through a balanced approach ofeducation, engineering, and enforcement:
Education: All members of our team are trained Fire and Life Safety Public Educators. We deliver thousands of hours of F&LS education each year across the health system.
Engineering: We collaborate closely with our partners in Plant Operations & Maintenance (PO&M), Facilities Planning & Development (FP&D), and Research, Education and Scientific Development (RES&D) to design solutions that enhance compliance.
Enforcement: While our primary approach is collaborative, we are also mandated to act when necessary. Some inspections are unannounced per regulation. Enforcement actions are rare and typically involve written compliance notices. Only in exceptional circumstances do we escalate to the Chancellor, UC Office of the President, OSFM, or legal authorities.
We understand that unannounced visits may be disruptive, but they are often necessary to meet our regulatory and public safety obligations. Our goal is always to work cooperatively with you – not as regulators first, but as advisors and partners.
Please take the time to get to know our Fire Marshal team. Many of us are local, share similar interests, and are proud members of the UC Davis Health community. When we appear in your areas – announced or not – know that our mission is to support your safety, not hinder your work.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a safe, compliant, and resilient environment.Fire and Life Safety is everyone’s responsibility – and everyone’s fight.
