fire marshal

American  

noun

1. an official heading a bureau for the prevention or investigation of fires.

2. a person who has charge of the fire-prevention equipment and personnel of an industrial plant.

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fire marshal British  

noun

1. a public official responsible for investigating the causes of fires, enforcing fire prevention laws, etc

2. the head of a fire prevention organization

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Etymology

Origin of fire marshal

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Attendees had to be turned away from one breakfast meeting with top military brass because of legal limits enforced by a fire marshal.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

If the state fire marshal recommends new policy, the draft reads, the change should only be from a three-story maximum up to four.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Gonzales County, an agriculture-rich area of 20,000 people along the Guadalupe River, is among the rural communities struggling to obtain funding, said emergency management director Jimmy Harless, who is also the county’s fire marshal.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2025

Kara Garrett, a spokesperson for the state office of the fire marshal, said the agency was still reviewing the judge’s decision “and planning for our compliance.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2025

He even stood up to the fire marshal, who always walks through the building after an unannounced fire alarm.

From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea