SB494

SB494 updates New Hampshire's fire code, enhances fire incident reporting, and expands the duties of the state fire marshal.

SB494 amends New Hampshire's fire code by adopting the 2024 editions of the Life Safety Code and the Uniform Fire Code. It mandates that all fire department incident responses be reported to the state fire marshal within 10 days. The state fire marshal is authorized to investigate fires, building collapses, and carbon monoxide releases, and may charge inspection fees for electrical and mechanical safety inspections. The bill also allows the state fire marshal to compel witnesses to testify and assists local fire code inspections when local officials are unavailable.