Welcome to the official page of the Iowa State Fire Marshal, a Division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. If you have an emergency, please call 911.
This is the official page of the Iowa State Fire Marshal, a division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The purpose of this page is to provide news and general information about the Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office to the public. Through promotion of safety regulations, training, and arson investigations, we help reduce the loss of life and property by fire. We oversee the Iowa Fire Service
06/01/2026
Congratulations to Andrew Giere on his recent promotion to Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Iowa State Fire Marshal - Arson & Explosives Bureau! SAC Giere is a Certified Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and is also a Certified Bomb Technician through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
05/05/2026
Arson Awareness Week - May 5-11, 2026
Arson remains a serious public safety threat, resulting in significant property loss and placing firefighters, first responders, and residents at risk.
04/16/2026
Important Safety Reminders:
Don't start a campfire or burn yard debris if there are high winds or high temperatures.
Keep fire pits, wood piles, and propane tanks 10 to 30 feet from your home.
Before you burn, check to see if your county has an active burn ban here: https://iowa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/c22956334fd8435080ed851f549c5263
03/24/2026
Spring has sprung in Iowa—and so have the fire risks! As you dust off the grill, rake the yard, and tackle spring cleaning, don't forget to check your smoke alarms, clear those flammable hazards, and fire-proof your home.
03/10/2026
Congratulations to Special Agent Mark Weidman on his retirement! After 32 years of dedicated service in roles across the department, including the Iowa State Patrol, State Fire Marshal Division, and the Division of Criminal Investigation, Mark concludes a remarkable career with DPS.
Thank you for your commitment to public safety!
Ready to begin your own journey? Learn more about joining our team DPSCareers.com
03/07/2026
You used to have seven to eight minutes to leave your home after you heard the smoke alarm. Now, you have 1 or 2 minutes from the time the alarm sounds. Make sure you have properly maintained and fully-functional smoke detectors and evacuation plans.
03/03/2026
Before the crowds arrive, our Explosives Detection K-9 team is on site.
Part of the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, these highly trained teams help ensure large event spaces are safe so communities can gather with confidence. 🐾
02/16/2026
🔥 Due to ongoing dry conditions across Iowa, burn bans are in effect in several counties. Help keep our communities safe—check the latest map for updates and know before you burn!
Stay informed and share this post to spread the word.
👉 View the map: https://ow.ly/E3eU50YgIjo
Candlelight creates a warm, inviting ambiance — but safety should always come first. According to the NFPA, candles are involved in thousands of home fires each year, many preventable with simple precautions.
Key tips for safe candle use:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended — extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each use to avoid high flames and soot.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable (curtains, papers, bedding, etc.).
- Place them on stable, heat-resistant surfaces, out of reach of children and pets.
- Avoid drafts and never burn for more than 4 hours at a time.
A small moment of care can prevent a big risk. Enjoy your candles responsibly this season! "
01/23/2026
Don't Let the Cold Ignite Your Bold: Space Heaters Need Space!
Be safe during these frigid days. Practice these heating safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)!