OSFM Engineering

10/21/2026

Putting their skills to the test at the NC State Fair! Today, the NC OSFM was proud to provide judging and support for the 41st Annual NC State Fair Electrical Apprentice Contest!

This annual competition showcases some of NC's talented electrical apprentices as they put their knowledge, precision and hands-on skills to the test. From electrical installations to code knowledge and safety, these competitors demonstrate the hard work and dedication it takes to build a successful career in the electrical trade.

Our OSFM team is proud to support this event and help recognize the next generation of skilled professionals who will play an important role in keeping North Carolina’s homes, businesses and communities safe.

A big congratulations to all the apprentices who competed today, and a special thank-you to the organizers, judges and industry partners who make this event possible!

10/21/2026

10/07/2026

DID YOU KNOW? Smoke alarms generally should be replaced when they are 10 years old! For Day 2 of Fire Prevention Week, let's highlight the importance of knowing when to replace your smoke alarm!

You know when you bought your phone. You probably know when you bought your car.
But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? Luckily, NC OSFM has amazing resources on smoke alarm safety that you can use in your homes.

⏰Check the date.
📝Test the alarm.
👍Protect your family.

Take a look at the back of your alarms and check the manufacture date. If an alarm is 10 years old or older, it's time for a new one.
Don't wait for the alarm to start chirping!
A smoke alarm is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in your home. Make sure yours is ready when you need it.
Looking to learn more? Visit our website in the comments below for additional resources on smoke alarm safety!

10/02/2026

The 4th Quarter Fire Marshal’s Journal is here! We're excited to share the latest updates, spotlight stories, and everything happening at the OSFM.
Check it out and stay connected with all things NC OSFM. Don't forget to share this post with your local departments to stay updated! Can't scan the QR code? Visit our website or click the link in the comments below!

09/30/2026

This week, North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal fire investigators are at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s South Campus teaching the Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) certification class.

The FIT certification provides fire service professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to take the next step in developing their capabilities as fire investigators. Participants are learning from experienced OSFM fire investigators who bring real-world knowledge and experience from investigations conducted across North Carolina.

Fire investigation requires more than determining where a fire started. Investigators must understand fire behavior, recognize evidence, document findings and apply sound investigative practices to determine the origin and cause of a fire.

We appreciate the firefighters and fire service professionals who are investing in their careers and working toward this important certification—and our OSFM investigators who are sharing their expertise in the classroom.

09/22/2026

SAVE THE DATE! We’re already looking ahead to 2027!

The State Risk Management Conference is happening April 20–21, 2027, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham.
Have a great idea to share? We want YOU!
We’re looking for speakers and presentation topics that will help our risk management community learn, grow and take practical ideas back to their organizations.
Have experience or insight to share on topics like:
🔹 Emerging risks
🔹 Insurance & claims
🔹 Workplace safety
🔹 Cybersecurity
🔹 Emergency preparedness
🔹 Continuity of operations
🔹 Fleet safety
🔹 Property protection
🔹 Legal & regulatory updates
🔹 Successful risk-control strategies

And do you want to present? Send your topic idea by November 15, 2026 to:
Liz Hale | [email protected] or Latarsha Silver | [email protected]

Just include a short description of your topic, 2–3 learning objectives, your presenter information and the estimated presentation length.

Stay tuned: More information about registration and the conference agenda will be coming soon.

09/10/2026

25 Years Later: Remembering, Honoring, and Renewing Our Commitment.
Tomorrow, we gather to honor the memory of those we've lost, celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and service members, and recommit to serving our communities with passion and purpose.

Join us, hosted by the Office of State Fire Marshal, for a meaningful event featuring:

- Honor Guard Presentation
- Musical Tribute: "God Bless the USA"
- Guest Speaker
- Special Dedication
- Moment of Reflection and Remembrance

🗓️ Friday, Sept. 11th, 2026 | ⏰ 8:30 AM
📍 Emergency Training Center, 44255 Airport Rd., New London, NC

09/10/2026

🔥 Start Here, Go Far: Your Fire Service Career Starts NOW
Real talk: Are you a high school or college student wondering what's next? There's a real path to a career in the fire service, and it's more accessible than ever.
High school → training → career → leadership. That’s the journey that hundreds of NC firefighters have taken! 🚒🔥 Interested in joining them? Check out the opportunities in the fire service:

🚒Enroll in a Fire Tech Program or Junior Firefighter Program at your school, or in the training programs listed on our website below!
🧯Compete in programs like the NC High School Firefighter Challenge (held each summer in Weaverville, NC!)
🧗Looking for a specialized certification? NC OSFM offers classes for the NC Technical Rope School (TRS) or Breathing Equipment School!

If you're a student reading this: Talk to your school counselor TODAY about Fire Tech programs.
If you're an educator: Your students might be interested. Save this post to share with them! 👇
What sparked YOUR interest in fire service? Drop your story in the comments. We love hearing from our future firefighters.
Visit the link in the comments below for more details!

09/07/2026

Thank You to NC's Hardworking First Responders! 🎉

Labor Day is here, and it’s the perfect time to shout out to our incredible firefighters, emergency responders, and fire safety heroes throughout North Carolina! You all work tirelessly through holidays and every day to ensure our safety and well-being.

From preventing fires to responding in emergencies and educating our communities, your dedication never goes unnoticed.

Let’s make this Labor Day a safe one, NC! 🚒❤

06/01/2026

Honored to attend the North Carolina Manufactured & Modular Homebuilders Association (NCMHA) 2026 Annual Meeting, where an exciting new partnership was announced to support training and safety across North Carolina’s manufactured housing industry.

NCMHA is partnering with OSFM to provide manufactured homes to the Emergency Training Center. The new training units will be used for hands-on training for manufacturers, industry partners, inspectors, installation contractors, and transporters from across the state.

Expected to be completed by January 2027, the addition will strengthen training opportunities and help enhance safety, code compliance, and professionalism throughout the industry.

Thank you to NCMHA and Executive Director Brad Lovin for their partnership and continued commitment to advancing safety and education in North Carolina!