State Fire Marshal's Office fails to implement fire safety inspection program recommendations

The Arizona Joint Legislative Audit Committee revealed significant shortcomings in the state's fire safety inspection program during its meeting on June 6, 2025. The committee's findings highlighted that the Arizona Fire Marshal's Office has failed to establish a statutorily required fire safety inspection program, despite multiple audits over the past 35 years recommending its implementation.

The 2023 audit report identified 33 recommendations for improvement, yet only two have been fully implemented as of the 18-month follow-up. The department is in the process of addressing 14 recommendations, while 17 remain unaddressed. This lack of progress raises serious concerns about public safety, as the absence of a regular inspection program limits the department's ability to identify and rectify fire code violations in public buildings, including schools and healthcare facilities.

The committee noted that previous audits dating back to 1988 had consistently pointed out the fire marshal's office's failure to maintain a complete inventory of buildings requiring inspections. As of June 2023, the office still lacked this essential inventory, which is critical for ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. The report also cited alarming instances of fire safety violations discovered during inspections, such as non-functional fire alarms in school buildings.

In response to the audit recommendations, the department has conducted a workload analysis and identified a need for 27 additional positions, which would cost nearly $4.8 million annually. However, the analysis did not explore alternative solutions, such as partnerships with local fire authorities or private vendors, which could alleviate the inspection workload.

The committee emphasized the urgency of developing a comprehensive written plan to guide the establishment of a fire safety inspection program. Without such a plan, the department risks failing to meet statutory requirements and jeopardizing public health and safety. The committee's ongoing oversight will be crucial in ensuring that the fire marshal's office takes the necessary steps to implement these recommendations and protect the community effectively.