What is the primary responsibility of a fire marshal?

The primary responsibility of a fire marshal is to enforce fire codes and conduct safety inspections. This role is critical in ensuring that buildings and facilities comply with fire safety regulations, which helps prevent fires and protect lives and property. Fire marshals assess fire hazards, review plans for new construction, and ensure that fire prevention measures are in place. They also conduct investigations into the causes of fires and can issue permits for events involving flammable materials or open flames, thus playing a key role in public safety.

The other responsibilities mentioned, such as conducting emergency drills, training new firefighters, and managing fire department finances, are important but fall under different roles within the fire department's structure. Conducting drills typically involves training personnel on how to respond effectively in emergencies, while training new firefighters is focused on equipping them with the skills needed to perform their duties. Managing finances is crucial for the overall operation of the fire department but does not relate directly to fire safety and enforcement, which is the core function of the fire marshal.