OSFM Press Releases

This October, the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is joining fire departments nationwide to celebrate Fire Prevention Month and National Fire Prevention Week, October 5–11, 2025. The 2025 theme, announced by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has released a powerful new video telling the real story of a Calabash family whose garage was destroyed after a lithium-ion battery caught fire while charging overnight.

State and local leaders are joined forces to keep North Carolina’s children safe on the road during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 21–28, 2025. The statewide campaign kicked off Monday, September 22 at Morrisville Fire Station 1 followed by a free car seat safety clinic.

Safe Kids North Carolina, in partnership with the State Farm Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program, UNC Highway Safety Research Center and Mebane Fire Department will host two Child Passenger Safety Car Seat Distribution Events in Orange and Alamance counties to support families impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal.

The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is now accepting applications for the second round of Disaster Recovery Grants for fire departments and rescue squads impacted by Hurricane Helene.

As North Carolinians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding residents to prioritize safety when using fireworks—especially during this stretch of extreme heat.

Fairview, NC — The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), in partnership with Kidde and State Farm, officially kicked off its annual

The implementation of the 2024 North Carolina State Building Code ("2024 Code") has been postponed. Originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, recent legislative actions have introduced several delays, including considerations for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western NC. The most recent extension, enacted through S.L.

The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), in partnership with State Farm and Safe Kids NC, is bringing free child seat clinics to Western North Carolina to assist families affected by Hurricane Helene. Certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians will be on-site to provide education and install child safety seats properly.

The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Safe Kids NC are once again leading the charge in medication safety with the annual Operation Medicine Drop campaign.

Occupational cancer has become the leading cause of death among firefighters, surpassing fatalities from fires and on-scene incidents.

As temperatures drop across North Carolina, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor urges residents to take precautions to stay warm safely and avoid life-threatening hazards. Improper use of space heaters, candles, and the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning pose significant risks during the cold weather season.

In observance of Crash Responder Safety Week, November 17-23, the NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP), and the NC State Highway Patrol are asking media outlets across North Carolina to broadcast an essential Public Service Announcement (PSA) promoting the Move Over Law.

As the holiday season approaches, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor reminds all North Carolina residents of the dangers associated with turkey fryers and urges families to prioritize safety during their Thanksgiving Day celebrations.

As North Carolinians prepare to set their clocks back one hour for the end of Daylight-Saving Time on Sunday, November 3, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor is urging all residents to use this opportunity to check and replace the batteries in their smoke alarms.

North Carolina kicked off Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week 2024 today with a successful FREE car seat safety event in Apex. The event marked the start of a week-long campaign dedicated to reducing child fatalities on the road.

State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor urges residents across Central and Eastern North Carolina to prepare immediately for severe weather conditions as tropical storm Debby approaches. Current forecasts indicate that this storm could rival the devastating impact of Hurricane Florence, with significant inland flooding expected.

With the 4th of July just around the corner, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is launching a public safety campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks.

This year’s Smoke Alarm Saturday campaign was a huge success in the ongoing effort to prevent fire deaths in North Carolina.

The NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is pleased to announce the awarding of 40 grants to support summer fire camp programs across North Carolina. These grants, totaling $295,400 aim to support summer fire camp programs across NC as they develop the next generation of firefighters.

North Carolina continues to combat the overwhelming opioid crisis, with an average of 11 lives lost daily to overdoses, 79% of which involve opioids.