Film Production Safety in California

Complex stunts and fireworks are coordinated by on-site California State Fire Marshal who is available to advise and to provide approval while filming on pyrotechnics and other special effect permits for State properties.

State Fire Marshal

The State Fire Marshal's office delegates a fulltime Deputy State Fire Marshal for film production in California. Ensuring film safety throughout the state, the responsibilities of this position include: the licensing of pyrotechnicians and the certification of industry and fire personnel through special effects and pyrotechnics training seminars.

Additionally, the Deputy State Fire Marshal provides advice and guidance to the industry and to local jurisdictions on safety policies and regulations. The Fire Marshal also makes assignments of fire safety personnel for on location productions on state properties. Special effects, indoor filming, large crews, projectile pyrotechnics and filming during fire season or in fire-sensitive areas are examples of activities that may warrant, a fire safety officer (FSO) or, advisor (FSA) assignment.

Alongside the CFC, the Deputy State Fire Marshal works closely with the Motion Picture Producers Association of America's Industry-wide Safety Committee, the Studio Safety Management Group, Screen Actors Guild's Stunt Safety Committee, the Alliance of Special Effects and Pyrotechnic Operators and other industry organizations to ensure the continued safety of filming in California.

Deputy State Fire Marshal
Al Adams
Phone:  323.860.2960 x 108 or Mobile: 213.700.5884
Email:  al.adams@fire.ca.gov