Production Safety

The State Fire Marshal’s office delegates a full time Deputy State Fire Marshal for film production in California who is responsible for the licensing of pyrotechnicians and the certification of industry and fire personnel through special effects and pyrotechnics training seminars.

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 provides approval and may require fire safety personnel for 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.

The Deputy State Fire Marshal works closely with the CFC, the Motion Picture 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.

Vijay Mepani
Deputy State Fire Marshal
Cell: 213.700.5884

Safety Advisory for Fire and FX in Entertainment – SAFFE is a non-profit organization for the open dialogue, training, presentation and demonstration of fire and life safety practices in the entertainment industry.