Deputy Fire Marshal's Office
The Deputy Fire Marshal’s Office is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment through fire prevention, code enforcement, and fire investigation. Our mission is to reduce the risk of fire and other hazards by promoting safety, ensuring compliance with fire codes, and fostering community awareness.
The Cowlitz County Fire Marshal is part of Cowlitz County Building and Planning. They contract with Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue to provide Fire Marshal services to unincoroporated areas of Cowlitz County. We also provide Fire Marshal services to the City of Kelso.
The Deputy Fire Marshal’s Office reviews construction plans, fire protection systems, and special event applications to ensure all projects meet fire safety requirements before approval and occupancy. We conduct inspections of commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and other occupancies to ensure compliance with local and state fire codes. Our team works closely with business owners, property managers, and contractors to identify hazards and maintain safe environments. Our certified investigators determine the origin and cause of fires within our jurisdiction. We work in coordination with law enforcement and other agencies when necessary.
Deputy Fire Marshal
Fire Inspector
Fire Inspector
Pre-construction plan reviews
The Planning Section is supervised by Battalion Chief Cothren, under the direction of Deputy Chief Huff.
The Planning Section at Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue is an administrative support team whose members primarily work traditional business hours to provide assistance to smooth department operation. The Deputy Fire Marshal fills a sworn position in the section, and a Fire Inspector, a Planning Support Specialist, and the Volunteer Coordniator fill civilian positions. Two administrative Support Specialists provide clerical support.Â
Commercial fire safety inspections
The Planning Section is supervised by Battalion Chief Cothren, under the direction of Deputy Chief Huff.
The Planning Section at Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue is an administrative support team whose members primarily work traditional business hours to provide assistance to smooth department operation. The Deputy Fire Marshal fills a sworn position in the section, and a Fire Inspector, a Planning Support Specialist, and the Volunteer Coordniator fill civilian positions. Two administrative Support Specialists provide clerical support.Â
Fire Investigations
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue has five fully qualified fire investigators, and two trainees. Our investigators are assigned to fires to determine the cause and origin of the fire in the City of Kelso and Cowlitz County. Any further investigation into arson is conducted by the local law enforcement agency.
Fire investigation files are public record and, once complete, can be requested at our Headquarters Station during business hours. Click the Public Records Request link in the Resources tab above for more information on those requests.