NFPA expands US regional team to 16 specialists

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has doubled the number of its regional field staff in the United States, expanding its team to 16 professionals, including three focused on electrical safety.

According to NFPA, the restructuring aims to improve support for those responsible for fire, life and electrical safety across both public and private sectors.

The regional team now includes directors covering smaller groups of states, allowing more time to build local relationships and respond to specific safety issues.

Support for authorities and professionals using NFPA codes

For many years, NFPA regional directors have supported regulatory agencies, authorities having jurisdiction, and professionals who apply NFPA codes and standards.

The team also helps raise awareness of NFPA tools and resources, including NFPA LiNK, which provides digital access to codes, training, and safety solutions.

Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president for Outreach and Advocacy, said: “Expanding the regional team reflects our ongoing commitment to the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem and to the professionals who help activate it every day.”

Forum discussions highlight national safety challenges

In autumn 2024, NFPA hosted forums at its Massachusetts headquarters for fire marshals and building officials from across North America.

Attendees raised concerns over several shared challenges, including lithium-ion battery fires, the construction of more tall buildings and warehouses, hazards at cannabis facilities, and the rising number of wildfires in low-risk regions.

The discussions reinforced the benefit of direct contact between local safety stakeholders and NFPA regional directors who have practical knowledge of these emerging issues.

Regional directors offer wide-ranging experience

NFPA stated that the expanded team brings backgrounds in fire services, public education, engineering, and code enforcement.

Each regional director will focus on a defined cluster of US states, with separate appointments for Canadian provinces and electrical safety support in the eastern, central, and western regions of the US

The regional operations are led by Raymond B.

Bizal, with 13 named directors supporting state-level engagement.

A full list of contacts is available via NFPA’s official website.

NFPA doubles regional field staff across US to boost fire and electrical safety: Summary

The National Fire Protection Association has expanded its regional operations across the United States.

The team now includes 16 professionals, with three specialising in electrical safety.

Each regional director covers a smaller group of states to increase time spent with local stakeholders.

The aim is to better support those responsible for fire, life and electrical safety through direct engagement and awareness of NFPA tools and standards.

Lorraine Carli of NFPA stated that the move supports the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem.

In autumn 2024, forums at NFPA headquarters revealed shared safety concerns including lithium-ion battery fires and growing wildfire risks.

NFPA said regional directors bring expertise from the fire service, code enforcement, education and engineering.

The expanded structure includes state-level directors and a Canadian representative.

NFPA has named Raymond B.

Bizal as Director of Regional Operations, with further details and contacts listed on its website.