By Blaine Eisenbeis, Deputy Fire Marshal
Hello, my name is Blaine Eisenbeis. I’m the District 6 deputy based out of Jamestown. I joined the North Dakota State Fire Marshal’s office in August 2023. I was the Fire Chief of Pembina for several years prior to joining. I have an extensive background in firefighting and law enforcement and have always been interested in fire investigations.
My favorite part of working for the fire marshal’s office is completing fire investigations. I feel that if the cause of the fire is determined, that may bring some comfort to a family that may have lost everything. It can also help identify products that may be defective and need to be reviewed for a product recall.
An important safety aspect for everyone is having an escape plan and keeping your doors closed while you sleep. Sleeping with doors closed isn’t just for children. It’s meant to save lives no matter the age. Closed doors can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped.
Several items in the Fire Code of North Dakota address the maintenance of fire separations, including doors. Chapter 7 of the 2021 International Fire Code addresses fire and smoke protection.
701.2 Inspection and maintenance
Opening protectives in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 80. Fire doors and smoke and draft control doors shall not be blocked, obstructed, or otherwise made inoperable. Fusible links shall be replaced promptly whenever fused or damaged. Opening protectives and smoke and draft control doors shall not be modified.
705.2.3 Hold open devices and closers.
Hold-open devices and automatic door closers, where provided, shall be maintained. During the period that such device is out of service for repairs, the door it operates shall remain in the closed position.
705.2.4 Door operation.
Swinging fire doors shall close from the full-open position and latch automatically.
If you have any questions about fire separations or any other fire code violations, please contact us at (701)328-5555 or infofm@nd.gov.
I look forward to working with fire departments throughout the State!