NC State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor

09/05/2026

We cordially invite you to join us for a commemorative event marking the 25th anniversary of a profoundly significant day. We are privileged to host Mr. Mark Giannini, a retired FDNY Firefighter, who will share his experiences from Ground Zero during his early career. The event will also feature the dedication of a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center debris, which will be permanently displayed at the NCETC. This artifact will serve as a reminder of the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community and nation. We shall never forget.🇺🇸

09/03/2026

35 years later, we remember.

Today, I had the honor of being in Hamlet as our community came together to remember the 25 lives lost in the Imperial Foods fire 35 years ago today.

September 3, 1991, changed Hamlet forever. Twenty-five people went to work that morning and never made it home. Fifty-four others were injured. For their families, their friends and this community, the pain of that day has not ended.

Standing in Hamlet was a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person — a mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend and coworker who was deeply loved and is still missed.

As we remembered those who lost their lives, we also remembered the survivors, the first responders, the firefighters and everyone whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy.

The Imperial Foods fire also changed fire and life safety in North Carolina. The lessons learned were difficult, but they helped shape stronger protections and a renewed commitment to making sure tragedies like this do not happen again.

I am grateful to have been there today to honor those 25 lives and to stand alongside the Hamlet community as they continue to remember.

09/02/2026

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and practical strategies with fire service leaders, safety experts, and community partners from across North Carolina.

👉 Check out the Eventbrite link in the comments or scan our QR code. Remember to select "Attendee - General Admission" to get your confirmation with the venue address. Need assistance? Reach out to Allan Buchanan at [email protected] for more details.

Learn about NFPA updates, wildfires, carbon monoxide safety, community risk reduction, and effective educational messaging. Connect with fellow professionals and discover tools to enhance safety in your community.

Event Details:

📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM to 3 PM
📍 Nashville, NC (venue details provided after registration)

This event is proudly hosted by NFPA, State Farm, NC OSFM, NC Association of Fire Chiefs, NC Fire Marshals' Association, and more.

08/18/2026

Yesterday was a great day. I am blessed and excited to serve NASFM.

08/14/2026

08/07/2026

Chief Deputy Rob Roegner and I had a great meeting today with the North Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association. We had some excellent discussions about our GEO Tagging initiative, provided information on the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) and Verisk/ISO partnership and what it means for the fire sprinkler industry, and I was glad to provide a legislative update on issues impacting the fire service and our state.

It was a very productive meeting with lots of great questions, thoughtful conversation, and valuable feedback. I appreciate the North Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association's continued partnership and commitment to making North Carolina safer. Looking forward to continuing our work together!

07/28/2026

07/24/2026

It's always a good day when you get to spend time with good people who care about North Carolina.

Today, I had the opportunity to sit down with my friend Roddy Dowd, owner of Charlotte Pipe, to talk about the importance of consistent standards and codes for cast iron and PVC pipe across our country. While it may not sound like the most exciting topic, these discussions have a direct impact on safety, quality, and the work we do every day.

I'm thankful for Roddy's friendship, his leadership, and the investment that Charlotte Pipe continues to make in Stanly and Union Counties and across North Carolina. I look forward to working with Roddy and his team as we continue these important conversations.

Strong partnerships make our state stronger.

07/21/2026

This partnership will modernize fire protection and risk reduction within commercial properties. I am pleased that North Carolina is at the forefront of this initiative.

NASFM and Verisk Launch National Fire Safety Data Collaboration

The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has announced a long-term collaboration with Verisk to modernize how fire sprinkler protection is documented and recognized in community fire protection grading and insurance risk assessment.

The initiative introduces a technology-enabled framework that securely captures standardized inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) data for fire protection systems. By improving the quality and availability of verified sprinkler information, the collaboration supports more accurate community fire protection evaluations, strengthens public safety, and helps ensure properly maintained fire protection systems receive consistent consideration in insurance underwriting.

Pilot programs have already been successfully conducted in North Carolina, Texas, and Florida. The collaboration represents another important step toward advancing data-driven fire prevention, improving transparency for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and promoting stronger community resilience nationwide.

Link to full Press Release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J54mwDjXK9aNzgl1yoXOqpzgNJm7-1kdbDNw7tl8Fgo/edit?usp=sharing

07/16/2026

I had the opportunity to present updates regarding the initiatives and activities of the Office of State Fire Marshal at the recent Western Firefighters Association meeting. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Grace Chapel Fire Department for their hospitality. We appreciate the chance to connect, collaborate, and serve alongside such dedicated professionals.