myCSUSM
Fire & Life Safety
The fire and life safety program at CSUSM is committed to ensuring a safe campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors by proactively addressing fire safety risks and compliance with state fire safety regulations. The campus promotes fire prevention, risk reduction, and education through training, inspections, and policy development.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal provides oversight of fire and life safety for all California State University (CSU) campuses. Inspections are conducted by the SFM and coordinated through Safety, Health and Sustainability (SH&S). Given that campus buildings vary in construction dates, fire and life safety codes may differ between facilities.
CSUSM’s Facilities Department conducts monthly inspections of all fire extinguishers on the main campus and offsite facilities, maintaining electronic records and coordinating annual inspections with state-licensed contractors.
The information on this webpage applies to all CSUSM-owned or leased properties, including both occupied and unoccupied facilities, materials storage, equipment use, and any new construction or renovation projects from planning to completion. For more information or questions about fire and life safety, please contact SH&S.
- Authority
- Fire Extinguishers
To use a fire extinguisher, remember PASS:
- P - PULL safety pin from handle.
- A - AIM nozzle at base of fire.
- S - SQUEEZE the trigger handle to discharge the extinguisher.
- S - SWEEP from side to side. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep side to side, pushing the fire away from you.
- Training
- Fire extinguisher training is provided to all employees dependent on job duties. This training is intended for all campus personnel who are designated in the correct method of extinguishing a fire using the portable fire extinguishers found on campus. The training is comprised of class lectures on distinct types of fires, safely operating the extinguishers, and general life-safety related information.
- Fire & Life Safety training is intended for all campus personnel directly involved with fire suppression and mitigation on campus.
- Training may be requested for a specific department and SH&S will review the request. Please send requests to shs@csusm.edu.
- Campus Resources
- Emergency Operation Plan
- Fire Inspection Notice
- Fire Prevention Plan (under construction)
- Fire Watch Guidelines
- Open Flame Policy
- University Office Safety & Ergonomics
- University Village Housing & Dining Site Safety Plan
- Wildfire Smoke Guidance
Fire Safety at CSUSM
All CSUSM staff are required to follow fire evacuation procedures, including immediate evacuation whenever an alarm sounds, whether it is part of a scheduled drill or not. In the event of a fire, building occupants will be notified through the fire alarm system. If a significant emergency is confirmed, CSUSM will promptly prioritize community safety, determine appropriate messaging, and activate the emergency notification system campus-wide.
Tampering with any fire detection systems, alarms, or firefighting equipment is strictly prohibited. This includes interference with fire alarms, extinguishers, fire hoses, heat and smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire escapes, smoke/fire doors, exit signs, and any audible or visual alert devices. Smoke detectors must remain fully operable and in place at all times.
The following are also prohibited on campus to ensure fire safety:
- Candles: Burning candles is not allowed in any campus facilities.
- Smoking and Vaping: Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas on campus.
- High-Heat Electrical Appliances: Appliances with external heating elements or those producing large amounts of steam (e.g., toasters, coffee pots, rice cookers, grills, Instant Pots) are not permitted.
- Space Heaters: Space heaters are currently permitted with special approval for medical necessity or if they are UL approved and have a tipping mechanism.
- Extension Cords: Extension cords may not be used as permanent wiring solutions.
How to Report a Fire
All fire incidents must be reported to UPD by calling 911 or 760-750-4567 (CSUSM Dispatch)
AEDs & Emergency Phones
View the Campus Map and select the "Health & Safety" tab to find AEDs and Emergency Phone locations.