The Office of State Fire Marshal was first created in 1894 to investigate suspicious fires throughout the State. In 1997 the State Fire Marshal and the State Fire Prevention Commission were transferred from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to the Department of State Police. The State Fire Marshal's objectives are to prevent deaths, injuries, and property damage due to fires. The Fire Marshal's duties are to inspects buildings for fire safety, investigates arsons, provide instruction on fire safety, and regulate manufacturers, dealers, and users of explosives. The office also issues permits for fireworks displays, and operates a bomb squad unit.