Message from the Fire Marshal

As The City’s Fire Marshal, my mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of our community—whether you live, work, or play in the City of Mount Vernon, Washington. My approach to fire safety is built on proactive risk mitigation, ongoing education, and fostering strong partnerships with both the community and our first responders. I believe in identifying potential risks early and working collaboratively to implement effective solutions before problems arise.

I am committed to staying ahead of emerging fire safety trends and constantly learning from past incidents. This allows us to adapt to new technologies, anticipate the city’s future needs, and continuously improve our methods to ensure the highest level of safety. My goal is to balance safety with the economic growth and vitality of Mount Vernon, ensuring that our fire prevention efforts support both community well-being and development.

In administering the fire code, I prioritize consistency and fairness, ensuring that it is applied with a clear understanding of its intent. I strive to provide equitable service across the city while fostering regional collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions. Through these efforts, we aim to deliver reliable, high-quality service that helps create a safer, more resilient community for all.

Battalion Chief Barry Kerth, City Fire Marshal