Consumer Complaint Process

The State Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct investigations into blasting complaints. You will need to provide the following information to file a complaint:

• Complainant’s name, address, city, state, zip code, and telephone number
• Location of the complaint (including city and county)
• Description of complaint, date of incident, and time of the incident

Once a complaint is filed with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, an inspector will commence an investigation. The inspector will:

1. Determine which blasting firm is blasting in the area. It is important to provide as much information as possible so the inspector can identify where blasting occurred. In some areas of Tennessee, there are multiple blasting projects conducted at the same time in the same area.
2. Once the blasting firm is identified, the inspector will ensure the blaster and blasting firm are registered with the State of Tennessee and have a current license.
3. The inspector will request the seismic reports, if used, and blasting reports for the date of the incident listed on the complaint.
4. The inspector reviews the records to ensure the firm is blasting within State standards. (Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 105 Tennessee Blasting Standards Act) and (Rules of Department of Commence and Insurance Division of Fire Prevention Chapter 0780-02-15 Blasting Standards).
5. The inspector may conduct an onsite visit of the project and may contact the complainant as part of the investigation.
6. The inspector will determine if there was a violation(s), complete the inspection report, and send the report to the legal division. If violations are found, the State will impose fines and penalties on the responsible party.
7. The State does not estimate or determine damages, compensate for damages, nor seek compensation for damages.