CESA Participates in State Fire Marshal’s New BESS Safety Workgroup
On January 7, CESA's Executive Director, Scott Murtishaw, attended the inaugural meeting of the Office of the State Fire Marshal's (OSFM) BESS Workgroup as the official representative of the energy storage industry among the group's 21 voting members. Tim Spears, CAL FIRE Assistant Deputy Director for Code Development and Fire Training, presided over the meeting. In addition to CESA, the Workgroup consists mostly of other state agencies, such as the Office of Emergency Services, the CPUC, and the Energy Commission, and representatives of several firefighter and fire district associations.
During the kick-off meeting, the Workgroup reviewed its charter and discussed a preliminary work plan. Work will largely focus on producing reports in response to three bills adopted by the California Legislature in 2025: AB 1285, which requires OSFM to develop best practices for BESS fire prevention, response, and recovery; SB 283, which requires BESS developers to consult with fire departments before construction and projects to undergo fire department inspections before commercial operation; and AB 841, which requires OSFM to complete recommendations regarding personal protective equipment for lithium-ion incidents by Sept. 1, 2026.
A key overarching topic the group discussed was the need for more education for fire departments to understand BESS technology, particularly for smaller districts, and the need for additional training and resources for fire departments to be prepared in the event of an incident. Prior to the Workgroup meeting, CESA had already initiated conversations with the OSFM on how the energy storage industry can help provide education and training opportunities, and we look forward to collaborating with OSFM and the broader BESS Workgroup membership to plan training opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
The BESS Workgroup will reconvene in February to formally establish an AB 841 subcommittee and further develop its work plan. BESS Workgroup meetings are open to the public and are live streamed. See the linked webpage for agendas, minutes, and other information.
CESA and our member companies are committed to following stringent safety standards to protect first responders and the public. CESA appreciates the invitation to represent the energy storage industry on the Workgroup, and we look forward to strengthening connections between the energy storage industry and first responders.
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/committees/battery-energy-storage-systems-workgroup
