Who should be contacted in the event of fire and explosion deaths?

The appropriate contact in the event of fire and explosion deaths is the State Fire Marshal and Chief of Medical Examiner. This choice is correct because the State Fire Marshal is responsible for investigating fires and explosions to determine their origins and causes. These investigations are crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly in the case of fatalities, as they can provide insights into potential negligence, criminal activity, or safety violations.

The Chief of Medical Examiner plays a critical role as well, as they are tasked with investigating the cause and manner of death. When deaths occur due to fires or explosions, the Medical Examiner examines the remains to ascertain if there were factors such as burns or toxic exposures that contributed to the individuals' deaths.

While contacting the local firefighter chief, police department, or occupational safety board may be appropriate in certain contexts or for initial response activities, the specific combination of the State Fire Marshal and Chief of Medical Examiner is essential for addressing the legal, safety, and investigative implications of fire and explosion-related deaths.