Senator Ralph Hudgens (R-Hull) is calling for the consolidation of the various state agencies, councils, and departments that support the state's fire service into one centralized agency.  These agencies are tasked with inspecting facilities, regulating codes and standards, implementing training programs, and providing emergency rescue services. The current system limits communication between these entities, duplicates administrative services, and is not the best utilization of the state's valuable and limited fire safety resources. Consolidation of these agencies would eliminate confusion, create consistency, streamline services and save money. Hudgens stated, "The idea of a single state fire agency is something that many in the state's fire service have called for for years. It is a concept that has been adopted successfully in several other states. With our state's population growing at such a fast pace, and the demands on our fire service increasing daily, it is time we put fire safety at the top of our priority list."

A consolidated state fire agency would be headed by a State Fire Commissioner, who would be appointed by the governor. Hudgens further stated, "In these times of limited budget resources we must look at ways to streamline government. Consolidation of these agencies would cut costs as well as providing a better service for our citizens."