Stephen A. Forster is a leading expert in hazardous materials, fire protection systems, and life safety regulations, with more than 25 years of experience in design, review, and inspection of high-risk occupancies. His background includes over 20 years with two of the largest fire departments in the western United States, where he held positions including Senior Fire Inspector, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Assistant Fire Marshal, and Fire Marshal.

As Principal of Forster Consulting Services, LLC, he has provided third-party hazardous materials, fire, and life safety plan reviews for thousands of complex projects, with particular emphasis in California’s Silicon Valley. His work spans advanced industrial, research, and technology facilities, supporting dozens of Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) across the western U.S.

Mr. Forster has also played a significant role in shaping codes and standards at the local, state, and national levels. He is the past Chair of ICC’s Fire Code Action Committee – Western Region Working Group, a two-term gubernatorial appointee to the Oregon Building Code Structures Board, and a contributing author of hazardous materials and fire protection provisions within the International Fire and Building Codes. His experience extends to NFPA, ANSI, and CGA standards; California Building Standards; CUPA programs; and other nationally recognized codes and regulations.

He is also a leader in the rapidly evolving field of energy storage systems. Mr. Forster chaired 2027 FCAC Battery Subcommittees, which authored nuermous new IFC and IBC provisions frealted to lithium ion battery storage, research, manufacturing, and recylcing. He also serves on several Underwriters Laboratories technical committees related to energy storage, including UL9540, UL9540A, and UL2850.

Equally important to his technical expertise, Mr. Forster brings exceptional customer service and a solutions-oriented approach to complex regulatory review processes. He is highly responsive, collaborative, and able to apply his experience to deliver practical, real-world solutions to challenging hazardous materials, regulatory, land use, and construction issues.