Carlos Morel

With a career in fire service spanning almost two and a half decades, Carlos Morel is a leading authority on fire and life safety in the Film and Entertainment industry. His expertise is built on a foundation of both practical emergency response as a firefighter/paramedic and extensive regulatory oversight as an inspector in the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Carlos Morel holds a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and an Associate's Degree in Fire Science. He has served for 23 years as a sworn member of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). His career began with 11 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic in high-demand areas of South Central LA and Hollywood, and his on-the-ground experience was highlighted in the television show RISK TAKERS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoIdaM5TaS4).

Since his promotion, Carlos Morel has served 12 years as a Fire Inspector--spending 3 years in HazMat before dedicating 9 years to the specialized LAFD Film Unit. His contributions were recognized when he was named the 2015 LAFD Fire Prevention Bureau - Inspector of the Year.

Expertise in Film Production Safety

Carlos Morel is a graduate of the CA State Fire Safety Officer Class and, for the past 7 years, has served on the CA State Fire Special Effects Advisory Committee.

His work in the LAFD Film Unit is comprehensive and influential. He:

• Inspects 97 certified studio soundstages annually and conducts on-location filming inspections.

• Issues permits for a wide range of activities, including special effects, drones, welding, tents, and fire performers.

• Reviews plans for audience shows and film locations.

• Serves as a liaison with city, county, state, and federal agencies on all matters related to filming and special effects.

• Created and maintains the LAFD Film Unit website, all LAFD Studio Guidelines, and official forms.

• Developed drone safety guidelines for commercial filming, which have since been adopted by other agencies.

Teaching and Leadership

Carlos Morel has leveraged his expertise to train others. Biannually, he teaches the Uniformed Fire Safety Officer class to 175 members of the LAFD Fire Prevention Bureau, where he is responsible for training, testing, certifying, and supervising all fire safety officers.

Class:  Fire/Life Safety on Film Sets: Practical Considerations and Approaches to Code Enforcement