(a) The state fire marshal may promote any plan or program which tends to disseminate information on fire prevention and similar projects and may aid any association or group of individuals which is primarily organized along such lines.

(b) It shall be the duty of the state fire marshal to carry on a state-wide program of fire prevention education in the schools of this state and to establish fire drills therein. All local school authorities are required to cooperate with the state fire marshal in carrying out programs designed to protect the lives of school children from fire and related hazards.