Tennessee State Fire Marshal says 20 Fire Fatalities make January 2018 Tennessee’s Third-Deadliest Month Since 2010
February 3, 2018
Nashville, TN – The latest tally* of January fire fatalities has the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urgently renewing its call that residents turn their focus to fire prevention during the high-risk winter months.
Current SFMO data indicates that 15 fatal fires caused 20 fatalities in Tennessee during January 2018, making it the third-deadliest month for fire deaths since 2010 (December 2016 had 24 deaths; January 2010 had 21 deaths). Historically, January leads all other months in residential fires, heating fires and fatal fires in Tennessee.
House Fire
State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Safety During Deadliest Week For Fire Deaths
January 9, 2018
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to focus on home fire safety during what has traditionally been the most tragic week for fire-related incidents in the Volunteer State: The second week of January.
SFMO data shows that Tennessee has averaged 3.6 fire deaths (29 in eight years) during the second week of January since 2010. This is the highest number of fire deaths for any week of the year and is nearly double the rate of the average week.
House fires can be prevented.
Tennessee Fire Marshal says Misuse of Electric Cords Can Lead to Fires
November 13, 2017
Nashville, TN – Electricity helps make our lives easier, but there are times when we can take its power and its potential for fire-related hazards for granted.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennesseans that the dangers of electrical hazards are always present and warns of common hazards such as overloaded electrical outlets, arcing, and extension cords.
According to SFMO data, electrical wiring, outlets, cords and plugs accounted for 9.51 percent of all structure fires and 14.38 percent of all structure fire deaths in Tennessee between 2012 and 2016.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says think Safety First when Visiting Haunted Houses this Halloween Season
October 14, 2017
Nashville, TN – Consumers might know them as haunted houses or haunted mansions. But in Tennessee, they’re called Special Amusement Buildings – and they have their own set of regulations.
As the Halloween season ramps up, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds consumers that safety features at Special Amusement Buildings are in place to help protect visitors and eliminate real-life scares.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says Show Mom You Care, Check Her Smoke Alarms
May 14, 2017
Nashville, TN – The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages Tennesseans to consider giving the gift of safety this year for Mother’s Day by ensuring their mothers have working smoke alarms installed in the home.
“Mothers can play such an important role in our lives by providing us with love and keeping us safe from harm,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Deputy Commissioner Gary West. “We hope you will consider giving your mother peace of mind this Mother’s Day by ensuring she has adequate smoke alarm coverage. These early warning devices are truly lifesavers and can be a thoughtful way to honor a great mother.”
Smoke Alarm
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office 2016 Annual Report Highlights Fire Prevention Efforts
April 2, 2017
Nashville, TN – The Volunteer State’s fire prevention and education efforts on behalf of consumers are detailed in the newly released 2016 Annual Report from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO).
Compiled with data provided by fire departments from across Tennessee, the report highlights statistics and major advancements made by the SFMO’s eight sections: Education & Outreach; Fire Investigations; Codes Enforcement; Residential, Electrical, & Marina Inspections; Manufactured Housing & Modular Buildings; Fire Service & Codes Enforcement Academy; Firefighting Commission; and Administrative Services.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office releases Commissioner’s Annual Report for 2016. Report highlights Fire Prevention Efforts.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Works to Fight Winter Fire Threat
January 10, 2017
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to place special focus on home fire safety during what has traditionally been the most tragic week for fire-related incidents in the Volunteer State.
Since 2010, Tennessee has averaged 2.75 fatal fires (22 in 8 years) and 3.375 fire deaths (27 in 8 years) during the second week of January according to SFMO data. This is the highest number of both fires and victims for any week of the year and is nearly double the rate of the average week.
House fires can be prevented.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Finds Life-Saving Success through Partnerships
March 25, 2016
Nashville, TN – Partnerships are the cornerstone of Tennessee’s success in combating fire fatalities. The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO), a division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI), encourages clubs, charitable and fraternal organizations, and other community-focused groups across the state to consider joining forces with our lifesaving team.
“The State Fire Marshal’s Office is on a mission to reduce Tennessee fire injuries and fatalities, and we’re not alone,” said Gary West, TDCI Deputy Commissioner for Fire Prevention. “Local fire departments and organizations like the Red Cross are outstanding partners that share the common goal of preventing fire loss, but there’s room for more advocates and even more progress.”
Smoke Alarm
State Fire Marshal Encourages Tennesseans to Candle with Care
February 18, 2016
Nashville, TN – Decorative and fragranced candles are a popular piece of home décor, but they are also a major concern with fire service professionals and other safety organizations. When used improperly, candles have caused loss of life, injury, and significant property damage. The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind Tennesseans to use candles with care.
“Last year, Tennessee fire departments responded to 63 home structure fires that were started by candles,” said Gary West, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Deputy Commissioner for Fire Prevention. “These fires caused nearly $4 million in direct property damage, all of which could have been prevented with just a few cautionary steps.”
Tennessee State Fire Marshal urges caution when using decorative and fragranced candles.
Tennessee Fire Death Rate Hits New Low In 2015
February 3, 2016
Nashville, TN – For the second consecutive year, Tennessee fire deaths decreased to a new state-record low while the number of lives saved by smoke alarms installed by the state’s fire departments continues to climb.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) announces today that fewer unintentional structure fire fatalities occurred in 2015 than in any year in recorded Tennessee history, including a milestone year achieved last year.
Seventy-two (72) people died in accidental home fires across the state in 2015 — down from 76 fatalities in 2014. Both years were record-breaking improvements compared to 2013’s fire fatality total of 100.
Tennessee fire deaths have decreased for the second straight year.
