Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office now accepting Volunteer Firefighter Grant Program Applications
February 17, 2020
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) announces that applications will be accepted starting Friday, February 14th, 2020, from volunteer fire departments for grants through the newly established Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program.
Created through legislation overseen by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, the program earmarks $500,000 for the purchase of firefighting equipment by Tennessee’s volunteer fire departments or to help volunteer departments meet local match requirements for federal grants for purchasing equipment.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Grant Program Aims to Support Tennessee’s 575 Volunteer Fire Departments.
“Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” Smoke Alarm Program continues in 2020
November 15, 2019
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) proudly announces that the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program will continue providing life-saving smoke alarms to Tennesseans in 2020 with the recent approval of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Prevention and Safety Grant.
Montgomery County home recently destroyed by fire. Smoke alarms gave the family the time needed to get out of the house before it was engulfed in flames.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Promotes National Fire Prevention Week
October 3, 2019
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is raising awareness of the importance of home fire escape planning as part of consumers’ overall home fire safety plans during National Fire Prevention Week (October 6th-12th).
This year’s theme is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” which educates consumers about the small but important steps they can take every day to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Montgomery County home recently destroyed by fire. Smoke alarms gave the family the time needed to get out of the house before it was engulfed in flames.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office reports Smoke Inhalation More Dangerous than Burns in House Fires
May 3, 2019
Nashville, TN – The importance of smoke alarms has never been greater in the survivability of a house fire. Most fire fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation, not by burns.
As the toxicity and speed of smoke increases, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is sharing tips on how you can keep your family safe from the toxic smoke and fumes produced by a home fire.
When a fire grows inside a building, it will deplete most of the available oxygen which slows the burning process.
Toxic Smoke Can Quickly Overcome Residents, Inhibiting Their Escape from a House Fire according to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Tennessee’s Overall Fire Death Rate Follows National Downward Trend
April 17, 2019
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s overall fire death rate continues to decline following the national downward trend in the reduction of fire deaths according to statistics compiled in the recently completed annual report for the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO).
The report, which includes details of Tennessee’s overall declining fire death rate along with statewide fire prevention and education efforts, compiles data provided by fire departments from across the Volunteer State along with information, statistics, and advancements made by the SFMO’s eight sections: Education & Outreach; Fire Investigations; Codes Enforcement; Residential, Electrical and Marina Inspections; Manufactured Housing and Modular Buildings; Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy; Firefighting Commission; and Administrative Services.
Candle Fires Caused $13M in Damages, Claimed Eight Lives since 2013
December 15, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – Decorations can help turn every Scrooge into a Santa, but care must be taken to ensure that a home’s décor is fire safe. To decrease the risk of a home fire, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds consumers that popular holiday decorations, like candles and string lights, can cause tragedy when not used properly.
During the five-year period of 2013-2017 in Tennessee, candles were reported to have caused 385 residential structure fires, eight civilian deaths, 28 civilian injuries, six firefighter injuries and $13 million in fire loss, according to SFMO data.
Holiday Decorators are Urged to Use Caution when Decorating with Candles
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 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
