SFMO Warns of Fire Dangers Associated with Heating During Winter
December 20, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – With less than two weeks remaining in 2018, fire fatalities in Tennessee have already exceeded their totals from 2017.
Ahead of the first day of winter (December 21st), the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is advising Volunteer State residents that the cold weather season is the deadliest time of the year, and fire-safe behaviors could be the difference between life and death when it comes to home heating fires.
Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths nationally and the second leading known cause in Tennessee.
Tennessee State Fire Marshall’s Office reports over 30 Tennesseans Died in House Fires in November through February of Last Year.
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
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office: “Be A Good Elf” When Selecting, Decorating, Maintaining Christmas Trees
December 9, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – Opinions may differ on when to start decorating for the holidays, but one thing is certain: Practicing fire safety during the holidays can drastically reduce the likelihood of a home fire. To raise awareness of fire-safe behaviors this holiday season, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is asking Tennesseans to “Be a Good Elf” when it comes to selecting, decorating, and maintaining Christmas trees.
While fire departments only respond to an average of 200 Christmas tree fires per year according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), those fires are far more deadly than other home fires.
Christmas Trees Start an Average of 200 Home Fires Each Year in the United States
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office reports 3,141 Outdoor Fires Caused $2.8M Property Loss From 2013-17
November 24, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – As wildfires claim lives and destroy properties in northern and southern California, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) extends its sympathies to the victims of the disasters and reminds Tennessee residents to always follow safety precautions during outdoor burns.
By not following safety precautions, wildfires can occur, wrecking property, destroying wildlife, and putting lives at risk. In the last five years (2013-17), Tennessee state fire department records show 3,141 unintentional fires resulted from outdoor burning and created over $2.8 million in property losses.
Burn permits required October 15th-May 15th.
Keep Halloween Fire-Safe and Fun by Following Simple Safety Tips
October 30, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) says Jack-o’-lanterns, decorative candles, and so-called “haunted houses” are all Halloween traditions.
Unfortunately, all those traditions carry risks that could result in injuries or a fatality. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year. Two of every five of these fires were started by a candle.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says Candles Start Nearly Two of Every Five Decoration Fires.
Keep Lighters, Matches out of Children’s Reach and Sight
August 12, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is urging parents to talk to their kids about the safe uses of matches and lighters, while ensuring these tools are stored in a secure location out of children’s reach and sight. While matches and lighters are useful resources to adults, curious children may use them to unintentionally start fires.
Novelty lighters resembling children’s toys can attract curious kids who may see these items as fun, but may not recognize them as potential fire hazards. While Tennessee banned the sale of novelty lighters in 2008, these products can still be found and represent a potential threat to lives and property.
Keep Matches & Lighters Away from Children
Leave Fireworks to the Experts this Fourth of July
July 2, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)
Nashville, TN – Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is raising awareness of the dangers posed by consumer fireworks and urging Tennesseans to leave the fireworks to the pros instead of risking their lives and possibly breaking the law by detonating fireworks themselves.
“July Fourth is a great opportunity to celebrate our nation’s independence with friends and family,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “The best way to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe Fourth is to join other community members in attending public fireworks displays put on by trained and licensed professionals.”
Consumer Fireworks Caused $1M in Damages, One Death and 412 Unintended Fires from 2013-2017
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Provides Guidance, Adopts New Codes To Enhance School Safety
June 5, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges School Districts To Create Comprehensive Plans For Emergencies
Nashville, TN – In an effort to provide greater flexibility and clarity to Tennessee educators when planning for school safety emergencies, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) today announces new guidance for classroom safety in addition to the adoption of the National Fire Protection Association 2018 Life Safety Code rules for classroom safety measures.
During annual inspections of classrooms, inspectors will no longer issue citations for barricade devices so long as the devices are not attached to a door nor deployed during an inspection.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office gives tips to Ensure your Vacation is as Fire Safe as it is Fun
May 29, 2018
Remembering Hotel/Motel Safety Tips Make Summer Traveling Safer
Nashville, TN – As the school year comes to a close, many Tennesseans will soon embark on family vacations. The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds travelers to incorporate fire safety into travel plans when hitting the road for your summer retreat.
“Hotels and motels often become your temporary residence when traveling, so it’s important that you and your family are familiar with your surroundings and have a plan just in case an emergency arises,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak.
SFMO Promotes Arson Awareness Week
May 11, 2018
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) Fire Investigations Section joins the United States Fire Administration (USFA) in promoting Arson Awareness Week (May 6th-12th) in Tennessee. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Reducing Arson at Vacant and Abandoned Buildings.”
Vacant and abandoned buildings hurt a community’s image, but they can also result in increased criminal activity and public safety concerns. Nationwide, about 23,800 vacant residential building fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 75 deaths, 200 injuries and $785 million in property loss, according to the USFA.
Arson Awareness Week
