Tennessee State Fire Marshal Offers Do’s and Don’ts of Wood Stove Usage
January 7, 2018
Nashville, TN – As 2018’s brutally cold weather continues, wood stoves might seem to be a cheaper alternative to traditional heating sources for some Tennesseans. However, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) warns that wood stoves can pose a significant fire and carbon monoxide risk if they’re not properly installed and maintained.
Alternative heating sources such as wood stoves, chimneys, and space heaters are common in Tennessee and are just as hazardous as traditional heating sources (electric, gas). Since 2010, wood stoves have been responsible for 23 percent of fatal heating fires statewide according to SFMO data.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says Candle Fires Caused $12M in Damages, Claimed Nine Lives Since 2012
December 14, 2017
Nashville, TN – Nothing spreads cheer quite like holiday decorations, but care must be taken to ensure your festive winter 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 such as candles and string lights can cause tragedy when not used correctly.
During the five-year period of 2012-2016 in Tennessee, candles were reported to have caused 402 residential fires, nine civilian deaths, 31 civilian injuries, eight firefighter injuries and $12 million in fire loss according to SFMO data.
Candle Burning
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Care with Christmas Trees
December 8, 2017
Nashville, TN – While opinions may differ on how soon is too soon to put up holiday decorations, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds consumers that one thing is not up for debate: Dry and neglected Christmas trees can cause fires.
To avoid a devastating home fire, the SFMO encourages Tennesseans to keep fire safety in mind when trimming the tree this holiday season.
Each year, fire departments nationwide respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Holiday house fires can be prevented.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal Warns of Increased Fire, Carbon Monoxide Risks During Heating Season
December 1, 2017
Nashville, TN – Although Tennessee is experiencing mild temperatures this week, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds consumers that winter is indeed coming, and bringing with it an increased risk for home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
The SFMO urges consumers to take safety measures to avoid the hazards that can result from using household heating appliances during the cold weather seasons.
“Statistics consistently show a substantial uptick in fire fatalities during heating season,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak.
From 2012-2016, Tennessee Fire Departments responded to 2,938 home structure fires that involved heating equipment.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal Shares Halloween Fire Safety Tips
October 27, 2017
Nashville, TN – With Halloween festivities in full swing, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages Tennesseans to keep safety in mind in order to avoid the fire risks commonly linked to Halloween decorations and activities.
“A few simple safety measures can help keep your Halloween celebration plans both fun and fire-free,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Candles are a major culprit for holiday fires, so we urge Tennesseans to use extra caution if using open flames around fall decorations and Halloween costumes.”
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office urges Tennesseans to have a safe Halloween.
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.
TDCI Shares Tips for Students Moving into Off-Campus Housing
August 4, 2017
Nashville, TN – With the month of August underway, many Tennessee college students are preparing to move into rental apartments and houses—some for the first time.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) urges first-time renters to be aware of their rights as tenants and to practice fire safety in their off-campus home.
TDCI urges Students to be aware of their renters rights and to practice fire safety in off-campus housing.
Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office Emphasizes the Role Fire Safety Plays in Schools
July 31, 2017
Nashville, TN – As the start of the fall school semester approaches, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds residents that the fire-safe behavior and habits children learn in school help keep them from harm while inside a school’s walls and sets the stage for a lifetime of fire safety awareness.
“We want school staff, students and parents to understand the importance of school fire safety planning and inspections for code compliance,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “SFMO inspectors work diligently to uphold established school fire codes. Those codes are designed to prevent fire deaths and injuries and, in many cases, are a direct response to a tragedy that occurred in our nation’s past.”
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.
