Don’t Give Fire Safety a Vacation this Summer
July 10, 2019
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is reminding Tennesseans to not send fire safety on a summer vacation. Overall, summer is statistically less deadly than winter when it comes to fires.
However, summer comes with its own set of dangers that parents and homeowners shouldn’t forget. Remember: Your family’s survival during a home fire this summer could depend on the preparations you take today.
Historical fire data from the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS) illustrates some of the fire risks during the summertime.
Outdoor Grilling
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
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says Don’t Let Your Summer Barbecue Go up in Smoke
June 17, 2018
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office
Nashville, TN – While summer is the perfect time to break out the grill and spend time with family and friends, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is alerting Tennesseans to the dangers that accompany outdoor grilling season.
From 2013-2017, Tennessee fire departments responded to 200 fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues. Those fires resulted in four civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries, and $3.4 million in property damage, according to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS).
Grilling-Related Fires Resulted in Injuries, $3.4M in Property Damages from 2013-17
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says Only Install Home Security Bars with Quick-Release Device
May 7, 2018
Nashville, TN – Security bars are a common method of household protection against burglary. While burglar bars keep criminals out, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) warns consumers that, in the event of a fire, bars without a quick-release device can block crucial exits and trap residents inside a burning home.
According to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS), between 2012 and 2016, 12 residents died in home fires where security bars were a contributing factor to the fire death. Ten of the 12 deaths occurred in a single incident in Memphis that claimed the lives of three adults and seven children in September 2016.
Between 2012 and 2016, 12 Residents Died In Home Fires Where Security Bars Hindered Escape.
State Fire Marshal: Manufactured Housing Fires Among Deadliest in Tennessee
February 7, 2018
Nashville, TN – Manufactured houses are the scenes of relatively few fires every year in Tennessee, but those fires are among the deadliest, causing a disproportionate number of fire-related deaths and prompting the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office to remind consumers that fire safety should be a priority in all homes, especially during the high-risk winter months.
Manufactured homes – also known as mobile homes or trailers – are transportable structures that are fixed to a chassis and specifically designed to be towed to a residential site.
Some of the deadliest house fires in Tennessee are with manufactured homes.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says Cook Safely this Thanksgiving Season
November 23, 2016
Thanksgiving is the Leading Day for Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment
Nashville, TN – As families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving Day feasts this Thursday, November 24th, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to avoid careless cooking habits that can lead to fires.
Cooking safety is a key component to the SFMO’s recently launched holiday safety campaign, developed in response to an annual increase of home fires during the holiday season.
“The excitement of a Thanksgiving get-together can lead to distractions for holiday cooks,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak.
An estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says Cooking Remains Leading Cause of Home Fires for Fifth Straight Year
October 24, 2016
Nashville, TN – The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to be mindful in the kitchen as fire data shows cooking to be the leading known cause of reported home fires, civilian injuries, and property loss in Tennessee for the fifth consecutive year.
Twenty-nine percent of reported Tennessee home structure fires in 2015 involved cooking equipment. Those 2,077 fires resulted in seven fatalities, 44 civilian injuries, and over $11 million of direct property damage according to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System.
House fires can be prevented.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal Warns of Fire Risks Associated with Smoking Materials
October 1, 2016
Nashville, TN – With state fire statistics consistently indicating smoking as a major of cause of fire loss, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennesseans that care must be taken with cigarettes.
Fires caused by smoking materials have had a devastating impact on the Volunteer State. The Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System shows that during 2011-2015, Tennessee fire departments responded to 3,916 smoking-material fires.
Wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays. If ashtrays are not available, use a metal can or pail.
Tennessee Fire Marshal says Keep Matches & Lighters Away from Children
August 7, 2016
Nashville, TN – Young firesetters cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Preschoolers and kindergartners are most likely to start these fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters, and are most likely to die in them.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office warns Tennesseans of the risk associated with children and fire-starting items, especially novelty lighters.
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 still represent a potential threat to lives and property.
Keep Matches & Lighters Away from Children
Tennessee Fire Marshal says Let the Pros Handle Fireworks this Year
July 1, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office issues a simple, yet significant message for Tennesseans this Fourth of July: Let the pros handle the fireworks.
With numerous professional displays scheduled for the Fourth including one of the nation’s largest in Nashville, there’s no shortage of festive and colorful fireworks to enjoy in Tennessee. State fire officials urge Tennesseans to take part in these professionally run events instead of risking their lives and possibly breaking the law by detonating fireworks themselves.
Fireworks
