State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Safety with Outdoor Grilling
June 9, 2016
Nashville, TN – While summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for a BBQ, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) warns that it is also the peak season for outdoor grilling fires. The SFMO reminds outdoor cooks to make fire safety a priority as they start up the grill this summer.
From 2011-2015, Tennessee fire departments responded to 206 fires involving grills, hibachis or barbeques. Those fires resulted in four civilian injuries, four firefighter injuries and $6.2 million in property damage, according to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS).
“Practice safety whenever you grill,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Place your grill well away from siding, deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches. Never leave a grill unattended.”
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Provides Tips on Lightning Safety
April 21, 2016
Nashville, TN – As the season’s warmer weather gives rise to storm activity, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants Tennesseans to be familiar with the risks and precautions involving lightning.
“Lightning can pose a variety of fire hazards,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “It is important to monitor weather conditions and know what to do to keep you and your family safe when storms strike.”
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 State Fire Marshal says “Let The Pros Handle Fireworks This Year”
July 2, 2015
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office has a simple message for Tennesseans this Fourth of July: Let the pros handle the fireworks.
With numerous professional displays scheduled for the Fourth including 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.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says Heater Safety Crucial during Winter
February 23, 2015
Nashville, TN – As sub-zero temperatures continue to linger across Tennessee for the remainder of the week, the State Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to stay safe when using portable heaters to keep warm.
Portable heaters, which are commonly used during winter, can sometimes lead to tragedy. An estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

An estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Portable Heater Safety information from Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office
January 6, 2015
Portable Heater Safety Is Crucial During Winter’s Coldest Months
Nashville, TN – The expected arrival of single-digit weather in Tennessee this week is prompting the State Fire Marshal’s Office to remind residents to stay safe when using portable heaters to stay warm.
Portable heaters are common sights during winter, but they can sometimes lead to tragedy. An estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Offices says Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely by Leaving Fireworks to the Pros
July 2, 2014
Nashville, TN – Celebrating our nation’s independence with fireworks is a longstanding tradition in the United States. However, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are seriously injured each year due to improper use. State Fire Marshal and Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak encourages Tennesseans to be fireworks smart this Fourth of July by opting to attend organized fireworks displays.
“We encourage Tennesseans to enjoy fireworks at a public display presented by trained professionals where compliance with state-of-the-art fire codes offers a safer way to celebrate the holiday,” McPeak said.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says be Grill Savvy and Fire Safe this Summer
June 30, 2014
Make sure the only thing going up in smoke is dinner!
Nashville, TN – It is summer in Tennessee and that means its grilling time for many residents. Although, outdoor cooking is a long-cherished tradition for most families, it also increases the possibility of fire-related incidents and injuries.
Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 7,200 home fires in 2007-2011, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,400 home fires.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal asks “Are you using portable heaters safely?”
January 15, 2014
Nashville, TN – According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 70 deaths, 150 injuries and $53 million in property loss.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of following safety precautions when using portable space heating devices in your home,” said State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “Keeping fire safety in mind can help save lives and property.” [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office shares safety tips for Outdoor Grilling
July 7, 2012
Nashville, TN – Summertime means outdoor grilling time for many Tennessee residents. It is also the peak season for grilling fires. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office urges outdoor cooks to keep fire safety in mind as they start up the grill this summer.
“Practice safety, whenever you grill,” State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak said. “Place your grill well away from siding, deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches.” She added, “Never leave a grill unattended.”












