Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
Welcome from the State Fire Marshal
As the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal and the head of the Department of Fire Services, I am very proud of the progress we have made to provide much needed resources to the fire service... November DFS - Briefs - Monthly Updates from the Department of Fire Services
Important Regulatory Changes Effective January 1, 2010 - Several important regulatory changes will become effective January 1, 2010. In preparation, DFS will be conducting several statewide training programs on these regulations. These seminars will cover M.G.L. c. 148, s. 26G and the new guidance document included in this month's DFS Briefs. One additional regulation will also be covered: 527 CMR 11.00, Commercial Cooking Operations, which will focus on the new licensure requirement for cleaning and inspection of commercial cooking equipment. DFS Briefs Archives
Keep Warm, Keep Safe This Winter 2009 - 2010
DFS is looking forward to working with the fire services again on another successful Keep Warm Keep Safe campaign. Please check the Keep Warm Keep Safe website on a regular basis. 185th Recruit Firefighter Training Class Graduation Ceremony - Friday November 20, 2009
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Edmund M. Walker, will present certificates of completion to members of the 185th Recruit Firefighter Training Class in a graduation ceremony on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. The recruit graduation will take place at the Assabet Vocational Regional High School, 215 Fitchburg Street, Marlborough, MA. Visitors are not allowed on school grounds until buses have departed at 3:00 pm. Guidance Document Issued About Changes to MGL C148 s 26G Sprinkler Law That Takes Effect Jan 1, 2010.
The Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board has issued guidance on recent amendments to M.G.L. c.148, s. 26G (Chapter 508 of the Acts of 2008). Click on the heading above this paragraph for the ASAB Official Approved 26G Guidance document.
2009 - 2010 Arson Watch Reward Program - Poster Contest
The 2009 - 2010 Arson Watch Reward Program's Annual Poster Contest is underway! This year marks the 27th year the Arson Watch Reward Program has sponsored the poster contest. This year's theme is "Fire Prevention Everyone/Everyday".
Opening of the Application Period for the FY2009 Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Services (SAFER) Grants Announced
The Department of Homeland Security will begin accepting applications for FY2009 SAFER Grants Beginning November 16,2009 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The deadline for receipt of the SAFER Grant applications will be December 18,2009 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The FY2009 SAFER program has approximately $210 million available for Grants. Hazmat Hydrogen Safety for First Responders
A web based course that provides an "awareness level" overview of hydrogen for fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel. Additional HazMat Training Videos and Presentations
New Commercial Cooking Exhaust System Cleaning & Inspection License
Any person engaged in the cleaning and inspection of commercial cooking operations, as of January 1, 2010 must hold a Certificate of Competency issued by the State Fire Marshal. All cleaning and inspection that takes place must comply with the regulation which is based on the 2008 edition of NFPA 96 (National Fire Protection Association 96).
Senior Fire Officer Forum - Fall 2009 - register Now!
On November 12, David Dodson, Battalion Chief, Eagle River Fire District, Colorado will present a 4-hour seminar called Reading Smoke- Part II. This presentation will provide detailed training and exercises to improve participant's effectiveness in "Reading Smoke". It will be held at from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, Massachusetts 01434. Click the heading above for registration information. - Including online registration. 2009 Burn Awareness Video Contest
The Mass. Association of Safety and Fire Educators and the state Department of Fire Services in conjunction with the MA Property Insurance Underwriting Association are sponsoring a video contest for high school students. Contestant groups are challenged to create an informative and educational video on the topic of burn awareness. MA Fire Services Staffing, Round 1 Awards Announced
Approximately $20 million in U.S. Department of Education State Fiscal Stabilization Government Services Fund Recovery Act funds will be awarded to local fire departments through a competitive process. The primary purpose of these funds is to help agencies address those staffing reductions incurred since July 1, 2008 that significantly impact public safety. Round 1 announcements were made October 7, 2009.
H1N1 Influenza Advisories - Click Here
State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and the Department of Fire Services have posted the following documents from the MA Department of Public Health and the Center of Disease Control, which provide important information for first responders on the safe handling of suspected H1N1 influenza patients. The goal is to facilitate containment of H1N1 infections and to minimize the risk of infection to first responders. ICC Votes to Keep Sprinklers
International Residential Code Fire Sprinkler Coalition Press Release
DFS Mission
The mission of the Department of Fire Services is to promote and enhance firefighter safety through policy and training, to assist and support the fire service community in protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Massachusetts, and to provide...
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