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... September 2010 DFS - Briefs - Monthly Updates from the Department of Fire Services
Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, and included in this month's DFS Briefs are several flyers for your department's use, with topics ranging from the importance of smoke alarms and planning and practicing home escape drills to Halloween safety tips. See also the NFPA website for valuable information in planning activities for your community (nfpa.org). The 2011 S.A.F.E. Application is included in the September DFS Briefs - note deadline for submission is September 17. There is also information on the 8th edition of the State Building Code which became effective as of August 6, 2010, and information on how to access an analysis of the 2009 fire experience in your county from our website. AG, SFM Investigate Lack of Odorant in Propane
DFS Briefs Archives
FY 2011 Student Awareness of Fire Education Grant Applications Available
The Student Awareness of Fire Education Grant Application for Fiscal Year 2011 is now available along with a listing of eligible amounts by fire department/fire district. Applications are due September 17, 2010. Fire and Life Safety Education Conference - Register by September 8th
The theme of this year's conference is Fire and Life Safety Education: The Never Ending Story. The Massachsetts Public Fire and Life Safety Education Task Force has planned many workshops for life safety educators that incorporate using stories as a teaching tool as well reminding us that there is always a new generation who needs to learn fire and life safety. SAFER Grant Application Period - NOW OPEN until September 17th
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. Fire Prevention Week 2010
October 3 - 9 is Fire Prevention Week. No one thinks fire will ever happen to them. This year's theme 'Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With' reminds all of us how important smoke alarms are to give us the earliest possible warning of fire. Time is your enemy in a fire. Fire is a devastating experience and working smoke alarms are your first line of defense. Confined Space Stand Down Action Suggestions
"In recent weeks, incidents involving confined space rescues in both Ohio and Indiana left the initial civilian victims dead and firefighters critically injured. In both cases, while heroic attempts were made to save the victims, Firefighters ended up becoming victims themselves", Chief Billy Goldfeder, chairman of the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section. -- The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) through the Safety, Health and Survival Section (along with partnering fire service organizations) are urging all fire chiefs and fire/EMS officers to immediately issue a stand down in their departments due to two separate, but similar confined space rescue incidents that nearly took the lives of several Firefighters. During a stand down, personnel are directed to postpone non-emergency tasks to focus on related critical safety training.
Home Oil Heating Upgrade and Insurance Law - New Deadline 9/30/2011
Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008 requires that all existing residential oil lines be equipped with either a sleeved line or with an oil safety valve. The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) in conjunction with the Department of Fire Services has developed an informative brochure on the requirements. The information is available at http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/laws/hhsl.htm .
State Fire Marshal Announces Record Low Number of Civilian Fire Deaths in 2009
Massachusetts ended the year with a record low number of fire deaths. In 2009, preliminary figures show there were 35 civilian fire deaths. "That's the lowest number of fire deaths on record since WWII," according to State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. It's a 29% drop from the 49 deaths in 2008, and a 20% drop from the previous record low of 44 deaths in 2006.
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
August 2010 DFS - Briefs - Monthly Updates from the Department of Fire Services
As we approach the beginning of another school year it is an opportune time for fire departments to work with their school administrators and principals to remind them of their obligation to ensure the safety of their students and staff. To assist you, included in this month's DFS Briefs is information which I would encourage you to download and use in discussions with your school administrators prior to the start of the school year. This month's DFS Briefs also contains the complete program for the Fire & Life Safety Education Conference scheduled for September 22-23 at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center in Westford as well as important advisories including the Commercial Cooking Regulation, the extension of the July 1, 2010, deadline relating to oil burning equipment, and information regarding outdoor wood fired boilers and outdoor wood burning devices. 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...
(Recent Highlights)
(Quick Links - DFS)
Department of Fire Services