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...

Keep Warm, Keep Safe this winter.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and all the members of the Massachusetts fire service are concerned that high energy prices this winter might also lead to an increase in fires from heating.

Turkey Deep Fat Fryer Safety

Using a deep fat fryer to cook your turkey this holiday season? The delicious deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity but safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing fire safety for good taste. However, using a deep fat fryer can be dangerous. Overflowing cooking oil can be a serious fire and burn hazard and deep fat fryers are unstable and top heavy and can tip over easily if bumped, spilling 300-400 degree oil onto the burner or your family members.

HAZ-MAT-HEADS UP 

Firefighter Near Miss-CNG Vehicle Explosion - Seattle firefighters arrive at the typical vehicle fire, which turns out to be non-typical. As the number of alternative fuel vehicles increase in the Commonwealth, firefighters should be aware of LNG, CNG as well as electric powered vehicles. During accidents and firefighting operations the following recommendations by the Seattle Fire Department may help you return to quarters, safely... The Department of Fire Services credits the Seattle Fire Department, Battalion Chief R.R. Hansen, and www.firefighternearmiss.com for their investigative and informational contributions to firefighter safety and education.

Next Senior Fire Officer Forum 12-05-08

Speaker: Retired Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Retired Chief of Department for Prince George's County Fire and EMS, Prince George's Cty, MD. Topic: Courage To Be Safe.

Annual Poster Contest is underway

The 2008 Arson Watch Reward Program's Annual Poster Contest is underway! This year marks the 26th year the Arson Watch Reward Program has sponsored the poster contest. This year's theme is "Fire Prevention Everyone/Everyday"

Dispatcher Training 

The Department of Fire Services is offering training for dispatchers to help them become aware of resources that are available locally, regionally and statewide to communities. It is important for dispatchers to understand how to get them, what comes with them, and what to expect. For more information....

2009 Fire Service Certification Examination Schedule Available

The Massachusetts Fire Training Council (MFTC) Certification Examination Schedule is now available.

Updated Information on Underground Storage Tanks

Revisions to the Underground Storage Tank provisions of the Massachusetts State Fire Code (527 CMR 9) recently took effect. The Department of Fire Services has developed a guide to these revisions that was sent to all fire chiefs in an advisory. In an effort to inform owners/operators, and third party inspectors of underground storage tanks, as well as fire departments of the changes, the Department of Fire Services will be holding informational sessions throughout the state. There is no charge for these sessions. -- (NOTE: Additional Owner/Operator and Third Party Inspector Informational Sessions have been added starting in September 2008.)

USFA Coffee Break Training for Fire and Building Inspectors

Fire and building inspectors with busy daily schedules often don't have time to attend valuable skill-enhancing training sessions, so the United States Fire Administration (USFA) is providing Coffee Break Training bulletins for you to read and enjoy during your daily break.

Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S): Fall 2008 Application Period

FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations, firefighter safety and mitigate high incidences of death and injury.

Video Contest for Burn Awareness

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 the contest for high school students. Contestant groups are challenged to create an informative and educational video on the topic of burn awareness. The Grand Prize group will win a digital video camera for their school as well as share $200 in gift cards. 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be also be awarded. See contest rules and evaluation rubric!

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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