DFS Briefs

In 2008, fire chiefs from across the Commonwealth were our partners in a public education campaign on winter heating safety. We talked in a unified voice and the results were impressive. Not only did awareness increase, we had a decrease in overall heating fires that year. I hope you'll join us in our education efforts this year and in 2012, which will include cooking and winter heating safety.

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 are the 527 CMR regulations in regard to schools, a memo on the mandatory requirements for reporting school fires along with the form (FP-200) which is to be used by the schools to report fires, the Fire Prevention in Schools pamphlet, and a copy of my advisory dated September 11, 2000 regarding the Requirement for School Evacuation and Multi-Hazard Plans as required by the Massachusetts Legislature under Section 363 of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 2000. I would encourage you to download this information and have discussions with your school administrators prior to the start of the school year. In addition, August DFS Briefs contains an advisory on Prohibited Use of Antifreeze in Certain Fire Sprinkler Systems. Save the Date for the 17th annual MA Public Fire and Life Safety Education Conference that will be held on September 21-22, 2011 at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center. Please encourage your fire educators to attend; the full registration brochure will be available shortly. The 2011 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Award will be presented on September 22. Attached is a nomination form for this award.

Planning is underway for the 2011 Firefighter of the Year event. Information and nomination forms have already been electronically mailed to heads of fire departments and are also included in July DFS Briefs. Reminder that nominations must be made by the head of the fire department, and the deadline for submission of nomination forms is August 19, 2011. Also included in this month's Briefs is important information on (1) spray foam insulation fires, (2) information on how to access a new online Vision 20/20 Fire Prevention Advocacy Toolkit, (3) an update on an advisory issued in January on Antifreeze Use in Fire Sprinkler Systems,(4) and public safety information. Please avail yourself to all of the information contained in the July DFS Briefs.

The summer season is upon us once again, starting with July Fourth celebrations and fireworks displays. As usual with the June issue, this month's DFS Briefs contains important information for fire departments as they prepare for fireworks displays, including contact information and a fireworks display checklist which provides guidelines for a fireworks program - before the show, day of the show, following the show. As always, my office stands ready to provide technical, compliance, and enforcement support, 24/7 - especially over the busy 4th of July weekend. The following numbers may be called for immediate assistance - outside of regular business hours, 508-820-2000 normal business days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 978-567-3375. In the June DFS Briefs, you will also find three in-depth studies on fire department responses to motor vehicle accidents and calls for emergency medical services. While the studies identify primarily 20 communities, there are several breakouts of this information which may be of interest. These were developed for the Massachusetts Traffic Records Coordination Committee as a result of a federal grant awarded to DFS. You will also find several important advisories, preliminary information on the 17th Annual Fire & Life Safety Conference as well as information about upcoming training opportunities.

DFS is pleased to announce the arrival of a new driver training simulator. See the flyer within this month's Briefs for more information. See also the flyer containing information on the various Emergency Vehicle Operator training programs available. Information on the CISM Conference entitled "The RI Station Nightclub Fire: CISM Implications for First Responders" is also included. Please be sure to review important information on this conference as well as all other advisories and information contained in the May DFS Briefs. I also want to remind you that the DFS dedication event is June 11. The program is coming together and the proposed schedule is 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for an Open House and self guided tours; 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a fire apparatus parade; 11:30 a.m. to noon for the speaking program to include the Governor's participation; and 12 noon to 1 p.m. for refreshments. It promises to be a great event and all are welcome. Please R.S.V.P. by June 1 to: Events.DFS-CR@state.ma.us if you plan to attend. Please include the number of people in your party.

Mark your calendars - Planning is underway for a formal dedication event for the newly renovated/expanded DFS facility in Stow. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2011, from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include an open house and self-guided tours, static displays and demonstrations, a parade of fire apparatus representing different eras, the formal dedication and the speaking program. DFS is looking for firefighting apparatus to take part in the parade. See the flyer in this month's DFS Briefs for further information. With the project starting in August of 2007, this formal dedication event is the culmination of 3+ years of transition.

CROWD MANAGER - IMPORTANT - The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations has voted to extend the date by which a trained "crowd manager" must be present in a nightclub, dance hall, discotheque and bar establishment with a capacity of 100 persons or more. The effective date for the requirement to complete the fire and building safety checklist was similarly extended. The original March 1, 2011 effective date will be extended to June 1, 2011. DFS is currently in the process of formalizing this date change in 527 CMR. This extension was made at the request of the Department of Fire Services as a result of last minute program issues and the desire to give a reasonable period time to comply with this very important public safety initiative. Information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. Please be sure to review all the information in the March DFS Briefs as there is important information on upcoming training programs.

DFS is planning a stepped up "Keep Warm, Keep Safe" campaign in the next month as a result of the severe cold weather and snow that we have been experiencing. DFS will be working with several radio stations throughout Massachusetts to get the "Keep Warm, Keep Safe" message out. Included in this month's DFS Briefs is the press release DFS issued during January in regard to cold weather fire safety as well as informational flyers on "Major Storm Safety" and "Space Heater Fire Safety". Fire departments can use this information within their communities. February's DFS Briefs also includes several important advisories and information on upcoming training opportunities. Please be sure to avail yourself of all the important information contained in the February 2011 DFS Briefs.

This year's DFS budget included funding to provide Residential and Peer Support for Critical Incident Stress Management through the On-Site Academy. Under the umbrella of DFS, the On-Site Academy will provide specialized residential care for high intensity urgent cases where the firefighters may be at risk. DFS will also coordinate with the On-Site Academy to provide education outreach to the fire chiefs and the fire service. Effective preventative stress management of the first responder is important, and DFS is pleased to be able to help provide this service. I urge you to read more about the programs offered through the On-Site Academy in the flyer contained in this month's DFS Briefs. Also contained this month is the re-issue of information on the Firefighter Length of Service Awards Program. January DFS Briefs also contains important information on the prohibited use of antifreeze in certain fire sprinkler systems as well as information on upcoming training. Also included is the job posting for Fire Safety Cigarette Coordinator; note the deadline is January 12, 2011.

As we are now into the Winter Season, I want to once again refer you to the available information for use within your communities for outreach programs so that residents Keep Warm, Keep Safe. For information and resource websites, go to www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe . In the December DFS Briefs, you will find advisories on recent amendments by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations to 527 CMR 4.00, 527 CMR 8.00, 527 CMR 10.00 and CMR 13.00 as well an advisory on Marine Fueling Permits and a form developed for use for complaints on hood cleaning work pursuant to 527 CMR 11.8.8. You will also find information on training programs and fire safety flyers. Please be sure to avail yourself to all the important information contained in the December 2010 DFS Briefs.

Toy or Lighter??? If there were no flames would you think these were all toys instead of novelty lighters? That is why I am so pleased that DFS working together with the fire service was instrumental in having signed into law an important public safety bill "An Act Prohibiting the Use of Novelty Lighters." This law becomes effective November 7. (See further information inside the November DFS Briefs.) I strongly encourage the fire service to distribute the fact sheet and a copy of the law to retail outlets in your communities. I have also included in this month's Briefs the advisory that I had previously sent out in August regarding another important public safety bill that was signed into law "An Act Relative to the Regulation of Explosives". This is an important tool for public safety officials in dealing with explosive devices.

As we enter the "Halloween Season" please pay special attention to the joint advisory in the October DFS Briefs issued by the State Fire Marshal and the Commissioner of Public Safety in regard to life-safety issues particularly where "haunted houses" and/or "fun houses" are operated and open to the public. This updated advisory contains current relevant sections of both the fire and building codes. Also in this month's issue of DFS Briefs, you will find an update to the on-going actions taken as a result of the presence of under/non-odorized propane in the Commonwealth. We have also included a memo from the Department of Public Safety on the two amendments to 524 CMR which were recently promulgated by the Board of Elevator Regulations along with suggested elevator operational guidelines for fire departments to comply with Section 17.39(4)(e). There are other important fire safety flyers and information. We are also reintroducing our "Keep Warm - Keep Safe" Campaign. This successful campaign is in its third year and, in addition to the flyer in DFS Briefs, you can find a wealth of information on www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe from which you can download information for use in your community.

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.

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.

Planning is underway for the 2010 Firefighter of the Year event. Information and nomination forms have already been electronically mailed to heads of fire departments and are also included in July DFS Briefs. Reminder that nominations must be made by the head of the fire department, and the deadline for submission of nomination forms is August 20, 2010. Also included in this month's Briefs is information on the homeless shelter regulation, re-issue of an advisory regarding temporary housing at traveling carnivals and circuses, information for first responders to raise awareness of chemical suicides, information and the registration package for the DFS Annual Weekend at the National Fire Academy, as well as other informational and educational material. Please be sure to avail yourself to all of the information contained in the July DFS Briefs.

The summer season is upon us once again, starting with July Fourth celebrations and fireworks displays. This month's DFS Briefs contains important information for fire departments as they prepare for fireworks displays, including an informational sheet summarizing the fireworks law (Chapter 148, S.39), contact information, and a fireworks display checklist which provides guidelines for a fireworks program - before the show, day of the show, following the show. In the June DFS Briefs, you will also find advisories on LP gas and LP gas fired heaters, hazmat response plan changes, as well as public education information, training opportunities, and preliminary information on the 16th Annual Fire & Life Safety Education Conference.

Arson Awareness Week, which is sponsored by the U.S. Fire Administration, takes place this year from May 2 - 8. Arson can devastate a community resulting in the decline of a neighborhood, loss of business revenue, and a decrease in property values. The Department of Fire Services has a pamphlet on our website called Arson and Fire Prevention: Neighborhood Strategies that can help neighborhood groups in your community. Search on Arson Awareness Week. In the May DFS Briefs you will find a memo regarding funding for a fire safety house for each of the 15 fire mobilization districts and the advisory regarding 527 CMR 4 and implementation of Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008 "An Act Relative to Homeowner Heating Safety". See also the training and conference opportunities and summer safety tips in the May DFS Briefs.

All fire departments by now have received a CD from DFS containing information for use within your community on the fire dangers of home oxygen use. We have been working for a number of years with the Task Force on Home Oxygen Safety, and I am very pleased that we have now been able to unveil this public awareness campaign. All information on the CD is available on our website. Printed posters will also be made available to fire departments and the medical community upon request. See also the training opportunities and fire safety flyer in this month's DFS Briefs. I would also like to remind you that the implementation date for the new smoke alarm regulations is April 5. DFS has a special page with information on the new smoke detector regulations, 527 CMR 32. We encourage you to check this page for updates as we move toward the effective date of April 5, 2010.

Several important documents are contained in the March DFS Briefs - the most important is the information on the changes in the state's smoke alarm regulations for homes with five or less units. A draft release is available to be downloaded for use within your community. Be sure to review the informational guide (one version for viewing on line and one which can be downloaded for distribution) and see the schedule on the training on Fire alarm and Carbon Monoxide Requirements that is available to assist you. See information on Compact Fluorescent Lights, a training exercise on the State wide Fire Mobilization Plan, a seminar on Kids and Bombs, as well as other advisories, training opportunities, and Safety Tips for the Open Burning Season.

DFS Briefs for February contains two important advisories as well as several flyers on upcoming training opportunities, public education safety flyers, and a job posting for a full-time Fire Code Administrator at DFS. The application deadline for this position is February 9. Note that National Burn Awareness Week is February 7-13. The winners of a statewide contest for high school media students, the YouTube™ Burn Awareness Video Contest, sponsored by DFS, the Mass. Association of Safety Fire Educators, and the Mass. Property Insurance Underwriting Association will be announced on February 8 to launch Burn Awareness Week.

First, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all who received awards and all who assisted in making the December 3, 2009, Firefighter of the Year Award ceremony such a special event. - DFS Briefs for January contains an important advisory on 527 CMR 32 regarding approved smoke detectors, information on the deadline for spending FY2009 SAFE grant monies, as well as a reminder and information on the Fire Service Commission's successful on-going program of recognizing Massachusetts firefighters for length of service.

The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations has been extremely active in working with DFS staff to promulgate several new regulations which are of importance to fire safety in the Commonwealth. Please find an advisory from my office along with the updates to 527 CMR on: temporary overnight shelters from the cold; crowd managers; floor finishing; cannons and mortars; and use and storage of alcohol based hand rub preparations. I wish you all a Happy and Safe Holiday Season and remember to Keep Warm, Keep Safe throughout the holidays!

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.

October 4 - 10 is Fire Prevention Week. No one thinks fire will ever happen to them. This year's theme 'Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned', is a good reminder for people to be more aware of the danger of fire that surrounds us. Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and we in the Massachusetts fire service are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone living in and visiting our state. Be sure to review the Quick Reference Sheets included in this month's Briefs for important contact information for accessing resources through DFS that can easily be shared with dispatchers and other fire department staff.

This month's Briefs includes important information on upcoming Recruit Class Training as well as training on Chapter 304 Ticketing Procedures. Also, note the recent recall by Blitz USA of its Enviro-Flo (TM) Plus Fuel Containers due to potential fire hazard. Keep in mind that Halloween is just around the corner and please feel free to download and distribute the Halloween Safety Tips.

This month's Briefs contains the re-issue of important information regarding the reporting of school fires, several recent amendments to 527 CMR, as well as fire safety flyers, and information on the Eighth Annual Weekend at the National Fire Academy. In addition, I would like to remind you of the following deadlines: Nominations for the Firefighter of the Year - August 21, 2009; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds for Fire Services Staffing - August 21, 2009; S.A.F.E. Grant Application - September 11,2009.

This month's DFS Briefs includes information and nomination forms for the 2009 Firefighter of the Year Awards. These materials will not be mailed to fire departments, so fire chiefs need to download and print their own copies. The deadline to submit nominations is August 21, 2009. In addition, fire departments need to be aware of the very important information regarding the transfer of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program from DFS to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Local fire departments need to understand this process in order to adequately answer questions from the public. If you have comments, questions and suggestions about DFS Briefs, then please email me at Stephen.Coan@state.ma.us.

The summer season, starting with July Fourth celebrations, is almost here. As fire departments throughout the Commonwealth prepare for this busy time, be aware that my office is ready to provide the highest level of technical, compliance and enforcement support, 24/7. Please refer to my advisory with July Fourth contact numbers as well as additional environmental information on fireworks. Also, take a look at the brochure on Summer Safety Tips. Please email any comments, questions and suggestions about DFS Briefs to me at Stephen.Coan@state.ma.us.

This new monthly communication is designed to quickly provide specialized information to the statewide Massachusetts fire services community from the Department of Fire Services (DFS). This new format replaces the traditional monthly mailing from DFS. Please send any comments, questions and suggestions about DFS Briefs to Stephen.Coan@state.ma.us.

This winter DFS will be continuing with the Keep Warm Keep Safe campaign. We have placed updated materials on our website under the Keep Warm Keep Safe Toolkit (www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe).  It includes a customizable press release, sample op-ed piece for local newspapers, and educational materials in several languages.