This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of our three-year effort to educate the public about basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety.

Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Because NFPA’s survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.

As a result of those and related findings, we’re addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these key messages:

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.

To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

For more information visit www.fpw.org

FPW16infographic.pdf

 

It is with great sadness that the Washington Fire Chiefs announces the passing of former Fire Chief Tom Foster. Chief Foster died peacefully at a local assisted care facility on May 9th.

Chief Foster was the first paid Fire Chief for the then, Kent Fire Department. He served in that capacity from 1965 until he retired in 1981. Prior to that, the position was a volunteer one.

Houston fire inspectors are refusing to follow orders from a top administrator over building inspections because they fear the rules would endanger the public and put firefighters at risk. The open insurrection started after Houston Fire Marshal Jerry Ford issued new protocols last year that inspectors believe cut corners on safety in an effort to pad the division's performance statistics.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firerescue1

Well-known Fire Chief Richard Marinucci – who in March was asked by Northville Township officials to resign or be fired – has filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination, age discrimination, violation of the Michigan Open Meetings Act and denial of due process, among seven separate counts, following a reported issue with a township financial audit.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Hometown Life

An investigation by the Washington state Department of Natural Resources found that tree branches rubbing on a power line started the 2015 blaze near Twisp that killed three U.S. Forest Service firefighters. The agency's report says ignition likely happened as a light wind moved the branches and a sagging Okanogan County Electric Cooperative distribution line on Aug.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: oregonlive.com