Oak Ridge Today

Letter: What is a volunteer firefighter?

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To the Editor:

Question: What is a volunteer firefighter?

Answer: A volunteer firefighter is no different then those who get paid to do this job. In fact, when you think about those who work in the paid fire services, they too are technically a “volunteer” because nobody held a gun to their head and told them they have to do that job.

Every firefighter must remember that the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards do not differentiate between paid firefighters and volunteer firefighters in relation to who has to comply with what standards. Every firefighter is expected to do the job safely, quickly, and efficiently so that lives can be saved, property can be salvaged, and our communities are protected. [Read more…]

Keep your holidays from going up in flames!

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State fire marshal offers tips for a safely decorated home

NASHVILLE—The winter holiday season should be a joyous time of year. However, certain types of fires and injuries associated with decorating are all too common and can put a damper on holiday celebrations.

“Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source,” says State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “To decrease your risk for a home fire, keep fire safety in mind as you deck the halls this season.”

Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The National Fire Protection Association’s statistics show that two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages Tennesseans to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where one-third of U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep. [Read more…]

Fire Prevention Week: State reminds Tennesseans to prevent kitchen fires

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Submitted

It’s Fire Prevention Week this week, and from Oct. 6-12 the State Fire Marshal’s Office is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association to remind local residents to “Prevent Kitchen Fires.” During this year’s fire safety campaign, fire departments will be spreading the word about the dangers of kitchen fires—most of which result from unattended cooking—and teaching local residents how to prevent kitchen fires from starting in the first place.

According to the latest NFPA research, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Two out of every five home fires begin in the kitchen—more than any other place in the home. Many of these fires occur within minutes of residents leaving the kitchen.

“Cooking fires are the second leading cause of fatal fires in Tennessee so far this year,” said State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “Fifteen percent of fire victims died from fires caused by cooking. To prevent these tragedies, we must be mindful in the kitchen.” [Read more…]

Fire Department, state Fire Academy hosting fire officer class

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The Oak Ridge Fire Department has been hosting the Tennessee Fire Academy for a Fire Officer I and II class, a press release said.

ORFD has been hosting the class with the Tennessee Fire Service and Code Academy. It started the first week of January and will end the last week of March.

[Read more…]