​ Our work is ongoing​

Chief Deputy Amanda Swenson​ challenges us to always be prevention-forward. We in the​ fire service can always do a better job of heading off tragedy.​

November training update from the SFMD​

Training Coordinator Dan Buchholz provides a refresher on determining Occupancy Loads and shares information about two National Fire Academy courses that will be hosted by Owatonna FD in early 2023.

An iron cross to mark a tragic loss​

​Fire Service Supervisor John Ehret discovers weather- and time-worn markers on a site in far northern Minnesota, and ponders the event that claimed the lives of three children.​​

Conflict of interest calls​

Lead Fire Investigator Jim Iammatteo addresses a concern that threatens to undermine the public's trust in the fire service: firefighters who start fires.

If you hold your John Deere dear​​

Southern Minnesota’s Fire Service Specialist Jared Rozeboom reminds fire chiefs and departments in Minnesota's agrarian regions to remind farmers that properly maintained equipment is far less likely to go up in smoke or start fires in their fields.​

Bits from Bob​​

​Deputy State Fire Marshal Bob Reif touches on a few safety concerns as we head into the holidays and heating season, from furnace tune-ups to alarm testing and brush burning, from kitchens to corn fields. ​He also notes that if you were unable to attend the State Fire Marshal Division's Safety Summit on Nov. 16, you'll soon be able to access the recording via the SFMD website.​

Top-shelf training at bargain prices

Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE ) Executive Director Steve Flaherty advises that winter weather advisories need not put a halt to meaningful training on your department's drill nights, and it also need not break the bank. Read all about it in his article Top-shelf training at bargain prices.​