As 2021 races to its conclusion it is a good time to pump the brakes and take in this year's final State Fire Marshal Division Newsletter. It's the holiday and heating season and in this month's edition Fire Marshal Jim Smith reminds all of us to reach out to our service area residents with some tips keep them, their families and their homes fire-free. School Inspections Supervisor Forrest Williams helps us lock in on if and when the door swings both ways in his article about egress control systems. Task Force 1 Administrator Pete Knaeble lets us know his team is highly trained and always at-the-ready for assistance with Urban Search and Rescue.
If there is ever anything you want to know about fire code the State Fire Marshal Division's resident Code Guru Tom Jenson can help you navigate that labyrinthine list. Take a look at his article on the recent Minnesota Fire Code adoption and see how you can adapt that for your community's needs. Want to take advantage of some National Fire Academy offerings scheduled in-state? Jake Lindquist gives you the scoop on a number of courses – including some “train-the-trainer" and leadership courses – that are likely to fill quickly. Jake's advice? Move fast and grab these opportunities!
Minnesota Board of Fire Training and Education Executive Director Steve Flaherty discusses the probability of the improbable becoming all-too-real. He also writes about how training for the improbable is imperative in today's unpredictable world. Finally, Fire Educator Bob Reif doesn't want people's holiday décor to go up in smoke. Check out his piece on fire safety considerations for those whose homes will temporarily house a decorated evergreen or natural wreaths and boughs.
