Spread the word
Minnesota State Fire Marshal Jim Smith focuses on the importance of educating ourselves and the general public. Education is an important investment to reduce the number of fire fatalities in Minnesota in 2022. Marshal Smith asks everyone to “spread the word."
A fresh start
Fire and Life Safety Educator Kathi Osmonson suggests the start of 2022 might be a perfect time to rededicate ourselves to assessing and reducing fire and safety risks in our communities. Find out about Community Risk Reduction Week in her article, “A Fresh Start."
Don't miss the training train
Don't miss out on valuable training opportunities in the months ahead. The State Fire Marshal division's Jake Lindquist has put together a list of just some of the local, virtual and National Fire Academy-sanctioned courses and training opportunities held around Minnesota between January and April.
Are you really watching your budget?
Minnesota Board of Firefighter Education and Training (MBFTE) Executive Director Steve Flaherty understands, from first-hand experience, the demands on fire chiefs' time and energy. Nonetheless, he thinks it's a shame that, all too often, money available to fund local departments' needs is “left on the table." Read his article "Are you really watching your budget?"
Ever wonder why a State Fire Marshal car is in your town?
You might have noticed a State Fire Marshal division's marked vehicle on the road or parked in a nearby lot and wondered why someone from our agency is in the neighborhood. There is a range of possible explanations according to Residential Care and Lodging Team Supervisor Ryan Whiting.
We're surrounded!
Not too long ago, people might have thought that "hazmat" spoken aloud was someone's throat-clearing attempt. The world has certainly changed in recent years and Fridley fire chief and North Metro Hazardous Materials Response Team coordinator Maddison Zikmund points out: we are surrounded by hazardous materials every day.
