Kansas Volunteer Firefighter Grant Awarded to 24 Volunteer Fire Departments

TOPEKA – The Kansas State Fire Marshal awarded 101 complete sets of PPE bunker gear, totaling just over $400,000, to 24 volunteer fire departments through the Kansas Volunteer Firefighter Grant (KVFG). Each bunker gear set includes a matching coat and pair of pants, a structural fire helmet, a hood, gloves, and leather structural boots. The Kansas State Fire Marshal was able to make the grant possible through its budget, which was passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor Laura Kelly. 

This year, 675 sets of PPE bunker gear, valued at over $2.6 million, were requested by 96 volunteer fire departments in Kansas. Fire departments continue to face firefighter recruitment and retention issues because they lack funding to provide adequate safety equipment that meets National Fire Protection Association standards. This is particularly true in small, rural volunteer firefighter departments. Volunteer firefighters often have to provide their own safety gear, use gear that is outdated or go without gear altogether. The KVFG addresses gear inadequacies and prioritizes the departments in greatest need.

“Speaking with volunteer fire departments across the state this year, the common theme was the lack of quality gear. Often times gear is used, handed down, expired, or mixed gear put together and shared by multiple volunteers,” Mark Engholm, State Fire Marshal said. “Our goal this year was to focus on the volunteer fire departments that were in need the most of replacing old, outdated and missing gear.”

The Kansas State Fire Marshal, along with representatives from the Kansas State Fire Fighters Association and the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs, reviewed the grant applications and worked together to award the grants. 

 Fiscal Year 2025 Kansas Volunteer Firefighter Grant Award Recipients  

Allen County Rural Volunteer Fire Department                Marion County Fire District #2

Belleville Fire Department                                                Moline Fire Department

Cawker City Fire Department                                           Morris County Fire District #13

Cheney Volunteer Fire Department                                  Mt. Pleasant Rural Fire Department #4

Clifton Fire Department                                                    Nashville Fire Department

Delphos Rural & City Fire Department                             Powhattan Fire Department 

Ellinwood Fire Department                                               Randall Rural Fire Department

Galesburg Volunteer Fire Department                              Sawyer Rural Fire District

Hanover Rural Fire District #10                                         South Haven Fire Department

Jackson County Rural Fire District #7                               Sumner County Fire District #8

Jewell City & Rural Fire Department                                 Washington County Fire District #6

Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department                                 Washington County Rural Fire District #8

Governor Laura Kelly proclaims February 13-17 as Wildfire Awareness Week in Kansas.

Feb. 21, 2022 (TOPEKA) – Over the past three days, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has investigated four fatality fires in Northeast Kansas. There was one in Shawnee County on Friday, one in Jackson County on Sunday, and two in Pottawatomie County, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. All were unrelated. This year alone, our office has investigated 90 fires with 13 of them being fatal. While last year, at this time, we had investigated 43 fires, and there were 20 fatality fires for the entire year. 

These fatality fires have been a mix of accidental, arson and homicides. 

“We can’t control the will of someone to commit an arson or homicide,” Wally Roberts, OSFM Investigations Chief, said. “But we can control our own actions. Many of these fires are accidental and preventable through simple fire safety measures.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.

Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, accounting for more than two of every five fires, as well as the vast majority of deaths and injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment.

Here are a few fire-safety tips to follow for the remainder of the winter months:

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters.
• Plug one heat-producing appliance (i.e. space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
• Never use an extension cord for a space heater.
• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.
• Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away from your home as possible.
• Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
• Make sure to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.

“We know smoke alarms save lives,” State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen said. “However, they must be working. A few seconds each month to check or change the batteries in a smoke alarm can be the difference between life or death when it comes to a fire. And if they are over 10 years old, replace them.”

The OSFM’s Get Alarmed, Kansas program provides free smoke alarms to fire departments across the state to install free for homeowners in their districts. For more information on this program contact your local fire department or visit: GetAlarmedKS.org. The program also provides smoke alarms for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing directly.

There are also many programs that can assist residents with rising utility costs. The Kansas Corporation Commission provides information on assistance with utilities at this website: https://kcc.ks.gov/consumer-information/utility-assistance-programs. 

“Unfortunately, this has been a very busy time for our investigation team,” Jorgensen said. “There are many factors contributing to the rise in home fires this year. We implore Kansans to think twice before cutting corners to heat their homes and to simply reach out if they need assistance this winter.”

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Topeka – (Feb. 10) Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation marking the week of Feb. 14-18, 2022, as Wildfire Awareness Week in Kansas. As many Kansans are still overcoming the devastating wildfires that took place in December, this provides an opportunity to share information on preventing future wildfires.

“Wildfire Awareness Week provides an opportunity to share prevention information and raise awareness of just how devastating wildfires can be to life and property," Governor Laura Kelly said. "Kansans are still picking up the pieces from the devastating wildfires in December as we see wildfires ablaze early in the year.”  

Last year, Kansas fire departments responded to close to 5,000, vegetation-related fires that caused two fatalities, injured 20 people, burned over 185,000 acres and damaged more than 40 buildings. Over 900 of these fires required counties to seek mutual-aid assistance to bring them under control. The fires also caused over $4 million in damages to property owners.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Kansas Forest Service, as well as the Kansas Firefighters Association and the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs, urge everyone to use extreme caution whenever doing any burning. 

“Check with your local fire department or emergency manager before doing any outdoor burning,” said Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “The state has established guidelines to help control outside burning and following them can help us all prevent many wildland fires.”

Wildfires burn thousands of acres in multiple counties and stretch the manpower and resources of many local volunteer fire departments. In Kansas, 84 percent of firefighters belong to volunteer fire departments.

“Wildfires cause devastation both personally and economically,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. “And most wildfires are caused by human activities. So, by being aware of our surroundings and weather conditions, as well as following simple fire safety measures, we have the ability to prevent the majority of wildfires.”

Kansans should practice safe, responsible behavior when conducting any outdoor burning. They should refrain from dangerous and unlawful use of fireworks. Also, it is important to report all suspicious fires and smoke.

“Kansans have experienced so much loss due to wildfires in the past months. This week is a good opportunity for Kansans to evaluate their property and communities to better prepare in the event of a wildfire,” Kansas State Forester, Jason Hartman, said.

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TOPEKA (Sept. 4, 2021) – The Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM), along with the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Kansas Forest Service (KFS), is coordinating the deployment of personnel and equipment from five Kansas fire departments this afternoon to Louisiana to provide support in and around areas affected by Hurricane Ida. The department personnel are deploying as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a multistate agreement that allows states to send government aid to other states in emergency situations.

Twenty-three fire department personnel, along with six type 1 engines and a command vehicle, from Johnson County, Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe and Wichita will be leaving this afternoon for Louisiana. The EMAC deployment will support fire operations in southern Louisiana. Crews will be based out of Thibodaux and work 48-hour shifts out of a fire station and 48-hour shifts in the base camp in Thibodaux. The deployment will be 16 days total, with 14 days on the ground.

The departments supporting the deployment are Wichita Fire Department, two type 1 engines, one command vehicle and seven personnel; Leawood Fire Department, one type 1 engine and four personnel; Lenexa Fire Department, one type 1 engine and four personnel; Johnson County Consolidated Fire District 2, one type 1 engine and four personnel; and Olathe FD, one type 1 engine and four personnel.

Contact:

Jane Welch

Director of Public Affairs

The Adjutant General’s Department

5820 SE Coyote Drive

Topeka, KS 66619

785-207-1549 (cell)

785-646-0092 (office)

Jane.e.welch1.nfg@mail.mil

Jill Bronaugh

Public Information Manager

Office of the State Fire Marshal

800 SW Jackson, Suite 104

Topeka, KS   66612-1216

785-296-3403 (office)

785-221-0379 (cell)

jill.bronaugh@ks.gov

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Recall Details

Description:

This recall involves Kidde TruSense Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms.  The recalled units are Kidde Model Series 2040, 2050, 2060 and 2070 Smoke and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarms.  Only alarms with the TruSense logo or “AMBER=FAULT” printed on the front of the alarm are included in this recall.  The model number is printed on the back of the alarm.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately contact Kidde for a free replacement alarm.  Consumers should keep using the recalled alarms until they install replacement alarms.

Incidents/Injuries:

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Sold At:

Walmart, Home Depot, Menards and other department, home and hardware stores and electrical distributors nationwide, and online at Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com and other online retailers from May 2019 through September 2020 for between $10 and $70.

Importer(s):

Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Company Inc., of Mebane, N.C.

Manufactured In:

China

Recall number:

21-130

Find this recall:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/kidde-recalls-trusense-smoke-and-combination-smoke-carbon-monoxide-alarms-due-to-risk

Recall Details

Recall date:

Find this recall:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Potter-Electric-Recalls-Addressable-Pull-Stations-Single-Dual-Action-Due-to-Failure-to-Alert-to-Fire

Report an incident involving this product

In recent years, many Kansans have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of wildland fires that burned thousands of acres in multiple counties, stretching the manpower and resources of many local volunteer fire departments.

 To highlight the need for vigilance for wildland fires, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation marking the week of Feb. 15-19 as Wildfire Awareness Week.

 "When conditions are dry and the Kansas prairie winds sweep across the state, we all need to be keenly aware of the danger of wildland fires," Kelly said. "Most wildland fires result from human activity. It only takes a spark from an unattended barbecue or campfire, or a carelessly tossed cigarette to touch off a fire that endangers lives, burns thousands of acres of farmland, and destroys homes and other property."

 Last year, Kansas fire departments responded to more than 4,000 vegetation-related fires that injured 16 people, burned over 145,000 acres and damaged more than 30 buildings. Nearly 900 of these fires required counties to seek mutual assistance to bring them under control.

 The Kansas Division of Emergency Management, the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Kansas Forest Service urge everyone to use extreme caution whenever doing any burning.

 "It's advisable to check with your local fire department or emergency manager before doing any outdoor burning," Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, said. "The state has established guidelines to help control outside burning and following them can help us all prevent many wildland fires."

 "As all Kansans understand, weather can change in an instant," Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. "Weather conditions greatly impact wildfires and their spread. Before starting any outdoor burn, please make sure to check for any red-flag warnings and the weather at least 24-48 hours out."

 In Kansas, 84 percent of firefighters belong to volunteer fire departments.

 "Our volunteer firefighters do heroic work whenever they respond to a fire of any kind," Weishaar said. "Every wildland fire we can prevent is one less time they have to put themselves at risk to keep us safe."

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TOPEKA – The holidays are a time when many families deck the halls with lights and special decorations. But the winter holiday season also brings an increased risk of home fires and other injuries.  Safe Kids Kansas and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) remind families to take a few extra precautions and make safety a tradition when decorating for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other winter festivities.

 December is the peak month for home fires, and holiday decorations contribute to this risk. Candles, live Christmas trees, lights, fireplaces and cooking should all be handled carefully. In addition, heat sources, like space heaters, can also ignite a fire.

 “Prevention is the most effective way to avoid a home fire,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. “The winter months and the holiday season create many unintended fire hazards that can have devastating consequences. We want to ensure that Kansans stay safe this season by providing some easy tips to follow.”

 Keep your family safe with these tips:

• Consider using flameless candles, which look like real candles but will keep children safe from burns.
• When cooking, keep your counter space free from anything that can catch fire, set a timer and check your cooking and baking regularly, and create a “kid-free zone” at least three feet around the stove. 
• Inspect Christmas lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets.
• Make sure a natural/live tree is fresh and kept watered and keep tree at least three feet away from fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.
• Supervise children around fireplaces or use a fireplace screen or gate to keep children away.
• Position space heaters with care. Place them level on the floor at least three feet from anything flammable, and never leave them on unattended. 
• Have furnaces inspected annually.
• Install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Create and practice your home fire escape plan and determine a safe meeting place outside.

 “Despite efforts to prevent fires and burns, if you have an emergency it’s important for first responders to quickly find your location,” said Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas. “Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible from the street, on your house, mailbox or curb.”

For more holiday and winter home fire safety tips, visit: www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays.

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Contact:

Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas, 785-640-8614                                          

Jill Bronaugh, OSFM, 785-224-1851

Kristi Zears, 785-296-1317

TOPEKA — (Nov. 12, 2020) Kansas State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen awarded a Topeka Firefighter with the 2020 Tom McGaughey Fire Service Award at the Topeka City Council meeting Tuesday. Each year, the Office of the State Fire Marshal joins with the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs and Kansas State Firefighters Association to honor a firefighter or team of firefighters for heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty.

After being nominated by Topeka Fire Chief Craig Duke, Lieutenant Matthew Frehe, was selected for this year’s Tom McGaughey Fire Service Award for his heroic actions, saving the life of a two-year-old child at a house fire in Topeka on the afternoon of Aug. 4, 2020. 

“It is an honor to be able to recognize Lt. Frehe and the Topeka Fire Department,” Jorgensen said. “Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, without hesitation, to save the lives of strangers. This award is our way of saying thank you. Your sacrifice makes a difference.”  

The Topeka Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire located at 710 SW Polk Street. The crews were informed that there was fire coming from the second floor of a two-story residential structure. Callers were also informing dispatchers that there may be a child trapped on the second floor of the structure.

An occupant of the house informed Captain Brian Ginter and Lt. Frehe that her two-year-old daughter was still inside the burning structure in a bedroom located on the second floor. Capt. Ginter and Lt. Frehe immediately went to side of the structure where the mother showed them the window of the bedroom. Utilizing a ladder that neighbors had tried to use to enter the second story bedroom window, Lt. Frehe, without hesitation, ascended the ladder and entered the heavy smoked filled bedroom in an attempt to locate the child. Lt. Frehe made a coordinated search of the bedroom in an attempt to locate the child. As he crawled through the bedroom in search of the child, he located what seemed to be bunk beds. Lt. Frehe, unable to locate the child on the bunk beds, was about to move further around the room when he found the child on the floor of the room. Lt. Frehe carried the lifeless body of the child back to the bedroom window and was able to make his way out the window, where he handed the child to personnel on the ground. The lifeless, non-breathing child was tended to by medical personnel on the scene and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital. The child was resuscitated and remained in hospital before being released eight days later.

“The professionalism and teamwork Lt. Frehe and the crew showed that day was amazing,” Duke said at the presentation of the award at the City Council meeting. “I am so proud of Topeka Fire Department and everything they do every day.”

The Tom McGaughey Fire Service Award recognizes exemplary accomplishments and acts of heroism by firefighters and other persons at fire-related incidents in Kansas. The individual or team is recognized for their acts above and beyond their basic duties and responsibilities, and for exemplifying the finest traditions of the fire service. The award is named in memory of Wichita Fire Chief Tom McGaughey who perished in a fire, along with three others (Chief Fire Inspector Merle O. Wells, Firefighter Jimmy L. Austin and Firefighter Dale J. Mishler) at the Yingling Auto Dealership on November 21, 1968.

“Thank you so much,” Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla added, “for putting your life in danger so others don’t have to.”

In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, and in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day on Sunday, October 4, 2020, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on October 4.

“Let us honor all those who respond to the call and put their lives on the line to protect people, property, and communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As the western United States grapples with the devastating wildfires, we are thankful for the Kansas firefighters who have stepped up to help their fellow countrymen and women on the frontlines.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2020

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly officially proclaims Oct. 4-10, 2020, as Fire Prevention Week in Kansas. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and Safe Kids Kansas are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign is, Oct. 4-10, and works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.   

In 2019, 73 people were injured, and one person died from cooking-related residential structure fires in Kansas. Cooking fires resulted in an average $14,000 loss caused by the damage. 

Cooking is the number one cause of residential structure fires. Cooking-related fires occur in apartments or houses 84 percent of the time, and on average, 2,000 residential structure fires are caused by cooking each year in Kansas. 

“Cooking fires can be prevented,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. We have seen many homes damaged and Kansans injured by fires that could have easily been prevented.

Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes. 

 We encourage all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“With more children at home alone during the school day due to COVID-19, consider having meals and snacks prepared that don’t require use of ovens, stove-tops or microwaves,” Cherie Sage of Safe Kids Kansas said. “Scald and contact burns from hot foods and beverages can cause serious injuries.”

There are simple safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. 

 For more information about Fire Prevention Week in Kansas, visit our FPW 2020 page HERE.

 To learn more about this year’s national Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”  and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org. 

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Topeka – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of the State Fire Marshal and Safe Kids Kansas would, again, like to remind Kansans of the importance of safety this Independence Day.

“While our Fourth of July celebrations will undoubtedly be a little bit different this year, we want to remind everyone the importance of safety this season -- safety for COVID-19 and safety for fireworks,” Secretary Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary said.

First, check with your community concerning mass gatherings/public events and what is permitted.

“This has been a unique year due to the COVID-19 restrictions across the state. As those restrictions are being lifted, we understand many will especially be looking forward to celebrating this year’s Fourth of July,” Doug Jorgensen, Fire Marshal for the State of Kansas, said. “We know the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to visit view public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals who know how to properly handle fireworks. For some counties, those displays have been cancelled or postponed out of an abundance of caution for COVID-19.”

For those planning to attend gatherings or public events, it’s important to practice social distancing (6 feet or more) from people who are outside of your household as well as to wear face masks during this time.

“If choosing to go to any events or gatherings, please be vigilant with the safety of yourself and your family,” Norman said. “Now is not the time to relax our guard – wear the facemask, practice social distancing – you own your own preparedness."

For those choosing to celebrate at home, it’s important to remember that fireworks are dangerous to both adults and children if not handled properly. 

Out of 135 reported fireworks-related injuries in Kansas in 2019, males between the ages of 9 and 34 were the most commonly injured demographic, according to the 2019 Kansas Fireworks Injury Survey. Males represented 65 percent of the total number of injuries. Nearly half of the injuries involved children under the age of 18 and occurred on July 4. Hands, eyes, face and head injuries were among those reported.

“Hand injuries are the most common injury seen in Kansas, at 33 percent,” Cherie Sage, Director of Safe Kids Kansas, said. “It’s really important for little hands to not light fireworks. This includes sparklers, which burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass. We encourage parents to let their little ones use glow sticks instead of sparklers.”

The data was collected through voluntary reporting from Kansas hospitals and administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Jorgensen added that always using a long-handled lighter to ignite fireworks, lighting from a solid, flat and stable platform and making sure fireworks debris has cooled off completely before disposing, are tips that can significantly lower the risk of injuries and fires. 

Other tips include:

• Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
• Have a water supply ready
• Have a first-aid kit
• Always ignite fireworks outdoors
• Light only one firework at a time
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place

Bottle rockets and M80s are illegal in Kansas and extremely dangerous. The use or sale of these banned fireworks is considered a crime under Kansas law. It is also illegal in Kansas to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, and at gas stations or any place liquid gas – including propane – is stored.

Always refer to the local ordinances as to whether fireworks are allowed in your area as well as what types.  Some cities or counties have restricted dates/times or types of fireworks that may be sold or discharged.

In addition, out of respect for veterans when it comes to the individual discharge of fireworks, please keep in mind the noise and stress (PTSD) your activities may cause near VA facilities.

 For more information on fireworks safety, visit FireMarshal.ks.gov/fireworkssafety or SafeKidsKansas.org. For more information on COVID-19, visit www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. 

Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one or two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.

October 2, 2019 – Governor Laura Kelly officially proclaimed Oct. 6-12, 2019, as Fire Prevention Week in Kansas. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Safe Kids Kansas teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) -- the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 90 years -- to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

In Kansas, there were 2,621 home fires in 2018, which accounted for 33 deaths and 189 injuries. NFPA statistics show that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires in the United States. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016. 

While many are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.

“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” Doug Jorgensen, Kansas State Fire Marshal, said. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

While people feel safest in their home, it is also the place people are at greatest risk to fire, with four out of five U.S. fire deaths occurring at home. That over-confidence contributes to a complacency toward home escape planning and practice.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends Kansans should practice their home fire escape drill at least four times a year, during the day and at night. They should also teach children to escape on their own in the event an adult cannot help them.

“Everyone in the home should know how to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone, and they should practice using different ways out,” Jorgensen said.

Safe Kids Kansas would like to remind families that Saturday, Oct. 12, is Home Fire Drill Day. This is an opportunity to plan, talk about and practice your fire plan with all your family members, especially young children, so they know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm.

“Teach children to get low and get out when they hear the smoke alarm,” Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas, said. “A child who has practiced getting out of the home and to a safe meeting spot will have a better chance of getting out of danger safely during a real emergency, so practice your escape plan regularly as a family. “

For more information about Fire Prevention Week activities in Kansas, visit our FPW 2019 page HERE.

To learn more about this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”  and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org. 

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Contact:

Jill Bronaugh

Communication Manager

Office of the State Fire Marshal

785-296-3403

785-224-1851 (cell)

jill.p.bronaugh@ks.gov

Topeka, KS. – The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team comprised of members from multiple Kansas agencies was released from its deployment in North Carolina Saturday morning and is now traveling home after assisting in Hurricane Dorian response efforts. The team is expected in Kansas late this afternoon.

Initially, Kansas Task Force 1 (KS-TF1) rostered a team of 42 first responders from across the Kansas to assist with operations in Florida as catastrophic Hurricane Dorian made its way toward the east coast of the US. However, after the storm turned north, and continued to barrel toward the Carolinas, they were requested for deployment in North Carolina. The team left Kansas last Monday for Florida, arrived in Florida on Tuesday, and by Thursday, they were headed to North Carolina.

“I am so proud of the quick, selfless response of our Kansas task force,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is reassuring to know that when disaster strikes, we have individuals who are ready, at a moment’s notice, to give their valuable time and expertise, not only in our own state, but wherever the call is needed. Multiple agencies gave up time and resources to assist our fellow states of Florida and North Carolina. It was a successful effort, and I am relieved that everyone has returned home safely.”

Agencies who deployed individuals/equipment included: Chanute Fire Department, City of Winfield, Coffeyville Fire Department, Derby Fire Department, Johnson County MED-ACT, Junction City Fire Department, Kansas City Kansas Fire Department, Kansas Task Force K9, Lawrence Fire Department, Manhattan Fire Department, Mission Township Fire Department, Olathe Fire Department, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Pittsburg Fire Department, Salina Fire Department, Shawnee County Fire District 4, Shawnee Fire Department, and Wichita Fire Department.

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Topeka, KS. – The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team comprised of members from multiple Kansas agencies has been released from its deployment in Florida and is now traveling to North Carolina to continue assisting in Hurricane Dorian response efforts.

Initially, Kansas Task Force 1 (KS-TF1) rostered a team of 42 first responders from across the Kansas to assist with operations in Florida as catastrophic Hurricane Dorian made its way toward the east coast of the US. However, after the storm turned north, and continues to barrel toward the Carolinas, they have been requested for deployment in North Carolina. The team departed Lake City, Fla., this morning and is on its way to Raleigh, NC, where it will await assignment.

“Storms like these are unpredictable,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Florida was very appreciative of our quick response to their request for our assistance. Now as the storm turns north and another state is in its path of destruction, we are more than willing to share our team’s resources and expertise with North Carolina and its residents as they hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”

The team is prepared to search for and transport any people and animals stranded by rising storm surge and flood waters. They are also ready to provide basic life support and medical care, while supporting any other urban search and rescue efforts. KS-TF1 has at its disposal qualified Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP)-equivalent Type 3 USAR equipment, which includes floodwater/swiftwater equipment and full collapse rescue cache.

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This recall involves two styles of Kidde fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers.

Plastic handle fire extinguishers: The recall involves 134 models of Kidde fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017, including models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver, and are either ABC- or BC-rated. The model number is printed on the fire extinguisher label. For units produced in 2007 and beyond, the date of manufacture is a 10-digit date code printed on the side of the cylinder, near the bottom.  Digits five through nine represent the day and year of manufacture in DDDYY format. Date codes for recalled models manufactured from January 2, 2012 through August 15, 2017 are 00212 through 22717.  For units produced before 2007, a date code is not printed on the fire extinguisher.Push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers: The recall involves eight models of Kidde Pindicator fire extinguishers manufactured between August 11, 1995 and September 22, 2017. The no-gauge push-button extinguishers were sold in red and white, and with a red or black nozzle. These models were sold primarily for kitchen and personal watercraft applications.For serial numbers and more information CLICK HEREHuge Fire Extinguisher Recall - WCVB Channel 5

(TOPEKA) — Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 128 into law on April 10, 2019, changing the number of safety drills K-12 schools in Kansas must perform each year from 16 to nine.

As schools across the state of Kansas know, Senate Bill 109 changed the landscape of how K-12 schools conducted school drills. When Senate Bill 109 passed in 2018, schools were required to change the number and type of drills conducted during the school year. The change required schools to conduct nine crisis drills, four fire drills and three tornado drills during the school year, for a total of sixteen drills per school year. The change was positive in bringing about crisis drills to schools. However, the total number of drills proved to be overwhelming for many school districts.

With that in mind, Senate Bill 128 was introduced to change the number of drills required for schools. The bill changes the total number of drills from 16 to nine.  Schools must conduct at least two tornado drills (one in September and one in March), three crisis drills and four fire drills per school year.

Crisis drills should reflect events that have a potential to occur in your school and can include, but are not limited to, things such as a water main break, earthquake, missing student, hazardous spills, intruders, active shooters or medical emergencies.

The new law went into effect July 1, 2019 and will be in effect for the 2019-2020 school year. Updated information and the new K-12 School Drills Form, reflecting the changes in the drill requirements, are posted on our website at https://firemarshal.ks.gov/information-on/schools---usd-k-12.

Contact Information:Joel BecknerOSFM Prevention Education Consultant785-296-0659joel.c.beckner@ks.gov 

Topeka, Kan. – The application period for the FY2020 Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant (KFRSG) is now open until the grant deadline of Oct. 1, 2019. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) makes this grant possible through its budget passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor Laura Kelly. This year, $400,000 has been allotted to assist volunteer and part-time fire departments across the state with firefighter safety and recruitment.

“We are pleased that we were able to continue this important grant funding through our budget this year,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. “Some of these smaller departments are the sole providers of fire and rescue response for rural areas in our state. So, it is vital that they have the proper safety gear and recruitment tools to ensure their community’s safety.”

Grants issued through the KFRSG program will cover the costs of safety gear for firefighters and physical examinations for firefighters whose physicals are not covered by their departments. It will also provide funds for the purchase of new washer-extractor machines used to clean bunker gear following a fire, with further funds available for the creation of Explorer programs to attract youth volunteers into the fire service.

We know that volunteer and part-time fire departments face recruitment and retention challenges, because they do not have the funding to provide safety equipment. Without new equipment provided by the recruiting fire department, potential volunteers are faced with not only donating their time but also providing their own safety gear, sharing gear with others, or doing without.

Eligible applicants must be an established and recognized Kansas volunteer/part-time fire department in good standing with OSFM on the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) or a volunteer firefighter in good standing with their local fire department. Departments must also participate in the Comprehensive Resource Management & Credentialing System (CRMCS).

Submission requirements and applications are now available at the KFRSG webpage page. The deadline for submission to receive funds through the KFRSG is Oct. 1, 2019.

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