It’s Fire Prevention Week. Get your safety tips from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”

RICHMOND – October 5, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs’ (VDFP) State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds Virginians to keep safety at the forefront while cooking and using appliances in the kitchen. As we spend more time in our residences, the chances of fire-related accidents and injuries increases.

“There have been 29 civilian fire fatalities in Virginia as of September 30. Of those fire fatalities, 3% were caused by cooking. 48% occurred in single-family homes,” said Virginia State Fire Marshal Garrett Dyer. “We often think of the stove and the safety around that appliance, but smaller appliances such as deep fryers and microwaves can start fires that are equally as destructive.”

According to the U.S. Home Cooking Fires Report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking caused an average of 172,900 reported home structure fires per year (49 percent of all reported home fires in the US). These fires resulted in an average of 550 civilian deaths (21 percent of all home fire deaths) and 4,820 civilian injuries (44 percent of all reported home fire injuries) annually.

Victims of Cooking Fires

In the report, it is noted that high-risk populations include those 55 years of age and older. In Virginia, 24% of the total reported civilian fire fatalities victims were between 56-80 years old.

Dyer continued, “The statistic translates to one out of four Virginians over the age of 55 are at a higher risk of a fire-related casualty or injury. Check on your neighbors that fit this category, bring them a meal from time to time. Make sure the meal is prepared using safe cooking practices. And, don’t forget to wear your mask as you enter their homes.”

People ages 25-44 are the leading age group to suffer from cooking fire injuries in U.S. homes nationwide.

Cooking Safety Tips

• 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. Leaving food unattended is the leading factor in cooking fires and related casualties.
• 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.

“We hope that the message resonates before we head into the holiday season in a few weeks,” said Dyer.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are the leading days for cooking fires in the home.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs Receives $282,000 from Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

Funding will support a new fire detection and suppression mobile training lab that consists of sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems.

RICHMOND – September 29, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) has been awarded $282,000 in federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be used to construct a fire detection and suppression mobile training lab that will be used for fire service personnel who respond to and depend on these systems when engaged in firefighting activity.

The new mobile training lab will consist of functional sprinkler systems, an operating alarm and detection systems, as well as displays of fire alarm control panels that will represent a wide range of technology and capabilities that replicate generic types of fire alarm systems throughout the state.

“Our response and preparation efforts are more vital now, than ever before,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J. Moran. “The construction of this fire detection and suppression mobile lab will yield valuable data for all Virginia public safety personnel as they work together to respond to emergencies in our communities.”

“The Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to bridge the training and development gap from in-person classroom instruction of the Fire Inspector training program that is designed to teach a basic understanding of life safety systems, to a hands on learning experience,“ said State Fire Marshal Garrett Dyer. “The mobile concept will allow VDFP to transport the mobile lab to various locations within the state.”

“Federal funding is critical to the agency’s training programs, as we do our best to sustain already underfunded firefighter training programs in the Commonwealth,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “To be awarded funding during the pandemic, as organizations have become more fiscally conservative means a great deal to our training operations. Every dollar counts.”

This marks the sixth year in a row that VDFP has obtained federal funding for the Commonwealth’s firefighter training programs. Since 2016, VDFP has been awarded approximately $1.5 million dollars.

The agency will provide $42,300 in matching funds and has 12 months to complete the purchases under the grant.

Training Suspensions Due to Tropical Storm Isaias

August 3, 2020 – UPDATE: VDFP has extended training suspensions to all VDFP-funded programs throughout Virginia until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5. This is a change from August 2.

Students and instructors should contact their respective VDFP Division Offices with any questions or concerns.

VDFP Implements Cancer Reduction Efforts for Virginia Firefighters by Prohibiting Use of Engineered Wood Products Containing PMDI During Live Fire Trainings

Industry research shows that burning oriented strand board (OSB) containing PMDI (poly-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate)
during firefighter training presents increased exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens.

RICHMOND – July 22, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) today announced updates to its Live Fire Training Policy that includes the prohibition of the use of oriented strand board (OSB) containing PMDI (poly-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), and performing decontamination at the end of live fire training with medical evaluation procedures following live fire training events. This policy change covers training burns that are conducted in VDFP training programs, facilities that host VDFP funded schools, and when flashover simulators are utilized.

Current research indicates that exposures to carcinogens, and other hazardous byproducts, such as PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and benzene can occur with the use of these OSB wood products containing PMDI, which release significant levels of toxic byproducts when burned.

Cancer reduction among firefighters and EMS personnel remains a top priority for Governor Northam. As the state agency that provides training programs and resources for firefighters in the Commonwealth, VDFP is charged with prioritizing this effort in alignment with industry standards and best practices. The new policy meets the current version of NFPA 1403 (2018), Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions.

“We are adopting aggressive cancer prevention efforts during such critical training. After each live fire training, a complete wash down of PPE, SCBA, and other tools used in the fire occurs. Also, personal cleanup is done and then a medical evaluation is completed,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “We understand that this prohibition of engineered wood containing PMDI, as well as the extensive rehab procedures may be met with some opposition. However, based on industry research and our mandate to reduce carcinogen exposures and cancer related deaths among Virginia’s Fire Service, it is the right thing to do.”

The Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB) has been a proponent of this cancer-reducing measure and supports VDFP’s new policy, “The Fire Service explores several methods to reduce risks and harm to our men and women in the field,” said VFSB Chair Walt Bailey, “It is much more meaningful to create policies and involve local and state officials. Then, the widespread action follows.”
Prominent fire services organizations, Virginia Professional Fire Fighters and the Virginia Firefighters Association, also support the decision to prohibit the use of wood products containing PMDI during live fire trainings and will assist with implementing the new practices at the local level.

“The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters reinforces the policy update and applauds Fire Programs for taking such action to protect Virginia’s Fire Service,” said Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) President Robert Bragg. “We are united and serious about reducing carcinogen exposure to our firefighters. It is imperative that we continue to adopt preventative solutions.”

“The Virginia State Firefighters Association serves a large population of volunteer firefighters throughout the Commonwealth. By joining together to share research and resources, this decision covers a lot of ground,” said VFSA President Ken Brown.

Visit the VDFP website Policies page for more information on the VDFP Live Fire Training Policy.

VDFP’s State Fire Marshal’s Office Issues Emergency Evacuation Planning and Drills Guidance
for Pre K-12 and Colleges and Universities

RICHMOND – July 20, 2020 – As students and staff prepare for the return to Pre K-12 schools or institutions of higher learning, there are inherent challenges regarding the reentry procedures and how these procedures are influenced by emergency evacuation drills and lock down planning required by the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. The following guidance document serves as a reminder of the required fire and emergency evacuation drills to ensure the health and safety of all occupants and to provide guidance on areas to consider during the planning for these drills in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guidance includes:

• Emergency evacuation drill requirements
• Lockdown plans
• Planning considerations for safety executing emergency evacuation drill requirements
• Related COVID-19 Q&A

Review the Emergency Evacuation Planning and Drills Fire Code and COVID-19 Guidance for
PreK-12 and Colleges and Universities

VDFP Resumes Previously Cancelled Courses Effective July 18

Fourth of July 2020: Fireworks Display Cancellations and Potential of Increased Use of Illegal Fireworks in Virginia

RICHMOND – June 29, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs’ (VDFP) State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) says this Fourth of July holiday will be significantly different than in years’ past – almost all permitted professional fireworks shows have been cancelled and as a result, a surge in non-permissible or illegal fireworks may be used in the Commonwealth.

“COVID-19 has covered many of our pastimes and traditions with a wet blanket. We anticipate that this Fourth of July, Virginians will take to their own devices to celebrate the holiday in their backyards or neighborhoods,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “On top of limited fireworks displays, we’re dealing with limitations in how we assemble. This formula makes celebrating the Fourth of July holiday logistically complicated.”

VDFP’s State Fire Marshal’s Office serves as the fire code enforcement arm of the state government training agency. In 2019, SFMO confiscated approximately 10,000 non-permissible fireworks that were either sold, used, or in possession. This is five times the number of non-permissible fireworks confiscated in 2018, which was roughly 2,000.

In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal.

“Fire officials stress the message of ‘leaving fireworks to the professionals’ because the professionals obtain permits with the State Fire Marshal’s Office or within their respective localities,” said VDFP Assistant State Fire Marshal of Special Operations Billy Hux. “Fire officials vet each request and host for the proper use of permissible fireworks, safety factors, and capabilities. This is for the sake of public protection. Confiscation of non-permissible fireworks is how we prevent the worst from happening to individuals and property.”

Only “permissible fireworks,” as defined in the Code of Virginia, can be legally sold, possessed or used within the Commonwealth. A list of permissible fireworks can be viewed on the VDFP website. The fireworks listed in this document have been field tested to compare the items to the performance criteria of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL). Permissible fireworks may also be further limited in different localities. Check local ordinances as well as the Statewide Fire Prevention Code prior to purchasing and utilizing fireworks.

The sale, possession and /or use of any fireworks not classified as permissible is prohibited. Violations can be prosecuted as a Class I Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,500 and/or up to one (1) year in jail. Any illegal fireworks can be confiscated by authorities. Many localities prohibit the sale, possession or use of all fireworks.

SFMO started conducting statewide fireworks stand inspections in June and will continue in July, to include July 4th. VDFP Assistant State Fire Marshal of Special Operations Hux added, “SFMO will be assisting state and local partners with the enforcement of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code for permissible and non-permissible fireworks usage throughout the state.”

If you do use permissible fireworks, follow these important safety precautions:

• Check local ordinances on the use of fireworks.
• Fireworks can only be used on private property with the consent of the owner.
• Never use fireworks indoors.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never allow children to use fireworks.
• Ensure adequate clearance from people, buildings and combustible material.
• Have a garden hose or other water source readily available in case of fire.
• Soak spent fireworks in water before placing them in the trash.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never hold the fireworks in your hands while lighting them.
• Never point fireworks at a person.

June 4 and 5, all VDFP employees remain in telework status

All VDFP employees at Headquarters and Divisions 1-7 will remain in a teleworking status through Friday, June 5.

Continue to conduct VDFP business by phone and email: https://www.vafire.com/about-virginia-department-of-fire-programs/agency-directory-2/.

Wednesday, June 3 all VDFP employees continue to telework

In an effort to keep all Virginia state employees safe and free from harm, and in conjunction with direction from Governor Northam, all VDFP employees at Headquarters and Divisions 1-7 will continue to telework on Wednesday, June 3.

Continue to conduct VDFP business by phone and email: https://www.vafire.com/about-virginia-department-of-fire-programs/agency-directory-2/.