SFMO Urges Public to Join the Fight against Fire in Wake of Memphis Tragedy

Wednesday, September 14, 2016 | 10:34am

NASHVILLE –The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) joins the city of Memphis in mourning nine Tennesseans killed there in an early morning house fire on Monday, September 12. The tragic incident has SFMO officials asking state residents to collaborate to reduce the devastating effects of fire.

“We grieve with the family and friends of those lost in Monday’s fatal fire,” said State Fire Marshal and Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Our thoughts are with the Memphis Fire Department and all the first responders as they process the pain that such an unfathomable event inflicts.”

Fire crews from the Memphis Fire Department (MFD) responded quickly to a cell phone call around 1:30 a.m. from inside the home at the 1100 block of Severson Avenue in south central Memphis. Firefighters broke through security doors to reach the ten people inside the structure. Despite the swift rescue efforts, three adults and four children died at the scene and two other children died after being transported to the hospital. One child remains in the hospital in critical condition. The cause of the fire was determined to have been a malfunctioning air conditioning unit power cord. A smoke alarm in the home did operate, but the victims were unable to escape the structure on their own.

The incident is the deadliest home fire to happen in Memphis since the 1920s, and the deadliest residential fire in the state since a 2006 fire in Evensville in rural Rhea County claimed the lives of 9 people.

“This incident happened in Memphis, but it could have happened anywhere in the state, to any of us,” said Gary West, TDCI Deputy Commissioner for Fire Prevention. “To prevent tragedies like this one from happening again, it will take all Tennesseans working together to keep fire safety at the forefront of our daily lives.”

The Memphis Fire Department has consistently worked to promote fire safety throughout the city and has been a leader in the SFMO’s “Get Alarmed” program, which provides 10-year battery smoke alarms to fire departments for installation throughout their local community. Since starting the program in 2013, MFD has installed nearly 4,500 state-supplied smoke alarms for Memphians in need. At least 38 people have been able to escape fire danger or avoid serious injury because of smoke alarms installed by MFD in the last three years.

On Saturday, October 8, 2016 the SFMO and MFD will continue their lifesaving partnership by hosting a smoke alarm canvass that will send crews door-to-door installing smoke alarms in residences throughout the city.                                                                       

While a smoke alarm is a crucial component of a home, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds Tennesseans that fire safety doesn’t stop there. The public is encouraged to take a stand against fire loss by incorporating and sharing these essential safety guidelines:

  • Have working smoke alarms.
    • Tennessee residents in need of smoke alarms are encouraged to utilize the SFMO’s free online alarm request form.
    • For best protection, place alarms inside & outside sleeping areas.
    • Replace alarms that are 10 years old or older. The State Fire Marshal recommends selecting a 10-year battery smoke alarm when purchasing new alarms.
  • Make a home fire escape plan.
    • Have two ways out of every room in the home if possible and a designated outside meeting place.
    • Plan and practice the plan with every member of your family at least twice a year. Make sure exit routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
    • If your home has security bars, ensure that the bars have a quick release mechanism that allows them to be easily opened from the inside. Make sure that everyone staying in the home knows how to operate the release.
  • Consider fire sprinklers.
    • Home fire sprinklers provide the best fire protection currently available. They protect lives and property by keeping fires small and allowing more time for escape.
    • If you’re building or remodeling a home, consider the installation of home fire sprinklers. If you are looking to rent an apartment or condo, look for one that is fully sprinklered.

For more information on making your home fire-safe, download and print the State Fire Marshal’s home fire safety checklist.

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