Hot Topics Blog

Fire Marshal Doug Nelson addresses the issue of arson in North Dakota and the work being done to tackle it. 

Senior Deputy Fire Marshal Jess Sinerius discusses the risks associated with commercial kitchens and how to mitigate those risks. 

Marcy Ost shares a case study to make kitchens more fire-safe.

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson looks at PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," and how the fire service can lessen its environmental impacts.

Marcy Ost breaks down incident reporting and how departments and districts can properly submit reports.

Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Pierre breaks down the best ways to prepare your home, school and business for the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Admin Assistant Marcy Ost shares information on preparing for fires with an individual with special needs.

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson previews the newest editions of the ERGs hitting the printing press. 

Resources are available to local fire departments to fund new equipment, projects and infrastructure. Guest contributor Erin Oban shares how the USDA Rural Development can help overcome financial hurdles. 

Deputy Fire Marshal Blaine Eisenbeis explains why closing your door at night could be one of the best decisions you make all day.

Admin Assistant Marcy Ost looks at the many resources available to departments looking to build media relations efforts. Plus, a review of the 2023 preliminary statistics.

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson breaks down the newly implemented fire code and what this means for departments and communities.

Deputy Fire Marshal Jordan VanBerkum discusses establishing an escape plan when a fire breaks out.

Marcy Ost discusses a topic that many in the fire service deal with during the winter months: space heaters. We also dive into CRR Week 2024 in North Dakota. 

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson discusses upcoming events and opportunities for the fire service in 2024.

Guest contributor Rob Keller of the North Dakota Public Information Officers Association shares the importance of having a crisis communication plan before a crisis strikes.

Deputy Fire Marshal Kirstin Greaney-Stanger discusses candle safety around the holidays and what fire codes apply to candle use.

Marcy Ost discusses a new public education program about safety Lithium-Ion Batteries, plus Lunch and Learn events hosted by the State Fire Marshal.

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson discussing benefits available to survivor of a firefighter's line of duty death and online fire district mapping available.

Deputy Fire Marshal Kaylyn Lucas highlights the need to be warm without compromising safety.

This week, Admin Assistant Marcy Ost discusses our new CRR and outreach initiatives.

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson shares some changes to the national reporting system and ways to stay connected.

Deputy Fire Marshal Jess Sinerius talks about keeping haunted houses safe as we approach Halloween.

This week, we discuss Fire Safety Week in North Dakota and what the data shows in our state.

State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson talks about the new format for Hot Topics and a new fire safety checklist.