Hot Topics Blog

Most people know the usual fire risks in a home, but what about the ones hiding in plain sight? In her blog post, Marcy Ost highlights lesser-known appliances like 3D printers, reptile heat lamps, and power tool chargers that can spark dangerous fires. These everyday items, often left running unattended, pose real risks if not used properly.

Fireworks are a beloved part of our Independence Day celebrations, but they also come with serious risks. In his latest blog post, State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson shares sobering statistics, safety tips, and important legal guidance to help keep North Dakotans safe this Fourth of July. Even sparklers, often seen as harmless, can burn at temperatures hot enough to ignite a house fire. 

They’re fun, convenient, and everywhere, but hobby appliances like e-scooters, hoverboards, and power tools can pose serious fire risks if their lithium-ion batteries aren’t handled with care. In his blog post, Deputy Fire Marshal Jordan VanBerkum outlines the hidden dangers of these high-powered batteries and the signs of potential failure. From bulging battery packs to the wrong chargers, small mistakes can lead to big hazards.

As wildfire season intensifies, now is the time to ensure your firefighters—and your department—are properly insured and protected. This month, Fire Marshal Doug Nelson will spotlight recent legislative changes, including an increase in the firefighter death benefit, and provide key resources to help departments verify coverage and prepare for the unexpected. It’s one more way we can honor and safeguard those who put their lives on the line for our communities.

Strategic community risk reduction starts with good data, and North Dakota fire departments are stepping up. This month, Marcy Ost takes a look at our state’s fire reporting timeline and celebrates a major milestone: 90% of departments now reporting to the national database. With every report, we get closer to a safer, smarter, and more resilient North Dakota.

Tragedy struck Valley Parade Stadium in 1985, claiming 56 lives in what became one of Britain's deadliest sporting disasters. Though it happened across the ocean, the fire offers powerful lessons in fire prevention, emergency planning, and the dangers of overlooked risks - lessons that still apply to our communities today. Deputy Fire Marshal Kirstin Greaney-Stanger examines what went wrong and how modern fire codes can help us prevent history from repeating itself.

Do your firefighters have the coverage they need? North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance is breaking down how workers’ compensation works for both volunteer and paid firefighters in North Dakota—and why keeping your WSI account current is critical. From premium rates to presumption coverage, this guide helps ensure your department is prepared when it matters most.

Big changes are coming to fire incident reporting in North Dakota. As we prepare to transition from NFIRS to the new National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Here's our April update as we prepare for the transition.

Tragedy has often been the catalyst for stronger fire safety regulations. The devastating 1930 Ohio Penitentiary Fire led to critical changes in life safety codes, shaping modern fire protection standards for correctional facilities. Learn how these regulations, including sprinkler and alarm system requirements, continue to safeguard lives in Group I-3 occupancies today.

Staying informed is key to keeping North Dakota’s fire service prepared. From the temporary shutdown of the National Fire Academy to ongoing legislative updates and the transition to NERIS, there’s a lot happening that could impact your department. Read on for the latest fire safety developments and how to stay ahead of the changes.