News

Big things are heating up this summer at the State Fire Marshal’s Office! From the reopening of the National Fire Academy to major events like NASFM and the kickoff of the 2026 Fire Code adoption process, there's no shortage of important updates, opportunities, and ways to get involved in this post from State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

With wildfire season starting early in North Dakota, preparedness is more important than ever. Dry, windy conditions make fast-moving fires a real threat, but proactive steps, like creating defensible space and community planning, can make a difference. Learn how your department can help prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires to keep your community safe.

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.