Light up your tree, not your home!

According to NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 210 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees, per year. Three of every ten of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four results from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. Mesa Fire and Medical Department offers the following advice for picking, placing, and lighting the tree:

• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to water it daily. Watch this video that shows how much slower a well-watered Christmas tree will take to catch on fire!
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home.

By following these fire prevention tips and measures, MFMD says you can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home and enjoy a safe holiday season. “The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,” says Michele Long. “By taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one.”

"Yule Light Up My Life" Safety Greetings Video

Visit www.nfpa.org/holiday for more information and safety tips.

MFMD Administrative Offices will be Closed:

Christmas Day,
December 25th
&
New Year's Day,
January 1st

Clinics & Classes:

Car Seat Clinic
December 12th
Register Here

Car Seat Clinic
January 9th
Register Here

Stop the Bleed and Free CPR Training Class
December 5 at 5:30 pm
708 W Baseline BLDG 1, Mesa (85210)
Register Here

CPR/AED
Certification Classes
Resuming in January

Home Safety Education
Program Information

Volunteer Opportunity
Interested in helping teach Fire and Life Safety Education in our schools? 
Email us at: Volunteer

Fire Sprinklers Save Lives!

Annually, fires kill more people in the U.S. than all natural disasters. More than 4,500 individuals perish in fires each year, with 80% of all deaths occurring in homes.

Residential fire sprinklers save lives and limit damage by activating immediately to control a fire. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates, stopping fire and smoke from spreading and allowing residents more time to escape. 

Mesa Fire and Medical works closely with builders and contractors to educate and support the use of fire sprinkler systems in residential construction. We advocate for these systems as an important part of new construction or renovations because of their proven ability to protect lives and property.  

Click here to visit the MFMD Fire Prevention website to learn more.

Video:  See the difference residential fire sprinklers make in real time!

Free Stop the Bleed and CPR Class!

Join us for this exciting event on
December 5th, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm! 

Learn life-saving techniques to Stop the Bleed and become a hero in emergency situations. Our expert instructors will teach you how to apply pressure, pack wounds, and use tourniquets effectively.

This class will be followed by a free,
non-certified CPR class (7:00 pm to 8:00 pm).
Map: Mesa Fire & Medical Department

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable skills
and make a difference in your community!

Meet Dale Kepler
MFMD Fire Inspector 2 / Fire Investigator

I am a Fire Inspector 2/ Fire Investigator with the City of Mesa going on my 9th year with the city. I conduct fire inspections for businesses in my district during the week and I am on call 24hrs as a Fire Investigator about 6-7 days a month.  I have been the “Face of Fire Prevention” since I started with fire prevention back in 2015. I have been on the Channel 12 evening news to talk about Firework safety. I have also done some Facebook and Social media posts about fireworks and fire safety practices over the years. I joined with Phoenix fire a few years ago to talk about Christmas tree fire safety over the holidays, also on the news.  I am internationally certified as a CFI-Fire Investigator with the International Association of Arson Investigators, and CFEI certified with National Association of Arson Investigators.  I have an Associate's degree in Fire Science and am currently working on my Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration/Fire Investigations. I once was a Paramedic and went through 12 weeks out of a 14-week fire academy with Henderson Fire Department in Nevada until I had to have shoulder surgery after being injured in the academy. I have a wife and 3 kids:  16 y/o girl, 13 y/o girl, and 8 y/o son. I was born and raised in Mesa. I helped homebirth my last two kids at home, which was a wonderful experience. I also work for New England Fire Cause and Origin as a Private fire analyst for insurance claims and subrogation in the state of Arizona. Fire Inspector Dale Kepler answers how to safely dispose of fireworks!

Holiday Lighting and Luminaries

Tips for Safe Outdoor Lighting Outside lighting can add a touch of holiday spirit to your front porch and yard. An average of 770 fires are caused by Christmas lights every year, according to the Nation Fire Protection Association. Taking a few precautions will help avoid unnecessary dangers with your holiday decorations. Here are a few light hazards and safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season: Beware of missing or broken bulbs. Not replacing them can lead to fire. Pick the right kind of light. Indoor and outdoor lights look similar but do not function the same. Outside lights are certified for outdoor use and typically run hotter than those certified for indoor use.    Look for the UL seal. This seal means the lights meet the national standards of the American National Standards Institute. Like string lights, extension cords are also rated for indoor or outdoor use. Indoor cords are not made to withstand cold or wet environments. Don't leave lights up year-round. Take down outdoor decorative lights after 90 days to prevent damage from weather and animals. Keep it to three strands if using incandescent lights. If using LEDs, refer to the package to confirm if they are UL-labeled. The label will tell you if it is safe to string more than three strands together. Don't run extension cords through windows or a crack in the door. This can damage the insulation around the cord which can lead to a fire. Never use tacks, staple, or nails to hang lights. Sharp objects can easily pierce the strands. If possible, use plastic holders or wrap the lights around fences or trees. Unplug or turn off all decorative lights before leaving your home or going to bed.

Pathway Lighting with Luminaries

Traditionally, luminarias were used by the Spanish at Christmas time. Many years ago, luminarias were small bonfires of crisscrossed piñon branches which were built in three-foot high squares. After the Spanish explorers discovered the paper lanterns of the Chinese, the paper bag approach was adopted. Today, luminarias are still popular in the Southwest! 

These simple lanterns are eye-catching but can pose a fire risk. If you want to line your pathways with luminaries, be sure to follow a few safety precautions.

• Candle Size:  Only use a small candle or votive to make the lantern. It might be tempting to use a larger candle, but the fire danger increases with the candle’s size.
• Placement:  Place the luminaries away from shrubs, trees, or dry leaves. Do not place luminaries near cars or other flammable items.
• Hose:  Keep a hose handy in case one of the lanterns catches fire.
• Weather:  Avoid using luminaries on a windy night.
• Remain Vigilant:  Do not leave the lit luminaries unattended. You should always keep an eye on the candles. Most luminaries burn for approximately six hours, so if you must leave the lanterns unattended be sure to blow them out.
• Use LED votive candles:  For safety, many people now use flameless LED votives or small solar-powered lights. If you use real candles, be extra vigilant!
  
  

Click here for holiday fire and safety tips, provided by the NFPA!

NOT ALL FIREWORKS ARE LEGAL IN MESA! The use of permissible fireworks in the City of Mesa is limited to private property. Fireworks are prohibited in public parks and all public areas. See our MFMD Fire Prevention page for more information. Permitted fireworks do not include anything that is designed or intended to rise into the air and explode or to detonate in the air, including but not limited to firecrackers, bottle rockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, torpedoes, roman candles, and reloadable tubes. The sale and use of novelties known as snappers (pop-its), party poppers, glow worms, snakes, toy smoke devices, and sparklers are permitted at all times. MFMD Firework Safety Report on Arizona's 12 News Channel

Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (G.A.I.N.)

On November 4th the Mesa Fire and Medical Department participated in G.A.I.N. along
with the Mesa Police Department to meet with residents and celebrate safety and
unity with the community. Our crews enjoy participating in this annual event! 

The Mesa Fire and Medical Department
out and about in the community!

Every month our crews and staff participate in a
variety of community and educational events! Here are
just a few moments from November! 

G.A.I.N.

Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) Training

Flag Folding Class

Teen Distracted Driver Class

Veterans Day Parade Engine 201

MFMD Parade Truck

G.A.I.N.

Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) Training

Flag Folding Class

Teen Distracted Driver Class

Veterans Day Parade Mini Truck