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Mesa Fire and Medical Department is working in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to raise awareness about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and ways to minimize them. NFPA’s new campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™”, includes an expanded series of resources, guidelines, and information in response to the concerns fire officials have about the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that power micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, smaller electronics such as cell phones and laptops, and electric vehicles. As the use of these items has increased in recent years, so, too, has the number of fires associated with them.
“Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in the many devices and systems we use every day,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “With this greater use, however, we are seeing an uptick in related fires, prompting people to contact us frequently with questions about battery safety. In response, NFPA created the ‘Charge into Fire Safety’ campaign with information that helps answer these questions clearly and thoroughly, in one easy-to-find location.”
NFPA and MFMD recommend these tips when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:
- Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
- Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
- Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
- Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
- Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
- Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.
Learn more about the “Charge into Fire Safety” campaign and download free safety tip sheets at nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety.
Battery Disposal
- Do not place lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling bin. Find an approved battery recycling center near you.
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Teen Distracted Driver Class
Taught by Mesa Firefighters, this free class helps teens and their parent/guardian learn about the harsh and realistic consequences of distracted driving.
Our instructor highlights safe driving behaviors and practices so that teens can establish lifelong healthy driving habits.
Through our partnership with Banner Health, teens and their parent/guardian will experience hands-on learning activities.
Are you ready to get involved?
The City of Mesa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during CERT exercises, members can assist their community or workplace following an emergency event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.
This FREE training consists of an in-person, hands-on, practical portion. Ongoing training sessions are offered periodically. An application must be completed in order to be considered.
Want to see what CERT is about? Check out the YouTube video link below!
Community Emergency Response Teams in Action
Mesa CERT - Next class starts in April!
Click the button below for more
information and registration details!
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Maricopa County Unveils New Resources to Help Community Tackle Fentanyl Crisis
MFMD encourages all parents to talk to their preteens about the dangers of fentanyl.
According to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner reports:
- According to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner
- Fentanyl has overtaken Meth as the deadliest drug in Arizona.
- Fentanyl deaths have increased by nearly 5,000 percent since 2015.
- 60 percent of all drug-related deaths involve fentanyl.
Recently Maricopa County has unveiled a new video series and website designed to help residents understand the growing impact of fentanyl use and prevent tragedies in their communities. In Maricopa County, more than three people die every day on average due to fentanyl. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said, “youth who are most affected by the crisis, lack awareness about the drug and its dangers. They don’t know what fentanyl looks like and they don’t know how deadly it can be.”
The website is designed as a tool that community groups can use to help educate their audiences. The video series also teaches individuals how to recognize the signs of overdose and administer Narcan (Naloxone) nasal spray with a video featuring Maricopa County Medical Director Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine.
The “Focus on Fentanyl” videos and other informational resources are available for use by the public at Maricopa.gov.
(This is a Maricopa County Program. Go to Maricopa County for more information.)
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Meet MFMD Captain Paramedic, Scott Figgins!
My name is Scott Figgins. I was born in Phoenix and moved to Mesa, when I was 12 years old. I grew up in poverty and faced many challenges throughout my childhood, up to and including being on my own at just 16 years old. Living in my car and bouncing around from friend to friend was certainly not ideal, but it had such a profound impact on the person I am today.
Currently, I am a Captain Paramedic with a 18-years at Mesa Fire and Medical Department (MFMD). Prior to starting my career, I married my high school sweetheart, Nicole, and together we have 5 amazing children, Kiley, Kamryn, Kenady, Kael, and Kolette. Between growing our family and the brotherhood/sisterhood of the fire service, my appreciation of family, unity, and taking care of others has grown exponentially.
In fact, one of the main reasons I joined the fire service is the camaraderie and family values that can be seen in so much of what we do. Family has afforded me so many incredible blessings… from coaching my children and their teams in various sports to watching my children grow into incredible people to building everlasting friendships with co-workers and helping those around me through their various challenges. There is no way I could overemphasize the value of family.
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Adhering to strong family values has been a driving force in so many ways throughout my life. When I was offered the Wellness Captain position for MFMD, it was family values that drove much of what I did. I took great pride in taking care of others and their overall well-being, especially with respect to Occupational Cancer. And after taking care of one of our firefighters with cancer, cancer risk reduction and early identification, quickly became two of my greatest passions. I would be remise if I didn’t point out that taking care of others (particularly those with cancer) wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my amazing wife and family. Together we have advocated to improve safety protocols, comprehensive training, and industry leading processes to minimize firefighters’ exposures to carcinogens.
I am honored and blessed to be able to serve my family, friends, and community alike.
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Enjoy Spring with a toasty outdoor fire!
Fire pits bring camping right to your backyard. Watching the flames dance and smelling the burning wood can transport you to the Great Outdoors, whether you gather around a portable fire pit, a built-in fireplace, a chiminea, or a simple hole in the ground ringed with stones.
There’s a more perilous side to fire pits, though. An estimated 6,200 injuries related to fire pits or outdoor heaters sent people to emergency rooms in 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says.
Kids are notably at risk; a 2019 study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research found that those 19 years and younger suffered 10,951 burns related to fire pits between 2006 and 2017.
Here are a few easy-to-follow safety tips!
- Place fire pits at least 10 feet from your house or anything else that can burn.
- Keep a close eye on children and pets when fire pits are in use.
- Never use lighter fluid or gasoline to light, relight, or "feed" a fire.
- Never leave a burning fire pit unattended (as with all fires). This includes wood burning, gas fire pits, portable rings and fire tables.
NFPA Firepit Safety and Tips
Click here for more information and requirements to qualify for this program!
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MFMD Out and About in the Community!
In addition to their regular duties our crews and staff participate and volunteer in a variety of community and educational events!
Here are just a few moments from February! |
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Crews educating children not be affraid of firefighters!
MFMD Honor Guard
MFMD Honor Guard
Crew 213-A at Spring into Fitness
Even super heroes like checking out our vintage fire truck!
Families enjoyed seeing the fire engine at Spring into Fitness!
Ladder 209 and Dispatch Recognition
DPS and Engine 213 Recognition
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2nd Annual Hike with a Firefighter!
At Spring into Fitness with Mesa Fire and the Mesa PD helicopter!
Parade truck and Engine 213 at Spring in Fitness
Fire and Life Safety Education with lots of helmets and fun stuff for the kids!
Spring into Fitness with our bike crew!
MFMD preparing breakfast at Spring into Fitness at Red Mountain Center!
Breakfast is ready!
Dispatch recognition
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