Duncan, Alexander Announce New Fire Safety Initiative

For Immediate Release

April 7, 2005

Washington, D.C. -Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today in announcing the creation of a new fire safety pilot program.

Formed under the Powell-based Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Association, newly established Fire Team Tennessee will rely upon a $456,585 grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security for most of its operating expenses.

Fire Team Tennessee will seek to assist communities in the creation of fire prevention and safety education plans.  The importance of residential fire sprinklers and easy methods of implementing local ordinances will receive particular emphasis.

As the nation's first organization to use federal funding in this manner, Fire Team Tennessee will be the country's only grant recipient this year. 

The agency will stage six conferences across the state in an effort to reduce fire injuries and accidents. Tennessee currently has the second most fire-related deaths in the United States, recording 143 fatalities in 2003.

The meetings will bring together a wide range of officials such as mayors, fire chiefs, fire marshals, building commissioners, and water utility managers to discuss fire dangers and methods of improving community safety.

Fire Team Tennessee has already selected Knoxville, Kingsport, Chattanooga, Nashville, Jackson, and Memphis to host conferences.  DHS anticipates holding only six conferences across the entire country when the program expands next year.

The federal grant funding will pay expenses necessary to secure expert presentations and ensure all those attending receive resource packets for use within their communities.  

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