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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 1h

Massachusetts fire dep'ts reported 22 lithium-ion battery fires last month -- the highest number on record and double what was reported in Sept 2025. As rechargeable batteries power more and more devices, this year's Fire Prevention Week theme focuses on safely charging them: bit.ly/4nXFwWV

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 15h

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Mass Fire Academy offers free mammograms, along with other free cancer screenings, through a comprehensive awareness, prevention, and early detection program. The worst cancer diagnosis is a later one -- visit bit.ly/4pTvHLU to learn more.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

55 years ago today, the Legislature established in the Division of Occupational Education "a training school for firefighters to be known as the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy." The MFA has grown from one lone rural building to three campuses serving over 13,000 FFs per year.

Antique and modern fire training apparatus with a banner reading "55 Years"

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Massachusetts law requires all homes to be inspected for working smoke and CO alarms prior to sale or transfer. If you're selling a home, be sure your alarms are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory like UL or Intertek/ETL! Read more: bit.ly/43JoqFq

The image features a smoke alarm that does not meet the State Fire Code and a photo of Gandalf from Lord of the Rings saying "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#TechRescue Tuesday: The Mass Fire Academy's Structural Collapse Rescue Technician course is one of the most complex that we offer, teaching the skills necessary to safely extricate people trapped by a building collapse, rubble, and related hazards: bit.ly/4xYHH15

Firefighters training for structural collapse rescue

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

.@massgovernor.bsky.social has declared Oct 4-10 as #FirePreventionWeek in Massachusetts! This year's FPW theme emphasizes safely charging lithium-ion batteries, which power the devices we use every day and also contribute to a growing number of fires. Plug in safely: bit.ly/4y7vdo7

A proclamation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is displayed on the left, highlighting Fire Prevention Week 2026. On the right, there's an image of a controlled fire demonstration showing sparks and flames indoors. A banner below reads "Fire Prevention Week 2026," alongside the emblem of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Fire Prevention Week starts today! We're joining NFPA to promote this year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” As rechargeable batteries power more & more of the devices we use every day, battery-related fires are increasing too. Plug in safely: bit.ly/4hzh0tQ

Sparky the Fire Dog, wearing a firefighter helmet, holds a charging cable and battery. The text reads, "Charge into Fire Safety. Safe Charging is a Superpower." A bookstore is in the background. NFPA, Fire Prevention Week, and FPW.org logos are at the bottom.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

The rate of fire deaths is 90% lower with properly installed and maintained sprinklers. Come see them in action! #MendonMA FD is hosting our side-by-side sprinkler trailer for their Open House on Oct. 10. Don't miss this dramatic demonstration of a powerful tool to protect people, pets, & property!

A fire demonstration flyer featuring two compartments: one with sprinklers, where the fire is controlled, and one without, engulfed in flames. The event is on October 10 at Mendon FD Open House, 8 Morrison Drive, Mendon, MA. It's hosted by Chief Jason Bangma and the Mendon Fire Department, showcasing the Department of Fire Services’ side-by-side demonstration trailer.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Heading to @thebigefair.bsky.social this weekend? Don't miss the DFS booth in the Massachusetts building! Thanks to State Fire Marshal Davine, Deputy Secretary Terrey, and fire chiefs from Southwick, Granby, West Springfield, Russell, Belchertown, and Agawam for stopping by!

Fire chiefs at a fire safety booth at a state fair

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Let's hear it for the members of Career Recruit Training #Class342! They graduated from the Fire Academy today after 10 long weeks of foundational training. Congratulations to the Commonwealth's newest firefighters and thank you to the Academy's instructors and support staff!

28 firefighters on and around a ladder truck

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The Mass Fire Academy's Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program is delivered with the @umassboston.bsky.social Collins Center for Public Management. Five months of intensive classroom instruction and independent study enhance students' skills in municipal fire department leadership.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

October is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth. A recent survey showed that breast cancer accounted for more than 25% of cancer diagnoses among women firefighters. DFS offers free mammograms and other cancer screenings for firefighters: learn more at ow.ly/C8Is50To5MQ

This image features a badge for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. The design prominently incorporates pink and the words Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

On this date in 1964, Boston Fire Lt. John McCorkle, Lt. John Geswell, FF Robert Clougherty, FF Francis Murphy, & FF James Sheedy made the ultimate sacrifice at a five-alarm fire on Trumbull St. Read more: www.firehero.org/2021/10/25/memoria…

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

As we close out College Fire Safety Month, remember that student housing (and all housing in Massachusetts) should have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Check the manufacturing date on the back to be sure they're within their useful lifespan and test them every month: bit.ly/3NjZFWQ

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

DFS Hazmat technicians supported @SpringfieldFire this month at the scene of a chemical reaction. Wearing Level A suits, techs were able to transport the container outdoors to off-gas while metering the environment. Once safe, they released the scene to a private cleanup company for safe disposal.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#TechRescue Tuesday: The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Technical Rescue Group recently delivered its Water Rescue class for 21 firefighters from across the state. Great work by our students and thank you as always to our instructors and support staff!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Today is #WorldHeartDay. Everyone knows firefighters have big hearts, but they're at greater risk of heart disease, too. One study suggests that this risk increases w/ more fire-related calls. Protect yourself & your health! Read more from the American Heart Association: ow.ly/4lRE50X2v90

A "World Heart Day" image with a message advising firefighters of the increased heart disease risk and encouraging heart care.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

A 9-alarm fire that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters started with unsafe hot work. DFS has revised its Hot Work web page to provide the public with information on hot work violations, as well as regulatory requirements for workers & businesses: bit.ly/4yfneGc

This image is an informational flyer from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services titled "Massachusetts Hot Work Requirements." The flyer provides guidance on regulations and safety practices for hot work activities, emphasizing the importance of permits and precautions.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Western Mass fire chiefs, NFPA, and New England's State Fire Marshals joined State Fire Marshal Davine at the Big E fair last week to advance Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme addresses safely charging lithium-ion batteries. Read more: bit.ly/4rzcC2r

Fire officials at a podium at a state fair

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

If you're using a generator for storm-related power outages, remember to use it safely and be sure you have working #SmokeAlarms and #CarbonMonoxide alarms on every level of your home. Used improperly, generators can pose a fire hazard or CO risk: bit.ly/4APH2lx

A safety poster titled "Generator Safety" lists safety tips: never use a generator indoors, place it outside away from doors and windows, plug appliances directly into it or use a heavy-duty outdoor cord, let it cool before refueling, and have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch. It advises the use of carbon monoxide alarms. An image of a generator on grass is shown.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The Mass Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, @massdph.bsky.social OEMS, and DFS collaborated on an Emergency Services Card to help firefighters, EMS, and people who are Deaf or hard of hearing communicate during an emergency. Learn more and download a hi-res PDF at ow.ly/bo0B50TvH7h!

The image shows a pamphlet titled "Emergency Services Card" on a wooden surface. The card features sections with icons and text, including pain symptoms, feelings/symptoms, medical history, communication preferences, and emergency status.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

We have some lousy weather on tap this weekend. High winds and heavy rain make it safest to stay indoors if you can. If you must head out on the roads, drive safely, slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, and keep those headlights on -- it's the law!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Congratulations to the members of Career Recruit #Class342! They're graduating from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy next week after 10 long weeks of foundational training. Join us in Stow on 10/2/26 at 11:00 am!

Three firefighters climbing an aerial ladder

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

DFS, #WestSpringfieldMA FD, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and NFPA will be promoting fire safety and Fire Prevention Week at The Big E fair TODAY! Join us at noon by the Massachusetts Building!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Due to circumstances beyond our control, tomorrow's home fire sprinkler demo at The Big E has been called off, but we'll still be on hand to promote fire safety in advance of #FirePreventionWeek. Meet fire service leaders from across New England at noon by the Massachusetts building!

Carousel with local and state fire safety agency logos

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Last week's technical rescue challenge was a massive undertaking with many logistical and operational needs. The DFS Special Operations team delivered a Rehab unit for participant health & safety, an Incident Support Unit for communications, conferencing, and mapping; and drones for aerial imagery.

Firefighter support personnel and apparatus

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Congratulations to the Mass Fire Academy's most recent Fire Officer II class! After more than 60 hours of classroom instruction and homework, they've honed their leadership abilities and developed a wide range of management skills vital on the fireground and in the firehouse.

Fire officers and instructors in a leadership class

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Massachusetts fire departments are eligible to apply for the FY27 SAFE and Senior SAFE grant programs. Nearly $2 million will support fire and life safety education for school-aged kids and older adults. Don't miss out -- visit bit.ly/3TBbZsF for the application!

Firefighters on stage are participating in a safety demonstration with children, using a large white sheet. There are logos for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and State Fire Marshal. A banner reads: "$2M in Grant Funding Available for Fire Safety Education."

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

#TechRescue Tuesday: Technical rescue teams from across Massachusetts showcased their skills at Purgatory Chasm in Sutton last week. Many members of the Massachusetts Fire Academy's Technical Rescue Group are also on these regional teams, teaching the skills they use on the job.

Firefighters demonstrating technical rescue skills in a remote wooded area

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Did you know that #CarbonMonoxide is a leading cause of accidental poisoning? You don't need to carry a special meter like this one, but you do need working #CO alarms on every level of your home! Read more: bit.ly/3NjZFWQ

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

DFS, #WestSpringfieldMA FD, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and NFPA will host a live fire demonstration at The Big E fair on Friday to showcase the lifesaving power of home fire sprinklers. Sprinklers protect people, pets, and property. See them in action on 9/25 at noon!

A large fire erupts inside a model room labeled "Without Fire Sprinklers," while another labeled "With Fire Sprinklers" remains unaffected. The event, featuring State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and West Springfield Fire Chief CJ Bartone, is scheduled for September 25, 2026, at 12:00 pm near the Massachusetts Building during the Big E. Logos for West Springfield Fire, the State Fire Marshal, and the Big E appear, with text emphasizing the importance of fire sprinklers.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Yom Kippur begins tonight at sundown. G'mar chatrima tova to all our friends who celebrate!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Sept. 20-26, 2026, is the International Week of #Deaf People. Did you know that specialized #SmokeAlarms are available w/ flashing lights & vibrations? If you or a loved one are Deaf or hard of hearing, please be sure you're protected by smoke alarms that account for your needs.

fire safety infographic from the Department of Fire Services highlighting smoke alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It features illustrations of smoke alarms with flashing lights and vibration features. The message emphasizes the importance of having working smoke alarms in every home. Text includes: "Smoke alarms are important fire safety tools. Everyone needs working smoke alarms on every level of their home." and "Smoke alarms are available for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. They use flashing lights and vibrations to warn you of a fire." The bottom text reads: "Fire Safety is for Everyone!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

DFS Hazmat techs responded to 5 mercury calls last month alone. Mercury is toxic! If you have a mercury spill at home, call 9-1-1, open the windows, and keep kids/pets away from the area. Better yet, safely dispose of mercury products before they become a hazard: bit.ly/4wNlinI

This image is a public safety announcement about mercury thermometers. It includes a broken mercury thermometer with visible mercury droplets. The text warns that mercury is toxic to people and wildlife and advises calling 9-1-1 immediately and opening windows if a thermometer breaks. It also advises keeping kids and pets away from a mercury spill and not trying to clean it up manually. The image suggests replacing mercury thermometers and checking for local hazardous waste disposal options. A phone number, 866-9MERCURY, is provided for more information.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Shout-out to our brothers and sisters at the Gotham City Fire Department on #BatmanDay 2026!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Peter Reardon of @BrocktonFire, Massachusetts' 2026 Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year! A well-earned honor for a highly respected professional. Read more about this year's conference: bit.ly/4xrhM1P

Fire safety professionals at a conference

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

For years, Firefighter Chuck Vinciulla of #WalthamMA FD has been seen showing kids how to "get low and go" in a dynamic photo on our conference booth backdrop. We were delighted to meet him in person yesterday at this year's Fire & Life Safety Education Conference!

Firefighter pointing to a picture of himself on a conference booth backdrop

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Greetings from this year's Fire & Life Safety Education Conference. Thank you to all our attendees and guests, including #SouthbridgeMA Fire Chief Paul Normandin, Secretary Lipson and our keynote speakers from the Executive Office of Aging & Independence, and the Fire & Life Safety Task Force!

Speakers and attendees at a fire safety conference

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

DFS Hazmat technicians supported #NewBedfordMA FD at the scene of an ammonia leak in a large cold storage facility. Techs wearing the appropriate protective equipment made repeated entries to locate and mitigate the leak with the constant assistance of local firefighters.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Did you feel that chill this morning? Home heating season begins today in Massachusetts. Having your heating system serviced each year can help prevent fires and save you money. Got a fireplace or woodstove? Have the chimney and flue inspected and cleaned: ow.ly/vPQG50TmM6s

Heating fires usually spike from September to October. Have your heating system checked by a licensed professional each year.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#TechRescue Tuesday: The Mass Fire Academy recently delivered another Rope Rescue: Operational Level course at DFS Bridgewater. Firefighters from across the state practiced working in high- and low-angle environments in a manner that meets or exceeds the relevant NFPA standards.

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

September is College Fire Safety Month. More fires take place in on-campus housing during September than any other month, and unsafe cooking is the most common cause. Stay in the kitchen and #StandByYourPan when boiling, broiling, or frying! Learn more: bit.ly/4xheyOm

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The Mass Fire Academy's Rapid Intervention prop allows us to take RIT training on the road. A window folds up from the roof for bailouts, another is built into the side, and a hatch on the roof allows students to practice removing a firefighter who has fallen through the floor.

Firefighter training trailer hooked up to a pickup truck

Firefighter bailing out the window on a training trailer

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Happy #GrandparentsDay! Did you know that older adults are at greatest risk in a fire at home? This year, offer to help Nana and Grandpa install, test, or replace their #SmokeAlarms, and talk about a home escape plan that accounts for their needs: ow.ly/pwhf50SZKAJ

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

50 years ago today, the legendary Bill Noonan shot these photos of #BostonMA FD working at a fatal five-alarm fire on Symphony Road. The incident, which claimed the life of 5-year-old Jesse Oliver, was one of dozens that would later be charged in sweeping indictments charging arson-for-hire.

black and white photo of a firefighter on an aerial ladder

Two handwritten photo captions reading "Sept 1976 Symphony Road"

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

#RoshHashanah began last night at sundown. L'shana Tova to all our friends who celebrate!

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Today, DFS dedicated a plaque recognizing the 31 Massachusetts fire chaplains who responded to support @fdny.bsky.social 25 years ago. Meanwhile 50+ staff members and community residents came out to our blood drive with @redcrossma.bsky.social making a contribution that will save lives. Thank you!

Fire service leaders and a fire chaplain dedicating a memorial plaque

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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services @massdfs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to share this valuable discussion of grief and loss from the Massachusetts Corps of Fire Chaplains. Please share it, and help promote the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline -- call or text 988, or chat online at chat.988lifeline.org.

Article on grief and loss in the fire service

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