Prevention / Safety Tips

The Knoxville Fire Rescue Department conducts fire prevention activities every day. We are dedicated to stopping a fire before it happens. We accomplish this through community education, code enforcement, and Community Risk Reduction.  The fire prevention division is led by Battalion Chief Ryan Coburn and assisted by Fire Prevention Specialist Brian Bishop.  

Community Education

The Knoxville Fire Rescue Department participates in the nationally recognized “Fire Prevention Week”. Firefighters visit each of the grades to teach home safety and fire drill exercises. All students are given handouts for classroom participation and home activities for the kids and parents to practice together. Over 1,500 kids each year receive fire prevention training from the Knoxville Fire Rescue Department.

Home Escape Plan

Home Escape is a new program offered by The Knoxville Fire Rescue Department. This program will be offered to all citizens of Knoxville. The program will be offered to any resident that would like to have their home inspected for fire hazards or life-safety issues. For more information, please contact the Fire Department at 641-828-0586.

Resources

Monthly Safety Message

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

Stop the holiday fire before it starts.

  • Do not place your Christmas tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree and it could catch fire by heat, flame, or sparks more easily.
  • Never put Christmas tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
  • When the tree becomes dry, remove it from your home right away. The best way to get rid of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it collected by a community pick-up service.
  • Check holiday lights each year for wires that are worn out or coming apart, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and a lot of bends or twists in the wire.
  • Only use laboratory-tested lighting and extension cords.
  • Never overload outlets or extension cords. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
  • Do not leave lit holiday lights on unless someone is in the room.
  • Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and put them where they cannot be easily knocked over and start a fire.
  • Never leave the home with candles burning.

Be Prepared for a Fire

  • One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm." A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.

Code Enforcement Resources