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MFD Graduates 49 Out of 50 New Recruits Tonight: The Highest Graduation Percentage in its History
The MFD graduated 49 out of 50 new recruits on February 4, 2010. The newly graduated firefighters made history as this was the highest graduation percentage in MFD’s history. The 49 department members were placed in their respective firehouses throughout the City on Sunday, February 7. The MFD has not held a recruitment class and/or graduation since 2007. The 2010 graduating class was comprised of individuals who were at the top of the eligibility list after completing the 2008-2009 MFD recruitment process. The 49 individuals underwent an intensive training that lasted for 14 weeks.
The Milwaukee Fire Department and Mayor Tom Barrett
Announce Steady Decrease in Fire Fatalities in Past Two Years
The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) and Mayor Tom Barrett announced the steady decrease in fire fatalities in the past two years. In 2008, the department reported six fire fatalities in which all were a result of a home structure fire. In 2009, the department once again reported six fire fatalities, but five of the individuals died in a home structure fire. The department has not reported a number as low as five fire fatalities as a result of a home structure fire since 1998. One fire fatality in 2009 was a result of a person who died from inhalation of combustible products after an auto accident that led to the vehicle catching fire. Fire fatalities in the City of Milwaukee are down 58 percent from 2007.
MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM MFD ACTING FIRE CHIEF
Winter/Holiday Fire Safety 
Winter is in full effect and a season in which the fire department responds to the most fires.
A majority of winter structure fires are caused by candles, Christmas trees, cooking, and heating equipment. According to NFPA.org, during 2003-2006, an estimated 14,800 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments, and four in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home.
This winter/holiday season be safe and follow these fire prevention/safety tips.
• Please help your fire department by shoveling out any hydrants in your area that are covered with snow. This will help firefighters easily access the hydrants for water.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
• Never use your oven for heating.
• Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Test smoke alarms and CO alarms at least monthly.
Sincerely,
Michael Jones
RELATED LINKS:
American Heart Association ~ American Lung Association ~ Safe Kids ~ National Fire Protection Association
City of Milwaukee Office of Homeland Security ~ Mesothelioma Prognosis