Fox 9 News Investigative Report
KMSP Fox 9 News has done an investigative report on the dangers of firefighting in newer homes. They have interviewed a firefighter who fell through a floor at a house fire and also have interviewed some local fire officials on the dangers and what can be done to reduce the risks to firefighters and residents (physical protection for light-weight construction or fire sprinklers). The report also includes videos of some test burns that were conducted at the St. Paul Fire Department training site. Firefighters need to be aware of the hazards associated with this type of construction which is extremely common on homes built in the past 15-20 years.
This report aired on Thursday, February 2, 2012 on their 9:00 pm news program.
Minnesota Volunteer Fire Relief Associations - URGENT NOTICE The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association, Minnesota State Fire Department Association, and Minnesota Area Relief Association have joined forces to help fund and guide collective efforts to resolve the tax issues facing Minnesota Volunteer Fire Relief Associations ("Minnesota VFRAs"). To date, more than 70 Minnesota VFRAs have been notified that their tax exemption has been revoked and many others have questions about their current tax status. Our Coalition has retained the law firm of Best & Flanagan LLP to help resolve existing tax issues and to explore options for minimizing the compliance and reporting burden on Minnesota VFRAs going forward. We have received helpful cooperation and assistance from the League of Minnesota Cities and the State Auditor's Office, and we are grateful for their contributions. We have worked with Best & Flanagan to categorize all Minnesota VFRAs based on their current tax status, and Best & Flanagan has prepared detailed "Response Packets" for VFRAs in each of the four categories we have identified. For Minnesota VFRAs on the automatic revocation list, immediate action is necessary. Even if you are not on the automatic revocation list, we are recommending that you take steps to ensure that the IRS has formally recognized your tax exempt status. The detailed Response Packets are available at a cost of $500 and include copies of the forms needed to reinstate or secure tax exempt status and/or an abatement of penalties, along with instructions for completing them. To obtain a packet or more information contact Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire Chief Nyle Zikmund at nzikmund@sbmfire.com or call at 612-860-7442. Click link below for Guidance Memo.
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Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Program The Ready, Set, Go! Program utilizes firefighters to teach individuals who live in high risk wildfire areas and the wildland-urban-interface (WUI) how to best prepare themselves and their properties against fire threats. Ready, Set, Go! works in complimentary and collaborative fashion with Firewise and other existing wildland fire public education efforts. It amplifies their messages to individuals to better achieve the common goal we all share of fire-adapted communities. The RSG Program provides the implementation guidance; background knowledge; and presentation tools to assist fire departments in delivering the program message. Click on the link for more information. | 
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