City News

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – For the third consecutive year, the Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service was awarded the Life Safety Achievement Award for its fire prevention accomplishments.

To qualify for the award, Tuscaloosa recorded zero fire deaths in 2013 and demonstrated commitment to prevent residential fires in their local communities through active and effective fire prevention programs.

The fire prevention efforts of Tuscaloosa’s award-winning fire department include educational programs in schools, senior centers, local businesses and community events; open houses at fire stations; smoke alarm installations; inspections and pre-incident surveys and efforts to increase residential fire sprinklers.

Although residential fires in the United States account for only 20 percent of all fires, they result in 80 percent of all fire deaths. The National Association of State Fire Marshals Foundation is committed to reducing that number.

"The common threads that we see in departments that are effective at minimizing fire loss are that they analyze their community's fire problems and risks and then determine the specific actions necessary," said Jim Narva, the NASFM Foundation's executive director. "They also try to reach as many audiences as possible, through a variety of media, frequent interactions and creative programs."