Fire Departments Neglecting
Annual Registration Leaves State at Risk
JEFFERSON CITY, November 30, 2005-On paper it looks
like there are only 132 fire departments across Missouri. Over 700
fire departments have not yet filed their annual registration with
the State Fire Marshal’s office.
Many fire departments are leaving the Division of Fire
Safety in the dark as to their current contact information, location
and even existence-something that could weaken the response to a massive
incident that requires regional or statewide assistance.
"In order to effectively communicate with Missouri's
fire service community of over 25,000, it is crucial that accurate
contact information be maintained by our agency,” said Randy
Cole, State Fire Marshal. “I urge all fire departments to recognize
the importance of registering annually to better ensure the safety
of those we serve.”
State statute requires all fire protection districts,
fire departments, and all volunteer fire protection associations register
annually with the State Fire Marshal’s office. Filing the registration
annually ensures Fire Safety has the key information necessary to
communicate with departments in a timely manner and serves as a valuable
tool in Missouri’s Mutual Aid System. The system, which allows
a jurisdiction to call for resources and assistance outside of its
area in the case of an emergency, is based upon agreements and open
communication between all fire departments across Missouri.
Not only are fire departments at risk of weakening Missouri’s
Mutual Aid System, but also they are missing timely announcements,
training courses and testing opportunities, current legislative initiatives,
and other information that concerns the fire service of Missouri because
they are not registered with the State Fire Marshal.
For more information about registration, media may contact
Terri Durdaller at (573) 751-4819. Fire departments may visit www.dfs.dps.mo.gov
for more information.