July 1, 2010
This Month in Fire History
The Hartford Circus Fire occurred on July 6, 1944, in Hartford, Connecticut and
was one of the nation’s worst fire disasters. The fire occurred during an afternoon
performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus attended by approximately
8,000 people. More than 100 people were killed and 600 were injured. The great irony
was that the performance took place under canvas. According to eyewitness survivors,
the fiery tent collapsed in about eight minutes trapping hundreds of spectators
beneath it. Had the crowd realized it, safety was no farther away than ducking out
under the sidewalls of the tent.
more...
June 14, 2010
Fire Marshal’s ISO Report Now Available
The HCFMO 2007-2009 report details information about fire inspections, fire investigations
and emergency response activities not routinely provided by local fire departments.
Since 2005, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office has assisted local fire departments
by collecting and providing such information. Fire departments or Emergency Service
Districts include this information with their application for a revised Insurance
Services Organization (ISO) protection rating. The ISO rating is used by many insurance
companies to determine an area’s level of fire risk, fire protection and influence
on insurance premiums. You may download the
2010 ISO report at no cost. Upon written request, printed copies are available
at the cost of $14.00 each to cover reproduction costs..
April 27, 2010
Can't wait? Click it!
Concerned citizens no longer need to call the Fire Marshal’s Office to report a
fire or life safety hazard. A new “Complaint Website Service” allows Harris County
residents to immediately report fire dangers, outdoor burning, blocked or locked
exits or other health/nuisance/safety issues directly online. By following the easy
step-by-step instructions, a reporting citizen’s complaint is immediately routed
to a supervisor or the responsible agency for appropriate action. Click here to
report a complaint.
May 4, 2010
ESD Election Notices
Harris County Fire Marshal's Office has received these ESD election notices and
is posting them as a public service. Click here
for more information.
April 16, 2010
A new addition to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office fleet hits the road this
week to help combat insurance fraud. It's a 12-foot-long trailer, donated by the
Texas Association of Special Investigation Units. Flaming graphics decorate the
trailer to draw attention to the $80 billion per year insurance fraud problem. “This
trailer gives us a long-needed and valuable resource for our agency's Community
Outreach activities”, said Investigator Dean Hensley with the Fire Marshal's Office.
“When we conduct public events, it will help us "get the word out" and provide a
means to transport our entire library of fire/ life safety material to the citizens.”
more...
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