The U.S. Fire Administration invites you to explore the redesigned Quick Response Media Corps Web section. You can now download fact sheets, radio public service announcements and archived E-bulletins, browse through fire safety campaign Web sections, and interested members of the fire service can sign-up online to join the Media Corps. I encourage you to look at the Quick Response section at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/subjects/fireprev/qr/ and tell us your thoughts. Please e-mail your comments and questions to quickresponse@hagersharp.com.

While at USFA’s Web site, see also two recently-released topical reports. The first report is an NFIRS-based Heating Fires in Residential Buildings topical report that was released in November. An annual average of 49,100 heating fires occurred in residential buildings from 2002-2004. These fires were responsible for an estimated 125 civilian fire deaths, 575 civilian fire injuries, and $232 million in property loss. Visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/media/2006releases/112106.shtmto download a copy of the report.

The second report is the December and Holiday Fires topical report that was released December 4. The report was developed by USFA’s National Fire Data Center and examines the causes and characteristics of December fires as well as those occurring during the holiday season. Visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/media/2006releases/120406.shtm to download a copy of the report.

Sincerely,
Kathy Gerstner
U.S. Fire Administration

Expert Needed for Upcoming USFA Fire-Safe Smoking Campaign
USFA is developing a new campaign to alert people to the high risk of home fire deaths caused by smoking materials and to encourage people to adopt fire-safe smoking habits. The campaign's goal is to promote fire-safe behaviors among smokers and those who live with them (not to be confused with campaigns that are aimed at legislative change mandating fire-safe cigarettes).

We are searching for a fire service expert who has experience developing and/or promoting a campaign focused on fire-safe smoking behaviors at the community level. The individual will travel to Washington, DC for one group meeting in February, for which approved expenses will be reimbursed. A few additional meetings likely would be conducted by conference call. Interested members are asked to contact Eugenie Thompson at 202-842-3600, Ext. 236, or ethompson@hagersharp.com. If the local campaign has a Web site, please include the link in the e-mail.

Quick Response Presentation to Texas State Fire Marshals
The Quick Response Media Corps initiative was presented to fire marshals at the annual Texas Fire Marshal’s Conference in Austin, TX on Wednesday, October 25. Attendees were briefed on the functional aspects of Quick Response and the Media Corps as well as the benefits of becoming a Media Corps member. As a result, over 50 members of the Texas fire service joined the Quick Response Media Corps.

Do you know fire service members who have not yet joined the Quick Response Media Corps? If so, forward this message to them. The Media Corps provides free information and support. Media Corps members receive:

- Tips on getting fire safety and prevention messages in the news.
- Instant alerts when we send information to local media in response to a fatal residential fire in your area.
- Support and coordination by the Quick Response team when local media requests an interview with local fire service.
- “Sneak previews” of USFA’s public education program.
- Bulletins from the USFA via e-mail updates.
- Go to http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/subjects/fireprev/qr/ to enroll.

Fire Safety in the News
Tyler, TX – On Wednesday, November 1, a 16-month-old girl died in a home fire caused by combustible materials being placed too close to a space heater. The Tyler Morning Telegraph in Tyler, TX published a story the following day that included fire safety facts, information and comments by Chief Neil Franklin of the Tyler Fire Department.

Medford, OR – On Wednesday, November 15, a 37-year-old woman and her 11-year-old son were killed in a home fire caused by a wall heater. The Mail Tribune included fire safety facts from the USFA smoke alarm Quick Response fact sheet.

Martinsville, VA – On Tuesday, December 5 the Martinsville Bulletin highlighted a story where a home fire caused significant damage to Martinsville, VA home. Smoke alarms in the home allowed the resident enough time to safely escape. A few weeks before the fire occurred, Henry County Assistant Fire Marshal Lisa Garrett installed a new smoke alarm and changed the batteries in the other existing units in that same home. The resident believes the only reason she is alive today is because of the working smoke alarms in her home. The article included fire safety facts from the USFA.