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The article focuses on how fire protection services can address current trends in senior housing. Reasons why understanding the trend is important for fire service are presented along with statistics on senior population and senior housing. The current housing trend is explained together with the importance of knowing the location of these facilities for the fire marshal. Rules on inspections are discussed including factors that firefighters must focus on with respect to these facilities.

The article discusses fire inspections of health care facilities in Minnesota. The State Fire Marshal Division (SFMD) reportedly conducts investigations on whether these facilities comply to Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) regulations. In order to participate in the certification program administered by the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), it is said that facilities also need to observe standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The article presents an update on the activities of the State Fire Marshal Division health care inspection team, provides information on the types of senior living, and explains how the fire service is adapting to the changes. Healthcare inspection teams are not required to conduct fire inspections of Assisted Living (AL) buildings. They should also consider the fact that AL buildings are not health care facilities.

The article discusses liquid oxygen respiratory therapy and the problems related to it. It includes a list of things to do and to avoid when oxygen is in use or stored. Fire service personnel are required to be aware of these cautions and the relative fire code requirements. According to the article, due to daily use of the product, the dangers of oxygen are taken for granted. Nevertheless, firefighters should see to it that all persons concerned understand what can happen when oxygen is used in an unsafe manner, the article adds.

The article explores future changes in senior citizen housing in Minnesota and their impact on fire service and fire fighters. Information is presented on the growing elderly population in the state. It explains why the number of nursing homes declined with the increase in number of seniors in Minnesota. It emphasizes the importance for fire chiefs to know the location of assisted living facilities in their area.

The article reports on the fire inspections conducted by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division (SFMD) on correctional facilities licensed by the Department of Corrections (DOC) in Minnesota. The fire inspection effort came after the DOC approached the SFMD and asked to dedicate one inspector to this effort in response to the complaints of several correctional-based facilities.

The article offers advice on conducting fire inspections. Positive attitude on the part of the property owner is essential in good fire prevention. A good inspector should be willing to explain the value of any section of the fire code. Relationship with local building officials is essential in fire code enforcement.

Presents an overview of the history and activities of the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division. Original statutes created for the office; State fire marshals who have served since the inclusion of the division in the Department of Public Safety, such as Tom Brace; Programs and responsibilities of the division.

Focuses on the issues surrounding fire codes. Case of a fire chief who was told of a Fire Marshal rule requiring a change of tires due to its age; Importance of making fire codes as specific as possible; Information on the responsibilities of fire chiefs to the general public.