Boiling Springs Fire District

09/28/2026

Boiling Springs Fire District Community, smoke alarms warn you about a fire. Home fire sprinklers can help control it.

Modern home fires can become dangerous very quickly, making every second of escape time important. Home fire sprinklers respond automatically to heat and can control a fire while it is still small, reducing heat, flames, and dangerous smoke. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends protecting homes with both working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers.

The numbers show how much of a difference sprinklers can make. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research on reported home fires from 2017-2021:

• The civilian death rate was 89% lower when sprinklers were present.
• Civilian injury rates were 31% lower.
• Average property loss per fire was 55% lower.
• In 85% of home fires where sprinklers operated, only one sprinkler activated.

And despite what we sometimes see in movies, all the sprinklers don't go off at once. Residential sprinklers respond individually to heat, so typically only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates.

If you're building or remodeling a home, ask about residential fire sprinklers (or P2904 systems). Combined with working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan, they provide another layer of protection for your family and your home.

Learn more from the U.S. Fire Administration and Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

Questions? Let us know. We are here to help.

09/27/2026

🚒 Congratulations, FF. John Kerley! 👨‍🚒

Please join us in congratulating FF. John Kerley on successfully graduating from the South Carolina Fire Academy! 🎓🔥

John has worked hard to reach this accomplishment, and we are proud to have him as part of the Boiling Springs Fire District family.

We look forward to watching you continue to learn, grow, and serve our community. Congratulations, John, and welcome to the fire service! 👏🚒

We’re proud of you!

09/24/2026

BSFD Community, we are proud to share that Boiling Springs Fire District has received the 2026 Richard S. Campbell Award for Excellence in Public Fire Safety Education! BSFD was one of only three departments statewide recognized this year.

Departments are evaluated on their approach to identifying community risks and developing programs to address them, including innovation, creativity, program evaluation, planning, implementation, community support, media involvement, and overall program strategy.

While we are honored to receive the recognition, the work behind it is truly a team effort. Our Community Risk Reduction programs depend on the support of our firefighters, community partners, local businesses, HOAs, schools, property managers, and most importantly, the residents who invite us into their homes and communities.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our efforts to make the Boiling Springs Fire District a safer place to live, work, and visit. We are proud of what we have accomplished together, and we look forward to continuing to build on it.

09/24/2026

Boiling Springs Fire District Community, this cooler weather may not last, but it is a good reminder that colder weather is on the way.

The best time to check your fireplace and chimney is before you need them this winter. Before the first fire of the season:

• Have chimneys and vents inspected and cleaned as needed by a qualified professional.
• Check fireplaces, wood stoves, and their components for damage or deterioration.
• Use a sturdy screen to help keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Never burn trash, cardboard, or other materials in your fireplace.
• Keep furniture, decorations, and other items that can burn at least 3 feet away from fireplaces and other heating equipment.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving home.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working before heating season begins.

Chimney fires and carbon monoxide problems can develop when fireplaces, chimneys, and fuel-burning heating equipment are not properly maintained. National fire safety guidance recommends having chimneys and heating equipment inspected and cleaned as necessary each year.

Enjoy the cooler weather while it is here, and use it as your reminder to prepare before winter arrives.

Questions? Let us know. We are here to help.

09/24/2026

Boiling Springs Fire District Community, yesterday one of our Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) had the opportunity to travel outside our district and assist with a great child passenger safety event at ACH Greenville.

Working alongside technicians and partners from Safe Kids Worldwide, Prisma Health, the Bradshaw Institute for Community Child Health & Advocacy, and Berea Fire Dept, approximately 25 car seats were checked during the event. Even more importantly, 21 brand-new car seats were provided to replace used, expired, or otherwise unsafe seats.

Community Risk Reduction (CRR) often extends beyond jurisdictional lines, and opportunities like this allow agencies and organizations to share resources and expertise to help keep families safe.

Thank you to A Child’s Haven and the event organizers for putting this together, and to all of the CPSTs and community partners who made the day possible!

09/22/2026

Boiling Springs Fire District Community, it’s time for another installment of our Recognize series!

CARDIAC ARREST

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Blood flow to the brain and other vital organs stops, making this an immediate life-threatening emergency.

According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. Recognizing the emergency and taking action quickly can make a difference before emergency responders arrive.

What to Look For:

1- Sudden collapse
2- The person is unresponsive and does not react when you tap or speak to them
3- The person is not breathing normally or is only gasping

Do not mistake gasping for normal breathing. Someone experiencing cardiac arrest may make occasional gasping or abnormal breathing sounds.

What You Can Do:

1- Call 9-1-1 immediately or have someone nearby make the call.
2- Send someone to get an AED if one is available.
3- If you are comfortable doing so, begin CPR. For an adult or teen who suddenly collapses, Hands-Only CPR can be performed by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
4- Aim for 100-120 compressions per minute and allow the chest to return to its normal position between compressions.
5- Use an AED as soon as it arrives. Turn it on and follow its instructions.
6- Continue CPR and follow the AED and 9-1-1 dispatcher’s instructions until the person begins breathing or moving or emergency responders arrive and take over.

Only provide care you are comfortable and capable of performing. When in doubt, call 9-1-1 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions until professional help arrives.

This information follows national guidance from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Recognize the signs. React quickly. Your actions before emergency responders arrive could help save a life!

American Red Cross of South Carolina American Heart Association - South Carolina

09/18/2026

Boiling Springs Fire District Community, we recently had the opportunity to visit Savaria and provide hands-on fire extinguisher training for their employees.

The class focused on the types of fire extinguishers located throughout their facility, what each type is designed to extinguish, and most importantly, how and when to safely use one. Employees were also able to put what they learned into practice with hands-on extinguisher training.

Portable fire extinguishers can be valuable tools when a fire is small and conditions are safe, but personal safety always comes first. Our most important message of the day was simple:

"When in doubt, just get out."

Thank you to Savaria and their employees for taking the time to train with us and making workplace safety a priority!

09/17/2026

Boiling Springs Fire District Community, e-cigarettes, v**es, and v**e mods are powered by batteries, and many use lithium-ion batteries. While battery failures are uncommon, a damaged, improperly charged, or overheated battery can cause a fire or explosion.

If you use one of these devices, keep battery safety in mind:

• Use the battery and charger recommended by the manufacturer. Do not assume that any USB or phone charger is safe for your device.
• Charge on a clean, flat, noncombustible surface, away from bedding, couches, paper, and other materials that can burn.
• Do not charge overnight or leave a device charging unattended.
• Never carry loose batteries in a pocket with keys, coins, or other metal objects that could short the terminals.
• Replace batteries that are damaged or wet. Stop using a battery if you notice swelling, excessive heat, leaking, unusual odors, discoloration, or strange noises.
• Protect batteries and devices from extreme heat, including hot vehicles and direct sunlight.
• Never use or charge a v**e around oxygen, gasoline, propane, or other flammable gases or liquids.

When it is time to dispose of an e-cigarette or v**e, do not place it in household trash or curbside recycling. The EPA recommends taking these devices to an appropriate household hazardous waste collection location because they may contain both lithium batteries and ni****ne.

A little attention to how these devices are charged, stored, and handled can help prevent a serious battery fire.

Questions? Let us know. We are here to help.

09/15/2026

Boiling Springs Fire District Community, when was the last time you checked your bathroom ventilation fan?

Bathroom exhaust fans help control moisture, but like other electrical equipment, they need a little attention. Over time, dust and debris can collect around the fan and motor, restrict airflow, and contribute to overheating. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidance for ducted fans emphasizes keeping fans and ducting free of substantial debris and signs of overheating.

A few simple precautions can help:

• Periodically clean dust and debris from the fan cover and accessible areas according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Make sure the fan is moving air properly and the exterior vent is not blocked.
• Watch for unusual noises, an odd smell, discoloration, excessive heat, or a fan that is slowing down or not working properly.
• If something doesn't seem right, turn the fan off and have it inspected or replaced.
• Use the fan according to the manufacturer's instructions and avoid leaving it operating unnecessarily for extended periods.
• Never disable a nearby smoke alarm because shower steam causes nuisance alarms. Use the alarm's hush feature or address its location instead.

Bathroom fans are easy to overlook during routine home maintenance. Take a minute this week to look up and check yours.

Questions? Let us know. We are here to help.

09/15/2026