Irondale Fire Department

08/26/2026

FIRE SAFETY SHOULD WORK FOR EVERYONE

A smoke alarm and escape plan are only effective if everyone in your home can recognize the warning and safely respond.

Throughout my years in the fire service and working in fire prevention, I’ve learned that fire safety is never one-size-fits-all. People who are Deaf or hard of hearing, have limited mobility, use a wheelchair or walker, rely on medical equipment, or have a service animal may need a different approach.

Take a few minutes to make sure your home is prepared:

🔹 Consider strobe alarms, bed/pillow shakers, or other alert devices for those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
🔹 Keep hallways, doors, and escape routes clear and accessible.
🔹 Build an escape plan around the needs of everyone in the home.
🔹 Practice the plan together don’t wait for an emergency to discover a problem.
🔹 Contact your local fire department about resources that may be available.

Don’t just ask, “Do we have a fire escape plan?”
Ask, “Will our plan work for everyone?”

Preparation today can make all the difference when seconds matter. 🔥🏠

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to the one and only Sparky the Fire Dog!

For decades, Sparky has been the face of fire safety, reminding people of all ages that a few simple actions can make a big difference.

Visit https://www.Sparky.org for fire safety resources and discover fun ways to make safety part of every day.

08/20/2026

Spotlight on Captain David Brasher

We are proud to recognize Captain David Brasher for his continued commitment to fire and life safety education in our community.

Captain Brasher’s article, “The Hidden Dangers of Hoarding: What Lies Behind Closed Doors,” was recently published in the Alabama Fire College August Newsletter.

Drawing from more than two decades of experience serving our community, Captain Brasher discusses the serious challenges hoarding conditions can create—not only for residents, but also for firefighters and other first responders during an emergency. His article highlights the importance of prevention, awareness, and early intervention in helping keep both our citizens and responders safe.

We’re proud to have professionals like Captain Brasher who take their knowledge and experience beyond the fire station to educate others and make a difference throughout the fire service.

Congratulations, Captain Brasher, and thank you for representing the Irondale Fire Department so well!

We encourage everyone to check out his article in the Alabama Fire College August Newsletter.

08/11/2026

Today was an incredible day as the Norfolk Southern America 250 Train rolled through the City of Irondale! 🇺🇸🚂

There’s something special about seeing history, innovation, and patriotism come together on the rails. It was great to see so many people gather to wave, take photos, and experience this unique event as it passed through our community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to share in this memorable moment. It's days like today that remind us how special our community truly is.

🚂🇺🇸

08/10/2026

🏠 Hoarding & Fire Safety: A Hidden Danger

Hoarding is more than excess clutter—it can become a life-threatening fire hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),3–5% of the population may experience compulsive hoarding behavior. The excessive accumulation of belongings can:
🔥 Increase the speed and intensity of a fire.
🚪 Block exits and escape routes.
👨‍🚒 Prevent firefighters from reaching occupants quickly during an emergency.
🏘️ Put neighbors and surrounding homes at greater risk.

Help reduce the risk by following these fire safety guidelines:
✅ Keep exits, hallways, and stairways clear at all times.
✅ Keep combustible materials at least 3 feet away from heaters and other heat sources.
✅ Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
✅ Create and practice a home escape plan with two ways out whenever possible.
✅ If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, seek assistance and take small steps to reduce clutter and improve safety.

A safer home starts with a clear path to escape. Together, we can protect our families, our firefighters, and our community.

07/30/2026

We would like to take a moment and congratulate the most recent promotions. Lieutenant Jackson Pardue which is assigned to A shift, Engine 2 and Apparatus Operator Karawn Frazier which is assigned to A shift Engine 3. Thank you both for your hard work and dedication to the department and the leadership you both show.

07/29/2026

We are honored to be recognized as a Gold Helmet Department for having 62 of 63 of our firefighters enrolled in the for Cancer. The NFR is the largest effort undertaken to understand and reduce cancer among U.S. firefighters. Congratulations to our department for being a leader in this historic effort!

Please visit the website to learn more: https://bit.ly/3VWam7x

07/23/2026

07/20/2026