Mississippi Office of the State Fire Marshal

08/28/2026

Congratulations are in order as Deputy State Fire Marshal Eric Reilly graduated from the Criminal Investigators Program (CIP) at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy (MELOTA) on Thursday, August 27, 2026. His graduation marks the successful completion of more than 320 hours of specialized training conducted over five months. 👏👏👏

08/13/2026

SFMO investigators are looking into a fire at a home in Holmes County. 45-year-old Jessie Jones was found dead in the home on Head Start Drive in Goodman, Miss. An autopsy has been requested to determine his official cause of death. Investigators found evidence that the fire started in the kitchen and was caused by unattended cooking on a stove top.

Read more: https://conta.cc/4i8KKzr

08/12/2026

Update on Couple Accused of Installing Faulty Fire Suppression Systems

Sherri Finnegan appeared in Hinds County Court on July 22, 2026, where her bond was set at $200,000. The bond was later reduced to $50,000, and she bonded out. She was then transferred to Jefferson County, where she posted a $20,000 bond. At last check, she is being held in Warren County, pending a bond hearing.

At last check, Daniel Finnegan was being held in Hinds County with a $50,000 bond.
Read more: https://conta.cc/4xxePNB

08/12/2026

SFMO investigators believe an accidental fire that started in the attic/roof space of a single-story home is to blame for the death of 35-year-old Monique Creshaun Gardener on County Road 369 in Lafayette County. The fire was reported on Sunday, August 9, 2026, around 4:30 a.m.

There have been 53 fire deaths so far in 2026. In at least 34 of those deaths, there were no working smoke alarms. https://conta.cc/45lW7g6

08/11/2026

We're in the middle of Safe and Sound Week, an OSHA event to improve workplace safety and health. Stay safe and sound at work: practice an evacuation drill with employees. Check smoke alarms and other safety devices too!https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/activities_ff_find_4.pdf

08/04/2026

📸: Nicholas Walker joins the SFMO after his swearing in ceremony this morning with Judge Frank Sutton. Welcome, Nicholas!

07/29/2026

Many students are returning to the classroom this week. 🎒📚✏️
If your child is staying home alone after school, make sure they know basic fire safety.

1. Make sure they know where exits are and have multiple ways out of a house in the event of a fire. Don't block doors or windows.
2. Make sure they know where to go once outside of the residence. Pick a meeting place a safe distance from the home and the street.
3. Teach them how to dial 9️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ and when they should call. Only call 9️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ once you are outside of the residence and away from danger.
4. Never go back inside for anything! Don't go back in for toys or pets.
5. Make sure your house or apartment number is clearly visible so first responders can find it easily and quickly.

All of us here at the SFMO wish our students and teachers a safe and successful school year!

07/22/2026

Good work by our LC Gas Division.

07/04/2026

🎆Happy Independence Day! 🎇✨ Today, we celebrate the true spirit of freedom with family, friends, and fireworks! Let’s celebrate safely. Find firework safety tips here: https://ow.ly/nJWb50Yl8q6

07/03/2026

Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand in hand as the booming bursts of colors are often the highlight of the holiday. This year is even more special as America celebrates its 250th birthday.

Planning to light fireworks this July 4? Here are safety tips and state laws you need to know in Mississippi.