Minnesota State Fire Marshal

05/30/2026

Nearly three dozen Minnesotans have already died in fires this year, and it’s only May.

They were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends and so much more.

Take steps today to protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Test and check the batteries in your smoke alarms.
• Create and practice a fire escape plan for your household.
• Keep the exits in your home clear.
• Never leave cooking, candles, smoking materials or other sources of fire unattended.

These small steps can save lives. Don’t wait until a tragedy strikes close to home to take action.

05/23/2026

Campfires create memories — but one spark can change everything.

As you head outside this Memorial Day weekend, wildfires have already spread in parts of the state.

Dry conditions and wind can cause a fire to spread faster than you think.

Remember these safety tips before you sit down for s’mores:
• Check for burning restrictions and red flag warnings
• Keep water and a shovel nearby
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Drown the fire with water and make sure all embers are extinguished before leaving.
• Properly dispose of smoking materials

05/19/2026

Two minutes — the time it takes to brush your teeth, load the dishwasher or tidy up your desk.

But could you and your loved ones get out of your home in that amount of time?

On average, that’s how long people have to escape during a fire, and that time begins when the fire starts.

That’s why it’s so important to have working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan — so you’re alerted as quickly as possible and you know exactly how to get out.

In the first four months of 2026, there have already been 35 confirmed fire deaths.

Last year, there were 61 fire deaths in total. Even one death is too many.

Make a plan, test your alarms and practice your escape plan.

05/14/2026

Nearly two years ago, a townhome in Eden Prairie was set on fire with four children and an adult still inside.

Thankfully everyone survived. This week, the man responsible was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Arson cases are difficult to investigate and even harder to prove. We’re grateful for the work of our investigators and partners at the Eden Prairie police and fire departments and the ATF for gathering the facts and finding answers in this case.

A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after prosecutors said he set a Hennepin County townhome on fire with four children inside. ⬇️Click the link in the comments to read more

05/03/2026

They’re on the frontlines — fighting fires, responding to medical emergencies and showing up on people’s worst days.

This week, they gathered in St. Paul for Fire Service Day at the Capitol.

The annual event helps ensure members of the Minnesota fire service are supported at the legislative level. It also gives them a chance to connect with local lawmakers, share real stories from the job and advocate for the tools, training and regulations needed to keep people safe in all corners of the state.

Thanks to state leaders for listening to the successes and challenges facing our fire departments and working to pass laws that protect firefighters and the communities they serve.

04/30/2026

Jen Elleraas never saw herself becoming a firefighter, but it quickly became one of her passions.

Now she wants to inspire more women to join the industry by giving them hands-on experience before they even fill out an application.

Learn about the events happening statewide this Saturday for Women Explore Fire Day in our latest DPS blog: https://dps.mn.gov/news/sfm/statewide-effort-aims-recruit-more-women-fire-service

04/22/2026

A dangerous combination is putting parts of the state under extreme wildfire risk:
• Gusty winds up to 25 to 35 mph
• Exceptionally dry vegetation
• Very low relative humidity

New today: some counties in eastern Minnesota have been upgraded from a Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m.

This means near-critical fire conditions are expected.

Even outside the warning area, all Minnesotans should do their part to reduce wildfire risk:
• Avoid any outdoor burning.
• Be cautious with equipment that could spark.
• Dispose of ci******es and other smoking materials properly.
• Report fires immediately.

It only takes one spark to start a wildfire. Let’s do our part to keep Minnesota safe.

04/14/2026

It starts with a 911 call — and the sirens that follow.

Somewhere in Minnesota a firefighter is about to drop everything to show up for someone on what might be their worst day.

Across the state, the State Fire Marshal division is launching a fire service assessment — taking a deeper look at how departments serve their communities, what’s working and where support is needed most.

From response times and staffing, to training and equipment, this assessment is all about making sure firefighters have what they need to keep Minnesotans safe.

Whether big or small, urban or rural, every department and every community matters.

Learn more about the assessment at: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/fire-depts/statewide-fire-service-assessment

04/12/2026

Team spotlight: inspections

Behind every safe space in Minnesota, there’s a fire inspector working quietly to protect it.

From healthcare facilities where every second counts, to hotels welcoming travelers from near and far.

From daycares and nursing homes filled with our most vulnerable loved ones, to schools helping shape the next generation.

Even inside our state’s correctional facilities, Minnesota State Fire Marshal inspectors are there.

They check alarms, review plans, identify hazards and ensure systems are ready when it matters most. Their work may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt when it matters most.

Different specialties. One mission.

Keeping Minnesotans safe inside every building, every day.

04/07/2026

Curiosity in children is normal. Starting fires is not — nor is it a phase. Fire is potentially deadly and spreads fast.

Thanks to our partners in New Brighton and St. Anthony for highlighting a disturbing trend involving children starting fires in their communities.

The State Fire Marshal division works with fire departments statewide through the Minnesota Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention initiative.

If you think your child might be interested in or is already starting fires, help is available.

Visit our website for resources: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/fire-safety/youth-firesetting-resources-families

The New Brighton Fire Department and other local agencies are offering free educational programs aimed at fire prevention.