The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has released the unfortunate data of fatalities from fires that occurred statewide last year, 2024. While the numbers are below the prior year, they still remain too high, involving 138 deaths. Eighty-one percent of the smoke detectors in the homes, where these deadly fires occurred were not working. Data supports that smoke detectors save lives with early detection. For the residents of the Barnard Fire District, if you need assistance with a proper working smoke detector installation, please call our fire station on Dewey Avenue in Greece (585-663-1113)

The Barnard Fire District is also thankful to report we did not have any fire fatalaties that occurred in our District last year. The crews from Barnard remained busy throughout the year, responding to 3,948 alarms. 52 alarms, involved a fire within a structure, and while injuries did occur to the occupants, there were no fatalities locally.

Please review the attached 2024 report from New York State.

One final comment, thank you to the residents that take the time to shovel the snow around the hydrants, your efforts are greatly appreciated by the fire fighters when seconds count at the scene of a fire.

Stay safe and stay warm.
Best regards,
Chief Andrews