Colleton County Fire-Rescue has been recognized as one of 151 fire departments across the state to receive their “Fire Safe South Carolina 2023 Community Designation.”
In a press release from Fire Safe South Carolina, the organization states, These designated communities continually work to reduce fires and related injuries in South Carolina resulting in decreased risks for residents and firefighters. They also promote consistent fire safety messaging and learn the importance of collecting and reporting quality data from fire scenes.
The 151 fire departments receiving the designation this year represents a 15 percent increase.
“The enthusiasm for obtaining this designation continues to grow,” Community Risk Reduction Chief Josh Fulbright said. “Many departments have received this recognition for the first time, some seek it again with new purpose, and others receiving since the 2017 inception continue to build depth within their organization.”
Departments will be formally recognized in June during an award ceremony at the Fire-Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC.
To earn the “Fire Safe South Carolina” designation, fire departments must complete courses to improve data quality, train community partners to deliver in-home safety visits, and further develop their skills through online National Fire Academy courses in risk reduction and assessment.
Last year, because of their efforts, 250 community partners were identified, nearly 500 fire service members were educated on risk reduction-related topics, and more than 650,000 citizens were educated on fire and life safety topics.
“As a result of the hard work, commitment, and dedication of our 151 Fire Safe South Carolina fire departments and their community partners, more than half a million citizens were educated on ways to stay “Fire Safe,” Fulbright said. “Efforts will not stop there. We will continue to work together to educate even more people and implement other risk reduction practices proactively to get ahead of calls for service in South Carolina.”
Launched in 2017, partners in Fire Safe SC include the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, the S.C. State Association of Fire Chiefs, the S.C. Fire Marshal Association, the S.C. Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the S.C. Office of State Fire Marshal.
