When residents think of the Hastings Fire Department, they often picture fire trucks and ambulances responding to emergencies with lights flashing and sirens sounding. However, much of the department’s work takes place long before an emergency happens.
Hastings Fire Marshal Jamie Stevens recently spoke to the Hastings Area Rotary Club about the department’s fire prevention efforts, including building inspections, public education, fire investigations and programs designed to keep residents safe.
Stevens, a Hastings High School graduate, comes from a long line of firefighters. He joined the department in 2007, following in the footsteps of his father, who served for 38 years as a paid on-call captain and paramedic.
Stevens is the fourth generation of his family to serve with the Hastings Fire Department. Combined, his family has contributed more than 250 years of service to the community.
“It's an honor to be here with you guys today,” Stevens told Rotary members. “It's an honor to serve and continue that family tradition moving forward.”
After serving as a firefighter and captain, Stevens moved into the department’s fire inspector position before being promoted to fire marshal earlier this year. He now oversees the Bureau of Fire Prevention alongside Fire Inspector Ben Blanchard, who joined the department in August.
While responding to emergencies remains an important part of the department’s responsibilities, Stevens explained that prevention efforts can be just as valuable.
A significant portion of that work involves inspecting buildings throughout Hastings, from businesses and rental properties to schools, hotels and new construction projects. The department reviews building plans, inspects fire protection systems and works with property owners to address safety concerns before they become emergencies.
One of the bureau’s largest responsibilities is the city’s residential rental inspection program.
Hastings has approximately 2,600 rental units covered by about 700 rental licenses. Those properties are inspected every two years, meaning the department conducts roughly 350 rental inspections annually.
The inspections cover everything from single-family homes to large apartment complexes, along with short-term rentals and homes rented to family members.
During inspections, firefighters check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, emergency exits, electrical hazards and general property maintenance. They also make sure windows and doors provide safe escape routes if a fire occurs.
Stevens emphasized that working smoke alarms and accessible exits are especially important because modern home fires can spread rapidly.
He told Rotary members that residents may have only about two minutes to escape after a smoke alarm sounds before conditions become dangerous because of heat, smoke and toxic gases.
Another common concern involves extension cords and electrical outlet adapters.
Stevens explained that extension cords are intended for temporary use, not as permanent power sources for appliances such as freezers. Cords running beneath carpeting or rugs can become especially dangerous when heat builds up.
He recommended using power strips equipped with built-in circuit breakers instead of adapters that turn a standard outlet into several additional outlets.
Beyond inspections, the department spends considerable time teaching fire prevention.
During a recent three-week period, firefighters provided fire safety education to approximately 1,900 students in preschool through fourth grade. The department also works with older students on CPR training, kitchen safety and career education.
Eighth-grade students receive a particularly memorable lesson involving a kitchen fire safety trailer.
During demonstrations, firefighters heat a pan of oil and add a cup of water, showing students how quickly a grease fire can spread when water is used in an attempt to extinguish it.
The demonstration reinforces the importance of staying in the kitchen while cooking, paying attention to appliances and knowing how to respond safely when something catches fire.
The department also provides fire extinguisher training for local businesses, visits senior living facilities, participates in community events and offers tours of the fire station.
One program Stevens highlighted is the smoke detector battery replacement service for residents age 55 and older.
Residents can contact the department to arrange assistance with checking smoke alarms and replacing their batteries. The program also helps prevent injuries by keeping older residents from climbing ladders to reach ceiling-mounted detectors.
Stevens reminded attendees that smoke alarms generally have a 10-year service life and should be replaced when they reach that age.
Another growing concern involves lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from cellphones to cordless tools.
Stevens encouraged residents to use the charging equipment supplied with their devices and avoid leaving phones charging on beds, couches or other soft surfaces where heat can accumulate.
He also cautioned against purchasing inexpensive aftermarket batteries that may lack the safety protections found in original equipment.
Fire investigations are another part of the bureau’s responsibilities. When a structure fire occurs, Stevens and Blanchard investigate its origin and cause. The information they gather can help identify hazards and shape future public education efforts.
The bureau also participates in Dakota County’s youth fire intervention program, which works with children who have started fires or shown concerning fire-related behavior. Through education and family involvement, the program seeks to prevent future incidents.
Stevens explained that the bureau’s work frequently involves balancing the responsibilities of property owners and tenants, making sure both sides are maintaining safe living conditions.
The presentation gave Rotary members a closer look at the many responsibilities handled by the department beyond emergency response. From inspecting apartments and reviewing construction plans to teaching students about kitchen fires, the department’s prevention work is aimed at reducing the emergencies residents may never realize were avoided.