Last weekend, Springfield experienced three fires at apartment complexes, prompting the Springfield Fire Department to call for increased fire safety measures in multi-family housing. Firefighters responded promptly to each incident, but officials emphasized that both residents and property managers must remain vigilant to prevent future incidents.
The department highlighted several key areas where safety practices can reduce fire risk. Improper disposal of smoking materials such as cigarettes and cigars remains a leading cause of residential fires. Residents are advised never to discard smoking materials in planters, mulch beds, landscaping, or off balconies. The department recommends using deep, sturdy containers filled with water or sand for disposal and ensuring all materials are fully extinguished before discarding them. Smoking while using medical oxygen is particularly dangerous due to the increased fire intensity it can cause.
Discarded smoking items can ignite dry grass or leaves near apartment buildings, allowing fires to spread quickly into wall cavities and attics. To further reduce risks, residents and property managers should keep combustible materials like mulch, trash, and cardboard away from building exteriors and balconies. Furniture or boxes should not be stored in breezeways or stairwells, and overflowing dumpsters should be reported immediately.
Smoke alarms play a crucial role in early detection. The department urges residents to test smoke alarms twice a year, replace batteries as needed, and change out units every ten years according to manufacturer recommendations. “Never remove or disable a smoke alarm,” the release stated. If an alarm chirps—indicating a low battery—it should be addressed right away.
The Springfield Fire Department plans to canvass neighborhoods affected by the recent fires to ensure working smoke alarms are present in all units. Residents needing assistance with alarms or batteries are encouraged to contact the department directly.
Balcony safety was also stressed: open-flame cooking devices such as charcoal grills should not be used on balconies; only approved gas grills may be used where permitted by local code. Combustible items should be kept away from balcony railings and doors must remain accessible as emergency exits.
Cooking remains the top cause of residential fires in Springfield. The department advises never leaving cooking unattended and keeping flammable items away from stovetops. In case of grease fires, water should not be used; instead, smothering with a lid is recommended.
Other recommendations include knowing two ways out of an apartment building, keeping exit paths clear, closing doors during evacuation to slow fire spread, considering renter’s insurance for personal property protection, and reporting damaged electrical outlets or unsafe conditions promptly.
“Fire safety in apartment complexes is a shared responsibility,” the release said. “The Springfield Fire Department remains committed to protecting our community through response, prevention, education, and partnership.”
For questions about smoke alarms or fire safety programs—including free assistance—residents can contact the Community Risk Reduction Division of the Springfield Fire Department.
Springfield operates under a council-manager form of government established in 1953 with policy set by a nine-member City Council (official website). The city serves as Greene County’s seat in southwestern Missouri (official website) and focuses on responsible governance aimed at benefiting its community (official website).
For more information on home fire safety or smoke alarm programs visit springfieldmo.gov/401/Community-Risk-Reduction.
For additional details contact Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Newberry at 417-874-2320.
