Minnesota State Fire Marshal

Every day, fire safety education helps prevent tragedies before they happen.

It starts with teaching a child how to escape a burning home. It continues with helping families check their smoke alarms. And it grows through countless conversations that make Minnesota communities safer.

Behind many of those efforts is Deputy State Fire Marshal Kristy Wisniewski.

Kristy has been named a 2026 NFPA Rising Star by the National Fire Protection Association— one of just 10 recipients nationwide.

This recognition honors fire and life safety educators who are making a difference through innovative outreach, education and prevention programs.

Kristy's dedication helps educate the public, along with local fire departments, so they can share safety messages with their communities.

Congratulations, Kristy, on this well-deserved national recognition!

Clothing trends, hairstyles, music genres are just a few things that have changed over the last 40 years.

But did you know the amount of time you have to escape during a fire has changed too — and not for the better.

Building and furnishing materials used today ignite quickly and burn faster than those used in the past.

In 1980, you could have had more than 10 minutes to get out if your house was on fire. Today, it’s less than five minutes.

Last year, 61 people died in Minnesota fires and we’re on pace to surpass that in 2026.

Test your smoke alarms. Make a fire escape plan. Pay attention when cooking or smoking.

Small reminders that could save lives.