Author: Hank Stern

  • Enjoy your Cookoutā€¦ Safely!

    As Spring has now arrived, many of us will be firing up our outside cooking grills. Grill fires are one of the common fires KMFD respond to, sometimes spreading to outside decks and structure. While barbecuing can be enjoyable, it also presents significant fire risks if proper precautions are not followed. Fire departments across the Read moreā€¦

  • Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

    Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

    This is usually the time of year the KMFD gets carbon monoxide (CO) alarms due to the increased use of electrical generators, space heaters and doors and windows being kept closed during colder weather. CO is often called the ā€œsilent killerā€ because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Even at low levels, CO can cause Read moreā€¦

  • Honoring Our Volunteers and Looking Ahead

    Iā€™d like to take this opportunity in the first 2026 Echo to thank all the KMFD volunteers, Board, and community volunteers who consistently provided a high level of support for Kings Mountain residents and visitors in 2025. The KMFD could not provide this high level of service without the strong community support and involvement that Read moreā€¦

  • Thanks to our Volunteers and Supporters

    Iā€™d like to thank all the KMFD volunteers, Board, and community volunteers who consistently provide the high level of support for Kings Mountain residents and visitors in 2025.Ā  The KMFD could not provide this high level of service without the strong community support and involvement that we see consistently throughout the year. As a quick Read moreā€¦

  • The Cozy Trap: Hidden Dangers of Winter Heating

    As we approach colder weather, many of us on Kings Mountain are firing up (pardon the pun!) our wood burning stoves, fireplaces, and portable heaters. It can be an economical method for heating, along creating a cozy warm living atmosphere inside the house. Perfect, right? What could go wrong? Heating equipment is a leading cause Read moreā€¦

  • Support Fast Responses!

    People often inquire how they can help the fire department, even without becoming a KMFD firefighter or medical responder. There are a great number of simple actions that help the KMFD provide better emergency services. Iā€™ve listed a few of these below: If you have any questions or need more details regarding the above suggestions, Read moreā€¦

  • Chief’s Chat on Fundraising

    Chief’s Chat on Fundraising

    The KMFD is very appreciative of the great community support for putting on another very successful Kings Mountain Art Fair, benefiting community organizations including the KMFD. Many people donā€™t realize, the majority of the volunteer fire departments across the US are supported through local, State, and Federal funding, via taxes and special assessments. In San Read moreā€¦

  • Lithium-ion Battery

    Lithium-ion Battery

    You may have noticed in the news, both locally and nationally, lithium-ion battery safety incidents/fires. These batteries are in numerous devices we all use on a day-to-day basis. If not purchased, stored, charged, handled, or disposed of safely, they can and do lead to very dangerous and fast spreading fires. Please see some attached safety Read moreā€¦

  • Vehicle Extrication Training

    Vehicle Extrication Training

    A number of Kings Mtn. residents recently noticed some slightly (or more than slightly) cut up cars in the Community Center Parking lot, and were inquiring if those cars were in an accident; well sort of! Each year, the KMFD receives car donations for vehicles that either: have been in an accident, not drivable, or Read moreā€¦

  • Know Before You Burn: CAL FIRE Regulations on Debris and Warming Fire

    As fire season intensifies in California, residents of San Mateo County must remain vigilant and informed about CAL FIRE regulations surrounding debris pile burning and warming fires. These practices, while sometimes necessary or traditional, carry significant risk and are subject to strict guidelines to protect public safety, property, and natural resources. Debris Pile Burning: What Read moreā€¦

  • Chief’s Chat June 2025

    For the May 2025 Kings Mountain Fire Volunteer Brigade (KMVFB) Board meeting, the Kings Mountain Fire Department (KMFD) staff was proud to provide a tour of the fire apparatus we use on our responses: RESCUE 56(R56): This is the newest addition to the KMFD, introduced in 2025. This multi-purpose 4×4 vehicle replaces our 20+ year Read moreā€¦

  • Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives

    As Day Light Savings Time is upon us, itā€™s always a good reminder to check your homeā€™s smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.  The below information is a summary from the CA Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Whatā€™s (relatively) New Smoke Alarms Approximately two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working Read moreā€¦