On today’s WGNS Action Line, host Scott Walker sits down with Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department Chief Mark McCluskey, a Murfreesboro native who now leads the city’s growing fire service during one of the fastest periods of development in local history.Chief McCluskey discusses how the department is responding to the rise in multi-story apartment fires as more high-density housing is built, whether Murfreesboro will see new fire stations in the rapidly expanding Blackman and west side areas, and how response times are being maintained as call volume increases.

 

The conversation also touches on firefighter recruitment and staffing needs, the growing number of medical calls handled by MFRD, new challenges like electric vehicle fires, and how technology — including drones, thermal imaging and modern data tools — is changing fire response.Other topics include public fire-safety programs like free smoke alarm installations, the most common causes of house fires in Murfreesboro, mental health support for first responders, preparations for upcoming high-rise construction downtown, and whether MFRD might someday transition into a combined Fire + EMS model.Listeners also hear answers to community-submitted questions about brush fires, holiday safety, firefighter training for disaster-level events, and how families can schedule station tours or educational visits.