When Should We Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers are best used when a fire is contained in a small area, like a wastebasket, and when the fire department has already been called.

Does your family know where the fire extinguisher is located in your home?

Have you practiced, with your family, the proper use of a fire extinguisher?

How Do You Use a Fire Extinguisher?

1. Stand back 

2. Discharge extinguisher

3.  Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher

4.  Aim the extinguisher nozzle on the hose low toward the base of the fire

5.  Squeeze the handle or lever to discharge the extinguisher

6.  Sweep the nozzle back and forth.

We get our fair share of rain here in the Pacific Northwest, but sometimes Mother Nature decides that we need some snow, instead. 

We wanted to remind you to be safe in this snow. It’s safest to stay home. If you have to get out, however, here are a few tips to follow for safe driving:

• Drive Slowly – It’s harder to stop and control your vehicle on slick roads.
• Increase Following Distance – If it’s harder for you to stop, then it is the same for other drivers. Give them space to avoid any accidents.
• Stock Your Vehicle – Keep blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, and flares or emergency lights in your vehicle. These things will be helpful if you are forced to wait for aid in the cold.
• For more details on safe driving in inclement weather, check out the National Highway Safety Administration’s website.

Stay safe. Stay warm. Remember:

From the Nisqually Valley News:

Crews from SE Thurston Fire responded to a commercial structure fire in Yelm shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

The fire took place in the 900 block of Yelm Avenue East. Crews remained on scene in the morning and the cause of the fire is under investigation, according to a social media post from SE Thurston Fire. 

According to Kiro 7, three businesses were destroyed. The news outlet reported video from the scene showed Happy Feet Spa, Red Nail salon and the Freedom Training Center saw obvious damage. 

East Olympia Fire District 6, Lacey Fire District Three, the Olympia Fire Department and South Thurston Fire and EMS responded, as well as the Bald Hills Fire Department. 

This story will be updated on the Nisqually Valley News website as new information is available.

Fire safety is important for everyone to learn, especially young ones. If you’re looking for some activities and resources for teaching children about fire safety, check out the Smokey the Bear website.

SE Thurston Fire Authority wishes all of you a Merry Christmas!

The  SE Thurston Fire Authority, also referred to as Yelm and Rainier Fire Department, urges residents to protect their homes by practicing fire safety during the holiday season.

Decorations including candles, lights, and Christmas trees are festive, but without safety precautions, they can become fire hazards.

• Regularly check your tree for fresh, green needles. Trees that have dried out over several weeks burn faster than fresher, well-watered trees. Remember to keep your tree watered daily. 
• Keep your tree at least three feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents, and other sources of heat. 
• Don’t place the tree where it blocks an exit. 
• Check light strings for damage before decorating and turn off your holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed. 
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree cannot catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. 
• Place candles and candle holders on a non-flammable surface to catch the melting candle wax. Never leave lit candles unattended. 
• Use a fire screen to keep embers and logs from escaping when using a fireplace. Make sure all embers are fully extinguished before turning in for the night. 
• Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries, if needed. 

It’s December and Christmas is coming soon. That also means that more candles are being used. SE Thurston Fire Authority wants to ensure that you have the information to safely enjoy those candles this season. Here are a few helpful tips you should know:

• Keep your candles 1 foot away from anything that could catch fire. A candle is an open flame and should be treated like any other open-flamed situation.
• Make sure your candles are in a holder that won’t tip easily.
• Don’t use candles in a space where oxygen is also being used.

For some more tips, check out the National Fire Protection Association’s tip sheet here! Enjoy your holidays and, most importantly, celebrate safely!

If you have any questions and aren’t sure who to contact for an answer, then here is the email address where you should direct your query: info@sethurstonfire.org.

This email is active and monitored. 

Everyone at SE Thurston Fire Authority would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. We hope you stay safe and get spend time with your loved ones.

Here are some helpful safety tips from the National Fire Prevention Association.

For generations, millions of Americans have answered the call to serve — taking the sacred oath to defend and preserve our nation’s ideals of liberty and democracy. These patriots represent the best of us. On Veterans Day, we honor their service, dedication, and valor and we are forever grateful for their sacrifice.

Veterans contribute to American society in many ways — and not just during their time in active duty. Throughout our history, service members have put on their uniforms to protect the values and liberties upon which this nation was built. In times of peace, they work in and support our communities. 

No matter when they served or in what branch, we shouldn’t forget the sacrifices they have made to protect our country. SE Thurston Fire Authority would like to say a sincere “Thank you,” to the veterans in our community.

SE Thurston Fire Authority is excited to announce that, due to the Levy Lid Lift passing this year, we had the funding to hire two new firefighters!

Congratulations to the newest firefighters in our SE Thurston Fire Authority family: Andrew Rogers (Left) and Wyatt Rollman (Right).