S.E. Thurston Fire Authority -
Serving the cities of Yelm, Rainier, and surrounding unincorporated areas. (360) 458-2799
Serving the cities of Yelm, Rainier, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
(360) 458-2799

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Recent News

Christmas Tree Fire Risks

Christmas tree fires aren’t just a cautionary tale, they’re real and very dangerous. US Fire response teams put out around 200 Christmas tree fires per year, and while the odds may seem low that you’d be one of those 200, the severity of a Christmas tree fire makes the risk far more dangerous, despite them being largely avoidable if the proper safety measures are taken.

  • Approximately 1 out of every 50 house fires that begins with a Christmas tree result in at least one death.
  • 25% of Christmas tree fires start due to electrical issues or heat sources near/on the tree, such as lights, fireplaces, heaters, candles, and more.
  • About 50% of all holiday decoration fires occur due to proximity to a heat source.

Following these simple safety tips can help prevent a catastrophe during your holiday season:

  • Check light strings before hanging them. Cords can degrade over time, whether naturally or from outside forces like rodents or weather.
  • Dispose of Christmas lights with damaged cords.
  • Do not exceed the maximum number of light strings attached to each other. This number should be in the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your lights.
  • Unplug or turn off your Christmas lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.
  • Do not place your Christmas tree near a heat source, such as a fireplace or heater.
  • Do not hang burning candles on your Christmas tree. Use LED candles instead.
  • Place a temporary smoke detector near your Christmas tree.

Real Tree vs Synthetic Tree

Real Christmas trees are significantly more likely to catch fire than synthetic trees. While this does not mean synthetic trees are 100% safe from this risk, it does mean that extra caution and steps should be taken when using a real tree. A real tree is nearly 3 times more likely to catch fire than a synthetic one.

  • Make or ask for a fresh cut on your real Christmas tree stump before putting it up.
  • Water your tree daily, as long as it continues to take in water.
  • Look for a tree that isn’t already shedding needles, and ideally has sap on the trunk.
  • Clean up fallen needles daily, and if possible gently brush your tree to get the dried needles off.

We obviously want everyone to have a fun and safe Christmas, and a tree fire is a real danger that can be easily avoided. Take these steps to ensure your safety, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Recent News

Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters

Here are some safety tips for using electric heaters this winter:

  • Never operate a heater you suspect is damaged. Before use, inspect the heater, cord, and plug for damage. Follow all operation and maintenance instructions. Visit www.cpsc.gov or www.SaferProducts.gov to see if your electric heater has been recalled.
  • Never leave the heater operating while unattended, or while you are sleeping. 
  • Keep combustible material such as beds, sofas, curtains, papers, and clothes at least 3 feet (0.9 m) from the front, sides, and rear of the heater. 
  • Be sure the heater plug fits tightly into the wall outlet. If not, do not use the outlet to power the heater. 
  • During use, check frequently to determine if the heater plug or cord, wall outlet, or faceplate is HOT! If the plug, outlet, or faceplate is hot, discontinue use of the heater, and have a qualified electrician check and/or replace the plug or faulty wall outlet(s). If the cord is hot, disconnect the heater, and have it inspected/repaired by an authorized repair person.
  • Never power the heater with an extension cord or power strip.
  • Insure that the heater is placed on a stable, level surface, and located where it will not be knocked over.
  • When purchasing a heater, ask the salesperson whether the heater has been safety-certified. A certified heater will have a safety certification mark. 
  • Never run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting. This can damage the cord, causing it and nearby objects to burn. 
  • To prevent electrical shocks and electrocutions, always keep electric heaters away from water, and NEVER touch an electric heater if you are wet.
  • SPREAD THE NEWS! Inform family, friends, and coworkers of the ways to use an electric heater more safely. 

 

Recent News

Avoid Holiday Fires

Decorating for the winter holidays is fun, but can be dangerous when not done with caution. Lights, candles, and various other decorations can pose a serious fire risk when set up incorrectly. We shared this guide from FEMA last year, but the information it has is just as relevant this year as it was last! Make sure you stay safe and have fun this holiday season!

 

Click below to download the PDF:
English
Spanish

Uncategorized

Freezing Fog Advisory

A freezing fog weather advisory was recently in effect in multiple places around Washington, such as Thurston and King counties. As it continues to get colder, conditions such as freezing fog may become more common, and it’s important to know what these conditions mean for road and general safety.

What is freezing fog?

Freezing fog is when tiny water droplets in fog are supercooled, causing them to freeze instantly on exposed surfaces if the surface temperature is at or below freezing. This presents a significant risk of ice on roads, sidewalks, etc., and can pose dangerous of falls or losing control of motor vehicles.

What should you do during freezing fog?

If at all possible, avoid travel, especially operating motorized vehicles. Rapidly developing ice can make driving quickly shift from safe to unsafe, so even if roads are in decent conditions when you begin driving they may become unsafe during your travel.

Recent News

The Danger of Downed Power Lines

With more rain and heavier winds in the Winter months, natural hazards such as tree fall become more common. When a natural hazard combines with an urban hazard, such as electricity, there can be disastrous results.

It is not uncommon for regions to lose power for short or long periods of time due to things such as downed power lines, but these events pose more danger than just a lack of electricity. When a tree is knocked over or has limbs broken loose by high winds, they can sometimes impact and even knock down power lines, which can create a severe electrical hazard. These power lines could still be charged after being knocked down, and contact with them could be lethal.

  • First, downed power lines can pose a serious electrocution and fire hazard. High amounts of power can arc from the lines to people or objects nearby, causing serious harm.
  • Second, downed power lines can sometimes be concealed by vegetation, sometimes even the very tree limbs that knocked them down in the first place. Especially at night, this makes the power lines very hard to see.
  • Third, if there is rain to accompany the harsh wind, a wet surface can conduct electricity from a downed power line. While many factors would have to line up perfectly for this to occur, the dangers of standing in electrified water are too great to take a chance on.

What should you do if you see a downed power line?

  • Do NOT approach the area. If there is standing water nearby, it could be electrified, and contacting it could be harmful or lethal.
  • Call 911 immediately and report the hazard.
  • Stay at least 30 feet away from the line, and warn others to do the same.
  • If you are in your vehicle, stay inside to avoid electrical contact.
  • Do not drive or walk over the downed power line.

What should you do if a power line falls on your vehicle?

As unlikely as this scenario is, it could happen in the right circumstances.

  • Call 911 right away.
  • If possible, slowly drive out from under the wire, but do not continue if the line is caught on your vehicle.
  • Stay inside your vehicle unless there is an immediate threat. If you must leave your vehicle, do so very carefully, by jumping from your vehicle to the ground. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time, as you may ground the wire if it is live.
  • Warn others to stay at least 30 feet away from the vehicle.
  • If you see a vehicle with a power line on it, do not approach it, as you may end up in danger of electrocution. Advise the person inside to follow these steps.

What should you do if you see a fire as a result of a downed power line?

  • Call 911 immediately to report the fire.
  • Do not approach to investigate or attempt to put out the fire, as the power line could still be live.
  • Stay far away from the power line and the fire.

While there are numerous safety measures taken to ensure the safety of everyone when it comes to power lines, they still pose a serious threat if electrified. Even a wire that looks inactive could be charged, so always treat every case with caution.

Recent News

Flash Flood Safety

With more rainfall coming as we near the end of the year, flash flooding becomes more of a risk. Flooded roads can cause vehicles to lose control, and flooded walkways risk sweeping people off their feet. Even as little as a few inches of rushing or standing water can be dangerous, so follow these simple tips to help stay safe!

1. Get to High Ground

Water flows from high ground to low ground, so when areas start to flood, it’s best to get to higher ground in order to avoid sudden surges of water.

2. Do Not Drive Into Water

If a section of the road is flooded, don’t drive into it. Water reduces the traction of your tires, and deeper pools can cause your vehicle to suddenly stop or veer out of control.

3. Do Not Walk Into Water

If you can, always try to walk around flooded areas. A few inches of standing water can affect your traction, but even worse, a few inches of rushing water can knock someone off their feet.

4. Stay Informed

Frequently check your local weather reports, television, radio, or social media for emergency updates. If you know there is risk, stay home or avoid dangerous areas.

Recent News

Congratulating Karl Barkley

At this week’s Board of Fire Commissioner meeting, we proudly acknowledged Firefighter Karl Barkley for completing his one-year probation on November 1. We’re beyond thrilled to have him as a valuable member of our team.
In the past year, Karl also successfully completed the South Sound Recruit Academy, showcasing his dedication and strive for the job. We take immense pride in his relentless work ethic and we look forward to witnessing his continued success.
Recent News

Prepare Your Pets for Disasters

In the event of a disaster, being prepared and having an emergency plan for your family can be life-saving. However, many people forget to include their pets in their emergency plans, and if disaster strikes, are left scrambling trying to get their pets and supplies out. This can put the lives of both the pets and their owners at risk. Building a quick emergency plan for your pets can help get everyone out safely, so here is a guide from FEMA about emergency preparedness and your pets!

These are the points covered in the article:

1. Make a plan.

2. Build an emergency kit.

3. Stay informed.

Click Here for the Pet Preparedness PDF

Recent News

Edgar Salazar Graduates F.T.A.

Join us in congratulating our very own Edgar Salazar, who graduated on Friday from the Washington State Fire Training Academy. He will now return to A-Shift to complete the remainder of his probation on shift, marking the beginning of a long and promising career. We take immense pride in the hard work and accomplishments he has achieved and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for him.

Recent News

Heating Fire Safety Tips

While it’s important to stay warm during the winter, it’s also important to avoid fires and stay safe. While most heating methods can be used safely, there are some essential tips for keeping fire risk down. This safety sheet from FEMA has some excellent advice for keeping your space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating devices safe!

 

FEMA Heater Safety Sheet PDF

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