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

Category Archives: Recent News

All general news stories will be filed under this category.

Recent News

Not All Disaster Repercussions Are Physical

We often talk about how to prepare for emergencies or disasters, and how to recover from physical injury or loss, but not all repercussions are physical in nature. Mental distress can also be a dangerous lingering effect after a disaster, and it can stick around and fester, presenting as anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or many other mental side effects. Luckily, if you’re experience post-disaster distress, you’re not alone. There’s support groups where you can talk with people in similar situations, there’s local resources where you can seek help, and there’s even a Disaster Distress Helpline you can call when you’re experiencing emotional distress. They offer multilingual support 24/7, so whenever you’re feeling the need to talk or experiencing emotional distress, don’t hesitate to call.

The phone number is 1-800-985-5990, and you can call at any time. Please, if you’re experiencing distress after a disaster, call the helpline to talk with a trained crisis counselor.

Recent News

Thurston County Burn Ban (2024) – July 13th through September 30th

Thurston County has implemented a burn ban starting July 5th, 2023. Read this announcement from Thurston County’s website to learn more:

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Thurston County Director of Emergency Services, Department of Natural Resources, and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), determined weather conditions within the county meet the fire danger level necessary to enact restrictions on outdoor burning to all lands regulated by Thurston County.

The Fire Safety Burn Ban applies to residential yard waste burning and all land clearing burns. The restrictions on outdoor burning during the summer have resulted in a significant drop in brush fires and property damage each of the past several years, according to fire officials.

“The fire safety burn ban is enacted when weather and fire fuel conditions reach a level of danger that may pose a threat to people and their property,” said Fire Marshal, Joshua Cummings. “The Department of Natural Resources has moved their fire risk on public lands in our region to ‘high’. This triggers the county’s process to enact the fire safety ban to minimize the threat of fires as much as possible through the restriction of residential and land clearing burns.”

At this time, recreational fires are allowed on private residential properties and in established fire rings within official county, state, and federal campgrounds. Recreational fires must be contained in approved concrete, stone, or metal pits like those commonly found in campgrounds. The use of charcoal briquettes, gas, and propane barbeques will continue to be allowed under the burn ban.

The Thurston County Outdoor Burn Ban is effective as of 12:01 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, and ending Monday, September 30, 2024. More information about burn bans is available at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners/burn-ban-information.

To stay up-to-date on the status of burn bans, please visit the ORCAA website at www.orcaa.org

Recent News

Trying to Survive the Heat? Follow These Tips!

We’ve been experiencing extreme heat in the last few weeks, and we’re not quite out of the woods yet! If you’re going to be out in the heat these following weeks, follow these tips to stay safe!

Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.

Make sure you bring and drink lots of water, no matter where you’re going or how long you plan to be out. In heat like this, our bodies can get dehydrated much quicker and be at greater risk for heat-related illness. Drinking plenty of water can help keep you safe and healthy.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

When going outside, your choice in clothing can make a big difference in how well you weather the heat. Thick, tight fitting, or dark clothing affects how your body regulates heat and can even cause you to absorb more heat than normal. Loose fitting, lighter colored, and lightweight clothing absorbs less heat, allows your body to breathe better, and is overall less of a strain on you.

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are dangerous heat-related illnesses that you should be aware of and on the lookout for. Heat cramps can come in the form of painful muscle cramps or spasms accompanied by sweating, heat exhaustion can come with heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, and heat stroke can cause seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness, and other terrible conditions, and can be fatal. While this isn’t always the case, heat-related illnesses sometimes progress in that order, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, then heat stroke. Keep an eye out for symptoms in yourself and others, and be ready to get somewhere cool and drink lots of fluids if symptoms present themselves.

Recent News

Planning to Burn Yard Debris? Follow These Steps!

Sometimes during landscaping or yard clearing you end up with a large pile of branches, leaves, and other flammable debris. Many people choose to burn these piles, as it provides a relatively easy and efficient way of removing them, though this method also carries various risks with it. These tips will help you execute your residential or agricultural burning as safely as possible, and within the requirements of the law as well!

Before You Burn

  • Is what you’re burning legal? Certain materials are illegal to burn in this way. Some examples of illegal materials are: paper, cardboard, construction debris, treated wood, plastics, metal, and more. Check the Department of Ecology’s site HERE for a full list!
  • Do you need a burn permit? Most areas require that you acquire a burn permit prior to your burn. Check your local guidelines and get a burn permit before you start!
  • Are you allowed to burn? Different areas have different burn guidelines. For example, burning in many urban areas is not permitted, though some areas have exceptions. Check your local rules for burning prior to starting.
  • Check for burn bans. Always check your local burn ban status prior to burning. Starting a fire that goes against an active burn ban is a crime and can lead to significant fines.
  • Wet the surrounding area. It’s typically a good idea to wet the area surrounding the fire with a hose prior to burning to help prevent the fire from spreading.

Where and When to Burn?

  • Do not burn near structures or heavy vegetation. Never start a burn near your house, shed, vehicles, or any areas of heavy vegetation such as forest lines, bushes, etc. Large burns have increased risks of spreading, and can do so quickly, so ensure there isn’t anything nearby that can start a wildfire or structural fire.
  • Do not burn during a drought, heavy winds, or other weather hazards. Make sure the weather is right for your burn. Burning during an excessively dry period, during heavy wind, or other conditions can increase the risk of a wildfire.
  • Burn during the day and when you can keep an eye on the fire. When burning, it’s best to do so during the day so you can clearly see what is happening around your fire. Also, never leave the fire unattended, even for a moment. Unattended fires of any size can quickly get out of control, especially large burns.

What to do After Your Burn?

  • Ensure the fire is put out entirely. Spray the remnants with a garden hose or dump buckets of water on the pile to put the fire out, even if it seems to have burned itself out already. Wait a few minutes, then use a long branch or tool such as a rake to spread the remaining branches or debris out into a flat area, then douse it again. Keep an eye on the burn area for a while longer to make sure it doesn’t start to smoke or burn again, and check it for burning coals or wood.
  • Clear the burn area. Shortly after the burn or the following day, go spread the burn pile a bit more and check again for signs of fire. If you’re moving the ashes and debris somewhere else, ensure there are not hot pieces before grabbing them or putting them into a container. Do not use anything plastic or flammable to contain the remnants, if possible use metal trashcans or similar fire resistant containers.
Recent News

Warm Air = Warm Water? Not Quite!

As Spring continues to bring us good weather and Summer is on the horizon, many people are heading out to bodies of water for a chance to swim again! Water sports and activities can be a ton of fun, but it’s important to remember that they can also be very dangerous, and often for reasons we wouldn’t even consider. One big one around this time of year is temperature.

While the air around us is warming up and becoming more comfortable, the water below can still be incredibly cold. In face, even water that doesn’t feel very cold can be dangerous, as once you submerge you realize how drastic the temperature difference is! Even water as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous, as the chill you get when submerging can cause cold shock and affect your breathing. The colder a body of water gets from there, the more dangerous it is.

When you’re considering swimming in a body of water, always check the temperature before getting in. If you have a way to accurately check the temperature, do that focused at least a couple of feet down and assess whether or not it’s safe to jump in. If you don’t have a way to read the temperature of the water, then carefully gauge the temperature by partially submerging your hand or foot into the water. If it feels comfortable, then you can proceed with putting your arm in up past your elbow or your leg up past your knee to get a more accurate idea of the water temperature. If at any point you find the water chilling, it’s best not to jump in! If after carefully assessing the temperature you determine it’s suitable for swimming, start shallow if at all possible and ease your way into the water. It’s better to be close to shore or boats in case an emergency occurs, such as sudden difficulty breathing or reduced movement.

In most cases, you’ll know if the water is too cold to swim in simply by testing it yourself, but it’s better to always be cautious. It’s better to not swim at all if it means nobody gets hurt!

Recent News, Uncategorized

Planning to Fire up your Grill? Follow These Safety Tips!

With the wonderful Spring weather we’ve been having (in between the rain, that is!) many people are starting to fire up their grills for the first time this year. Barbecues and outdoor parties are fun ways to interact with friends and family while soaking in the sun and fresh air. There are, however, some safety risks when operating a grill that sometimes are ignored and can cause serious injury or increase the risk of property fires. These grill safety tips can help you reduce the risk of fire and injury so your parties can stay fun and safe!

Turn the Gas Off After Cooking

If your grill is gas powered, make sure to only turn the gas on while cooking and that you turn it off immediately after you’re done. Even grills with adjustment knobs on them can (and often do) slowly leak gas, which not only causes you to spend more money replacing the gas tank more frequently, but also increases the risk of fire and injury. Leaking gas can flare up with the slightest spark, so always make sure to shut the gas off at the tank and keep it away from sources of fire.

Stay a Safe Distance Away from Structures

When grilling, always make sure you do it outside and a safe distance away from any structures. Houses, sheds, porches, etc can quickly catch fire if the grill has an issue, and simply staying 10 or more feet away from these structures significantly reduces the risk of a fire. Even if you store your grill right up on your porch or near the house, pull it out when using it for the best safety.

Clean Your Grill Regularly

This may not seem like a safety tip, but a dirty grill can definitely contribute to a higher risk of fire. Extremely dirty grills can have residue and material that, once exposed to enough flame, can catch on fire and be difficult to put out. Dirty grills can also cause clogs and flow issues for the fuel or gas, which can lead to other issues, and in the case of gas can lead to a buildup that can rapidly ignite once released.

Keep Children and Pets Away From the Grill While in Use

Grills, obviously, get very hot while operating. Children and pets can unknowingly come into contact with the hot grill, causing severe burns. In addition, children and pets can sometimes knock or pull a grill over, which can cause serious injuries to them and anyone else nearby, as well as potentially starting a fire. For their safety and yours, keep children and pets away from the grill as much as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid to Shut it Down

If your grill starts to flare up uncontrollably, you have to step away for a bit, or you notice a safety issue, don’t be afraid to shut the grill down for a bit. Trying to salvage the food when the cooktop is on fire only increases the risk of injury and structure fires, so if things get out of hand, shut off the gas at the tank, put out the charcoal, or unplug the grill if it’s not gas or charcoal powered. You can always cook more food, you can’t un-burn someone’s arm or home.

Grilling is a great way to get a new style of food during the warmer seasons, and we love it, too! Just stay safe while cooking out there, trust us, grill fires aren’t fun.

Recent News

Spring Cleaning! Should you Replace your Fire Extinguisher?

Engineer inspection Fire extinguisher and fire hose.

Fire extinguishers are essential pieces of safety equipment, and having one (or more!) around can greatly reduce your risk of a house fire. However, fire extinguishers can expire, and many people forget to check their extinguishers regularly to make sure they’re still functional and not expired. It’s a good idea to stay up on this, and there’s no easier time to check than while doing your Spring cleaning!

If you find your fire extinguisher is expired and does need replaced, we suggest getting a new one as soon as possible. You should also make sure the type of fire extinguisher you have is proper for the potential types of fire you may experience, as different types of fire extinguishers work best on different types of fires. You can follow this hand guide to see what type you should get!

Did you know:

There are 5 primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.

Fire Extinguisher Type A

For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type B

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type C

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type D

For use with flammable metals.

Often found in factories

 

Fire Extinguisher Type K

For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.

Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)

 

 

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that might be labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” that can be used on most types of home fires. Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.

 

  • Always look for the “UL Listed” or “ULC Listed” label on a fire extinguisher to ensure it is certified for use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
  • Fire extinguishers vary in size and weight, but it is recommended to select the largest fire extinguisher that a user can safely and comfortably operate.
  • How to read the classification label: The number before the “A” represents a multiple of 1.25 gallons of water whereas the number before the “B” represents a multiple of the area or size in square feet of fire to be extinguished. For example, a fire extinguisher classification of 1A:10B:C indicates that it provides the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water applied on a Class A fire. The number 10 indicates it can extinguish Class B fires up to 10 square feet in size, and the C indicates that it can be used for Class C fires.
Recent News

Remember to CALL Before You DIG! – 811

Now that Spring is in full swing (and Summer is visible on the distant horizon), many people may be planning or starting some pretty big projects outside, such as landscaping, construction, and more. While these projects can be exciting, there is one major step that you shouldn’t overlook: Calling Before You Dig!

The Washington State Dig Law requires individuals that are planning to dig for projects to call 811 or visit the Dig Safe WA website to get a free utility survey done to ensure you don’t hit any utility lines, such as internet, sewer, water, etc. while digging. Even for small projects, you should always call before you dig. Hitting a utility line can have moderate to severe risks depending on the utility, ranging from taking out internet for a few houses to hitting a gas line and causing a major safety hazard.

This rule especially applies to excavators and large projects, such as construction that requires digging, though everyone should make use of this free resource. Homeowners simply planting flowers or doing other jobs requiring less than 12 inches of digging are not required to call or submit a ticket, though any project larger than that must call by law. Given that the service is free and the utility companies conduct the survey themselves, there is no downside to calling or submitting a ticket online to ensure your safety!

A ticket must be submit either over the phone or online between 2 and 10 days before the expected digging date, weekends and holidays excluded. Submitting a ticket is quick and easy!

You can learn more about the Washington State Dig Law by clicking HERE!

Or click HERE to visit the Dig Safe WA Website and learn more about the process or submit a ticket!

Recent News

Heading to the River for Spring Break? Follow These Safety Tips!

People often like to go hang out by the river during Spring break, and sometimes that includes activities in or floating on the water. While this can be fun, it can also be incredibly dangerous, regardless of how safe you are. Following these safety tips can help reduce your risk of injury, and choosing a safe area for your activities can have a major impact on the danger.

Wear a Floatation Device

Even if you’re a strong swimmer, you should always wear a floatation device while in the river. River currents can quickly sweep people off their feet, and if the river has any nearby deep spots, you can suddenly be pulled underwater or carried downstream. A floatation device helps keep your head above the water and can prevent you from drowning.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Individuals under the effects of alcohol and drugs can have their awareness and decision-making abilities affected, causing a higher chance of injuries. If someone has been drinking or using drugs, they may decide to move further into the water than is safe, or unknowingly enter a hazardous situation.

Watch Children Closely and Keep Them Nearby

Children can very easily be swept away by a river, and scarily many people don’t even notice right away when it happens. The best ways to ensure the safety of your children are to keep them close and out of the water, especially deep water. Never let them out of your sight, and make sure they are always wearing floatation devices. It is also a good idea to give everyone, including kids, devices like whistles to blow if they end up in danger, as the sound of the whistle is louder and more recognizable over the sound of the river.

Stay safe this Spring break, and have fun!

Recent News

We Are Hiring!

SE Thurston Fire Authority and East Olympia Fire District #6 are hiring 2-3 positions between Entry-Level and Lateral Firefighters in 2024. If you are interested in testing and applying for one of these positions, please visit our careers page HERE or find the testing and application details at www.publicsafetyteseting.com

Thank you for your interest in serving your community!

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