Tag Archives: se thurston fire

Planning to Burn Yard Debris? Follow These Steps!

April 22, 2024 WaMedia

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.

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

April 4, 2024 WaMedia

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?

April 2, 2024 WaMedia

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.

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

Often found in homes and businesses

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

Often found in homes and businesses

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

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with flammable metals.

Often found in factories

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

March 29, 2024 WaMedia

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!

March 26, 2024 WaMedia

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

Spring Cleaning for Fire Safety

March 12, 2024 WaMedia

We officially leave winter behind and enter spring next Tuesday, the 19th! With this change in season also often comes changes in weather and activities, and as such there are a few things you should check before diving into your spring endeavors! Add these simple tasks to your spring cleaning list and enjoy the new season!

Inside the Home:

Test your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Check the electrical cords of appliances you may be removing from storage.
Check for water/leaks before using electrical appliances.
Clean debris from your clothes dryer’s exhaust duct and lint trap.

Outside the Home:

Remove dead leaves and other debris from foundations, decks, porches, and stairs.
Check grills for rust, worn out parts, insects, grease, and other debris before use.
Ensure your grill is places at least 10 feet away from any part of your house prior to use.

Recent News

Planning for an Emergency? Keep Your Kids in Mind!

February 20, 2024 WaMedia

When we plan for emergencies or build emergency kits, it’s easy to overlook certain key components that are important for kids and young adults. Younger individuals may have needs that adults don’t share, and as such it is important to remember to pack, grab, or plan for them. Always go over your family’s emergency plan with your children, and detail their specific tasks and the steps needed to complete them, such as grabbing their emergency bag, using a specific door, or potentially showing them how to use a fire escape.

Depending on the age of the children, also remember to pack the following items in your emergency kit:

Child-safe medicine, such as pain and cold medicine.
Prescribed medication for the children.
Food that is appropriate for the child(s) age(s).
Extra clothing and blankets for the child.
Toiletries for the children.
One or two comforting items, such as a stuffed animal or toy.

Recent News

Natural Gas Safety Tips

February 8, 2024 WaMedia

Despite most homes now being built or refit with electric heating systems and appliances, many still utilize natural gas or other gas-fueled systems. Knowing how to safely operate a gas furnace, stove, or other appliance is crucial, as gas can become a problem both quickly and quietly.

1. Know The Dangers

Gas-powered heating and appliances pose a few additional risks than their electric counterparts. First, gas leaks can become a health risk through breathing and other forms of exposure, and are also a major fire hazard. If a furnace or stove has a loose connection or faulty valve, you may end up venting gas into your home without realizing it. Always make sure to turn off the gas to appliances when they’re not in use.

2. Protect Yourself With a CO Detector

Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous byproduct of combustion systems, particularly ones using gas as their fuel. Some Carbon Monoxide detectors can also detect other gasses or hazards, so it’s always a good idea to have them around your house. Make sure to have one near any potential source of gas, such as in your kitchen or near your furnace, and at least one on every floor, then test them regularly.

3. Know Where and How to Turn Off Your Gas

It is very important to know both where and how to turn off the gas to your house. In the event of a leak, turning the gas off at the source can help prevent fires and health risks, though you should always remain outside of your home after a leak is detected until all of the gas has vented outside of the structure. If you have a gas leak, no matter how small you may think it is, immediately go outside and call 911. Do not re-enter the structure until you are told it is safe to do so.

Gas is a silent killer, and can quickly get to dangerous or even lethal levels before you even notice an odd smell. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or are feeling drowsy with gas appliances in your home, ensure they are all shut off and leave the house for some fresh air.

Recent News

Carbon Monoxide, “The Invisible Killer”

January 25, 2024 WaMedia

Carbon monoxide, also known as “the invisible killer”, has a sinister reputation among households. Many people are told to have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes alongside their smoke detectors, but they may not be told other important information, such as why we need these detectors, why carbon monoxide is dangerous, and where it comes from.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, and nearly odorless gas that can come from several sources, though often is a result of incomplete oxidation of carbon during combustion. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous at low levels, and lethal at higher concentrations.

How Dangerous is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is incredibly dangerous, largely due to the fact that it is nearly undetectable without the proper tools.

Low amounts of carbon monoxide can cause fatigue, chest pain, and other symptoms, while higher amounts can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vision impairments. While most symptoms can clear up after leaving the home for a period of time, prolonged exposure or very high concentrations can cause serious illness and damage, and potentially event be fatal.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide can come from many sources, though usually is a byproduct of combustion sources, such as a faulty furnace, a running vehicle, or a gas stove.

Carbon monoxide can come from:

Improperly vented gas burners or heaters
Faulty chimneys or funaces
Gas stoves
Gasoline-powered equipment (such as generators)
Back-drafting from heat sources (furnace, wood stove, fireplace, etc.)
Exhaust from a vehicle

How Can We Protect Ourselves?

The best way to prevent illness or death from carbon monoxide is to be ready to detect it. Many smoke detectors nowadays also have a carbon monoxide detecting function, but not all do. Never assume that your smoke detectors are ready for carbon monoxide, always double check, and if they don’t (or even if they might, but you’re not certain) get a dedicated carbon monoxide detector for your home. It’s best to place these near potential sources of the gas, such as near the entrance from an attached garage, in the kitchen, etc.

Recent News

5 Easy Steps to Reduce the Risk of a House Fire

January 24, 2024 WaMedia

In this digital age, we tend to see hundreds, if not thousands of pages, articles, and graphics showing fire statistics, niche ways to prevent fires, and highly detailed emergency plans. There is no such thing as too much good information, but sometimes it helps to just return to the basics and make sure the public is still learning the essentials when it comes to preventing fires in the home. Here are 5 easy steps you can take at home to help reduce your risk of fire!

1. Keep open flames isolated and protected.

Whether it be a candle, gas stove, or fireplace, always make sure there is nothing flammable near an open flame and that nothing flammable can accidentally fall into or on the flame source. Candles should be kept far from the edges of tables and counters, and ideally in a holder with a heavy base to prevent tipping over. Fireplaces should have a metal screen in front of them to catch embers, and wood burning stoves should never be left with the door open. Gas stoves may be less common nowadays, but that means fewer people know how to safely operate them, so always make sure to inform anyone who may be using your gas stove of the safe methods of operation, such as to move all flammable items away from the stove during operation, never set a flammable object on the stove (even if it’s turned off), and always have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your kitchen.

2. Never leave an open flame unattended.

It’s the rule of the universe that the second you become comfortable leaving something alone, that’s when the worst can happen. When it comes to open flames, especially fireplaces or wood burning stoves, leaving them unattended can be catastrophic. You should never leave an active fire in your home for any amount of time, as simply driving to the store at the end of the street could be enough time for disaster to strike. Rogue embers, sudden flare ups, or even a cat knocking something over into the fireplace can become disastrous remarkably fast, so always either put your fires out before leaving or have someone stay and keep an eye on them.

3. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

It takes very little time to go around your house once a month or so and test all of your smoke detectors. Most of them have a test button now, or an easy way to test them and make sure they will sound off if anything is detected. It may seem tedious and unimportant, but when you’re asleep or in another room, or if carbon monoxide is present, a functioning detector can not only be the difference between stopping a fire, but also saving your life.

4. Keep an adequate and non-expired fire extinguisher in your home.

Fire extinguishers can be what keeps a small fire flare up from turning into an entire house fire. Whether you have a fireplace, space heaters, or even if you have no sources of open flame in your house, you should always keep at least one fire extinguisher in a safe and easy to reach location. The type of fire extinguisher you get is important, too, as there are several different types for several different fires. Most fire extinguishers for home use will cover the majority of fire causes, but always make sure you have a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen use near your cook surfaces to be safe. Also, make sure your extinguisher isn’t expired. It may seem odd that a fire extinguisher can “expire”, but it’s true, and you don’t want to risk having a faulty extinguisher when you really need one.

5. Have an emergency plan, and always prioritize your life over your belongings.

Nobody wants to watch their belongings or home burn, but it’s never worth risking your life to save them. If a fire does start and it can’t be easily contained, don’t put your life on the line for it. Build an emergency escape plan with your family, do a couple test drills each year, and ensure that everybody knows that a house fire is an incredibly dangerous hazard that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you do ever experience a fire in your home, call 911 immediately and evacuate. Your escape plan should include getting everyone possible outside safely, then prioritize pets. Whatever you do, do not enter a burning building to try and save personal belongings.

MONTH	FIRE/EMS CALLS
JANUARY	329
FEBRUARY	298
MARCH	361
APRIL	316