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The Reporter January 2013
Rehoboth Fire Department Facts & News Rehoboth Fire Department at www.RehobothFD.com
Home Heating Fires
Heating fires refers to fires caused by functioning or malfunctioning central heating units, fixed or portable local heating units, fireplaces, heating stoves, chimneys, and water heaters. Heating fires dropped dramatically during the 1980s and 1990s but has remained relatively unchanged since 2000. In 2009 there were 58,900 home structure fires, 480 civilian deaths, 1520 civilian injuries and $1.1 billion in property damages. Between 2005 and 2009 79% of all fire deaths, 66% of injuries and 52% of property damage originated from stationary and portable space heaters. Nearly 3 out of 4 home heating fires occur between November and March. Creosote, a major cause of chimney fires, is a sticky, oily combustible substance created when wood does not fully burn. It rises into a chimney and deposits on the chimney wall. In 2011 it is estimated that creosote fires account for about 14,190 heating fires or about 22% of all home heating fires while having a heat source too close to combustibles accounted for about 14% of home heating fires. Below are some heating behaviors that will help keep you safe during the heating season.
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Have a suggestion or to contact us about this column email us at Info@RehobothFire.com All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment. Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instruction. Have a qualified professional install the equipment. Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is created when fuels burn incompletely. CO poisoning can cause illness and even death. Make sure the venting for exhaust is kept clear and unobstructed. This includes removal of snow around the outlet to the outside. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
Home Fire Plan
Only 1/3 of all households in America have a home fire escape plan. If there was a fire in your home does your family know the different escape routes and where to meet? A detailed plan should discuss different escape routes based on different origins of the fire. Second floor bedrooms should have escape ladders or other means of egress from the room in case a fire is between the bedroom and the stairs. Before opening any doors always feel the door with the back of your hand to check if the door is warm. If you feel heat on your hand you should use another escape route. Opening the door will allow the fire to enter the room. When your family exits the house do you have a meeting place? Your meeting place should be away from the house to allow fire personnel to work the scene and should not be near your driveway or the street to avoid vehicular accidents. A mailbox, neighbors door another remote easily accessible area should be agreed upon so all family members can be accounted for.
Brush Burning Season
Burning season begins January 15, 2013 and runs thru May 1, 2013. Burning permits must be obtained from Fire Station #1, Center Station at 334 Anawan St. Below are the rules and regulations for Massachusetts. Massachusetts Brush Burning Regulations: You may only burn BRUSH! All other materials are illegal. No leaves, grass, hay, stumps, building debris or any other materials are allowed to be burned. All open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from buildings or structures.