May and July are the peak months for outdoor grill fires. A recent grilling fire in Seattle provides another reminder to the potential fire hazard associated with outdoor grilling.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps to take to ensure safe outdoor grilling this summer.

Setting up:

• Barbecue grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in an enclosed area – dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate and be deadly. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911.
• Set-up your grill in an open area at least 10 feet away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves and brush.
• Make sure all of the grilling parts are firmly in place and the grill is on a flat surface.
• The Seattle Fire Department recommends the use of one-pound propane cylinders as the least hazardous fuel source for outdoor grills.
• For propane grills, make sure the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks.

During use:

• Never leave grills unattended while cooking.
• Keep a three-foot zone around the grill where children and pets aren’t allowed.
  

  Keep a three-foot zone around the grill  where children are not allowed.

• Do not leave starter fluid, lighters or matches within the reach of children.
• Use the proper tools. Long handled barbecue utensils and flame retardant mitts will prevent burns from heat and flame.
• For charcoal grills, avoid adding lighter fluid after the coals are lit.

Cleaning up:

• For propane grills, turn the grill and fuel cylinder off immediately after grilling.
• For charcoal grills, allow coals to cool for 48 hours before disposing. If you are not able to wait, douse coals with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers; place in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

The use of barbecues in single-family homes, apartments and condominiums is not regulated by current Washington State law. However, apartment building owners and condominium associations, through lease agreements and owner’s association rules, may still prohibit or restrict use of barbecues.

Outdoor grilling safety tips

Since July 1, the Seattle Fire Department has responded to 99 dry weather-related fires involving bark, dry grass and shrubs. With the weather expected to stay warm and dry in the coming weeks,  we are likely to see an increase in dry weather-related fires.

Help reduce the chance of such outdoor fires by practicing these tips:

• Carelessly discarded cigarettes and other smoking materials can easily start a fire in dry conditions. Douse smoking materials in water before tossing out. Make sure proper cigarette disposal canisters are available in areas where smoking is allowed.
• Remove long grass, weeds or anything that can burn from around buildings. This includes limbs that touch buildings or hang near the roof.
• Remove dead plants or bushes as soon as possible.
• Clear roof and gutters of needles and leaves.

 

Updated 7/15/18 at 9:00AM

SEATTLE- On June 26, 2018, at 8:15 p.m., multiple reports of a large black column of smoke from the 600 block of S Myrtle St. were received at the Fire Alarm Center. A Marine Fire response was immediately initiated by the Fire Alarm Dispatcher.                                                                                   

Upon arrival fire crews discovered a large barge with over 30 feet of vertical storage containing recycled metals including crushed automobiles with a large volume of fire engulfing a major portion of the cargo. As crews secured water supply lines and began suppression efforts it became apparent the incident was evolving into a Hazardous Materials event in addition to the fire suppression challenge. Explosions were heard as these fuels and compressed propane began to ignite.

Land-based suppression efforts were effective in retarding the fire’s growth until the arrival of the Fire Boat. With the combined land and water-based fire attacks the blaze was brought under control in relatively short order.

Once the fire was under control, crane operators from the affected facility were instrumental in removing the debris to allow firefighters to extinguish hard to reach hot spots, an effort that continued for another five hours, but was necessary to ensure a complete extinguishment effort.

As the event unfolded other agencies were able to assist with environmental protection. The Coast Guard, EPA and SDOT enacted a plan to deploy boom protection for potential spill containment while also evaluating street drain impacts. Additionally, King County Airport provided a Crash Truck to increase the foam resources which was pivotal to address the hazards posed by the various types of burning material.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries from the intense labor effort.

Fire Investigators determined the cause to be accidental in nature and provided an initial damage estimate of $1,000,000.

Capt. S. Stephenson

SEATTLE – Two fires occurred in the South Park neighborhood on May 2, 2018.

The first fire was reported at 1:50 a.m. in an abandoned house in the 1200 block of South Cloverdale Street. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire that had spread from the main floor to the attic. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators determined that the fire was accidental with an estimated damage of $50,000.

   

The second fire was reported at 3:32 a.m. in the 9000 block of 7 Avenue South. Fire dispatchers received multiple calls for a reported kitchen fire in a two-story single family residence. The first arriving company reported a “well involved” house fire with the fire showing on floors one and two with extension into the attic. There were no reported injuries. The American Red Cross was notified for two occupants.

The cause of the fire was undetermined with an estimated loss of $400,000.

  

 

 

By Lt. Harold Webb PIO

SEATTLE – On April 18 at 2:58 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to the 2100 block of Dexter Ave N. for reports of a fire in an two-story home with a basement.

Engine 5 arrived first on scene and found heavy dark smoke billowing from the rear of the structure. Fire attack was initiated into the basement and the 1st floor.

During the initial attack the fire conditions worsened causing firefighters to tactically withdraw from the structure. A 2-11 was called to ensure that enough staffing and equipment were in place to mitigate the evolving situation. Fire streams were then applied from outside until conditions improved enough to allow the interior attack to resume. The fire was quickly brought under control upon re-entry.  Crews had most of the fire under control within 50 minutes. The overhaul included opening walls and exterior siding between the basement and first floor to put out hot spots. Seattle City Light also responded to shut off power to the building.

Fire investigators ruled the fire as accidental, and determined it was caused by an electrical wiring issue. Estimated loss is $320,000.

Capt. Shata Stephenson

 

 

This week a person in Indiana died and a child was hospitalized from carbon monoxide poisoning. The first responders found their oven being used to heat the home.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death. Carbon Monoxide is found in all fires, as well as fumes produced by charcoal or gas. It is produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.

 Here are ways to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. Do not use items that produce carbon monoxide inside your home or garage or outside an open window.
2. Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.
3. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
4. Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
5. If you use gas or oil appliances, make certain carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test your carbon monoxide detectors along with your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

If the CO detector sounds, turn off any heating appliance and open windows to get fresh air. Call 911 if you experience CO poisoning symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, or headaches and move to fresh air immediately. If you suspect an appliance is the source, call a qualified technician to fix the problem before restarting the appliance.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Handout

The Seattle Fire Department would like to remind residents to be mindful of fire safety during this holiday season. Holiday-related home fires primarily involve cooking, heating and electrical sources. Busy kitchens can lead to unattended stoves. Cold winter weather results in high use of space and wall heaters. Festive lights can be temptation for the use of overloaded outlets and dangerous extension cords.

View the Seattle Fire Department’s Holiday Tips video.

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

1. 1. Cooking is the number one cause of holiday fires. Make sure to be present while you are cooking and keep children three feet away from the stove.
   2. If you do have a pan fire on the stove, put a lid on it to extinguish the fire. Never use water on a grease fire.
   3. Consider using electrical candles or decorations. If you use real flames, blow out  candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
   4. Keep holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources.
   5. Water your tree daily. Make sure to turn off all holiday lights on the tree and around your house when you go to sleep or leave the house.
   6. Utilize a power strip with an internal circuit breaker so you don’t overload electrical outlets. Never connect more than three strings of holiday lights together.
   7. Make sure your smoke and CO alarms are working so you and your family can get out safely if a fire starts.

The Seattle Fire Department wishes you and your family a happy holiday season.

In December there have already been a couple of heating-related fires that could have been prevented.

Heaters are the second leading cause of fires in residential buildings. As would be expected, most heating-related fires occur during the winter months when heaters get turned on and the use of portable heaters and fireplaces increases. Fires caused by furniture, bedding, and other materials placed too close to baseboard heaters and portable heaters are the most common types of heating-related residential fires.

Safety Precautions for Residents

• Give your heaters space. Do not put anything close to any type of heater.

• Never use an extension cord with a portable heater. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.

• Make sure your portable heater is tested by an independent testing laboratory and has an automatic shut off feature if it tips over.

• Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or before going to bed.

• Never permit any item to drape across heaters.

• Clean or replace furnace filters regularly.

• Inspect all heating equipment yearly and always hire an experienced electrician to do any necessary repair work on your baseboard heaters.

For more Heating Fire Safety information

With the arrival of cooler weather and darker days, the use of candles and other types of festive lighting increases. Unfortunately, the number of fires caused by candles also increases. A recent home fire that started from a candle left unattended in a living room provides another reminder about the potential damage from a single flame.

Candles are used in 70% of US American households. Yet, a study by the National Fire Protection Association shows that only 30% of adults who use candles have a specific household rule to never leave a burning candle unattended.

Consider adopting the following candle safety rules in your home:

1. Always keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
2. Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
3. Keep burning candles away from items that can catch on fire such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, etc.
4. If light is needed during a power outage, use battery-operated light source instead of candles.