Fire was reported at 6331 Fairfield Drive in the Flourtown Section of Whitemarsh Township.  DC6 arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing, reports of all occupants out of the building.  DC6 reported a working basement fire.  Crews led off with an 1 3/4" line to knock the fire.  DC29 took command and placed the fire under control with no injuries in 19 minutes.

Fire was reported at 7029 Sheaff Lane, Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, PA.  DC29 arrived on scene and reported a medium smoke condition with fire in the walls of a two story single family dwelling, 35 X 70.  Crews went in service with an 1-3/4" line, accessing the bulk of the fire through the floor and pulling the walls and ceiling.

Fire was reported at 515 Bethlehem Pike, Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, PA.  Chief 29 arrived on scene and reported heavy fire throughout the first and second floors of a two story single family dwelling, 25 x 35, with initial reports of entrapment.  Two additional engines and one ladder were special called to the scene, before the second alarm was filled out.  The building was evacuated due to heavy fire conditions and the fire was placed under control using exterior handlines, deck guns, and ladder pipes.  Two civilians and three firefighters injured were transported to the hospital for treatment.

 The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and man made logs.

 All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire safe home this winter.

KEROSENE HEATERS

 Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.

·        Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal or kerosene or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.

·        Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. NEVER introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel.

·        Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.

·        NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. DO NOT use cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms up.

·        Keep young children away from space heaters- -Especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited.

WOOD STOVES AND FIREPLACES

Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful attention to safety can minimize their fire hazard. To use them safely:

·        Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Woodstoves should have adequate clearance (36”) from combustible surfaces, and proper floor support and protection.

·        Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.

·        Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.

·        Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent possibility of burns to occupants.

·        Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.

 

FURNACE HEATING

 

      It’s important that you have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition.

·        Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.

·        Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported; free of holes, and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.

·        Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

 

OTHER FIRE SAFETY TIPS

·        Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.

·        Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.

·        If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry the amp load. TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.

·        Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.

·        Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame, (otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space). Use hot water or a UL labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing.

·        If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all the windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.

·        If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.

 

FINALLY . . .



·        Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis.

·        Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.

·         Contact your local fire department for advice if you have a question on Home Fire Safety.

 

For more information and tips contact your local fire department or contact:

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION

16825 S. SETON AVE., EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND 21727

Or visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov

With the weather cooperating, BHFC enjoyed a great turnout for the 2009 Fire Prevention Open House.  We had demonstrations of a Vehicle Rescue, Vehicle Fire, and Structure Fire amongst others, which were loved by the crowd.  The smokehouse trailer was a success once again, and provided many children and families with vital education and information about what to do in a real fire. 

A huge thanks to all the other Fire Companies and other agencies that came out to help that night, the people of Whitemarsh for their patronage, and especially to our Firefighters, without whom none of this would have been possible. 

We look forward to seeing everyone at next years Open House!