Don’t Become a Statistic Tonight: SoberRide Offers New Year's Revelers FREE Ride Home!

MCFRS hopes all of you have a SAFE New Year’s Eve tonight! I want to make all of you aware of how you can get a free ride if you have had a bit too much to drink.  Drunk driving is a preventable incident – it is NOT an accident when one occurs!

So please take a moment to look at the information below to learn more. Pass along to any one you know who may be out and about celebrating tonight.  If even the slightest doubt please pick up a phone and call for a ride home. 

Stay Safe this evening!

Bill

How to Recycle/Dispose of Christmas Trees & Light Strings

A question that always comes up this time of year is what to do with the family Christmas Tree. Well, thanks to our friends in the Department of Environmental Protection – Division of Solid Waste, we have an answer.

Please take some time to go to their web site to learn how to properly Recycle/Dispose of Christmas Trees

In addition, you can also find some great information here on:How to recycle/dispose of light strings (Christmas lights / holiday lights)

 

As always – Be Safe!

A Close Call

By: Lt. Robert Furst

On Friday, December 26 at approximately 1 PM, MCFRS Firefighters were dispatched to a report of a house on fire.  Units arrived on scene and found a fence on fire - which we quickly extinguished before it reached the house.

Improper disposal of fireplace ashes caused this homeowner's fence to burn. The fire nearly spread to their house.

Please remember to discard your ashes in a metal container and store that container on a non-combustible surface.  A few related safety tips here: Fireplace and Wood Burning Safety.  See below for an example of a metal container.

Firefighter making sure fire is out

An example of a good metal container.

UPDATED to Include Mayday Video and Audio: Smoke Alarms Awaken Sleeping Occupants To House Fire

Updated 12/26/14

Just before 1 AM on Monday, December 22^nd fire and rescue units were dispatched to the 2200 block of Kings House Rd. for the report of flames coming from the house. Units from Burtonsville Fire Station 15 arrived on the scene and confirmed heavy fire from the structure. 

The occupants of the house were safely outside the home upon MCFRS arrival and indicated that they were awakened by the smoke alarms sounding thus allowing time to exit the burning home. Working smoke alarms save lives!

Due to the heavy fire conditions firefighters requested a 2^nd Alarm to assist.  At some point during fire suppression operations a Mayday was declared because a firefighter had fallen through a hole on the first floor into the basement. The firefighter was quickly located, rescued and evaluated and suffered no significant injury with no transportation to the hospital required.

Approximately 75 firefighters responded to the scene and brought the fire under control.  The fire is believed to have originated in the basement with the cause currently listed as undetermined.  Two adults were displaced and one cat is currently unaccounted for.  Damages were estimated at $600K to the structure and $200K to the contents of the home.

After the fire had been extinguished a high pressure pipe, below ground under a fire hydrant, broke and began leaking in the 14900 block of Peach Orchard Rd.  WSSC was contacted and responded to the scene to address. 


Video via Brett Russell Youtube Channel

Important Winter Fire Prevention Tips

Public Information Officer Pete Piringer recently appeared on FOX5 News to talk about winter and holiday fire safety.  Please take a moment to watch, learn, and take action if need be.


DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG

MCFRS Twas Nite Before Christmas - The Fire Is Out!

A little story from Public Information Officer Pete Piringer.

 

Transcript available upon request. Go here

Recent Promotions

Fire Chief Steve Lohr is pleased to announce that the following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant:

• Andrew D. German
• Christopher J. Reilly
• Kelly A. Mullendore
• Kristy M. Furst 
• Sean P. Hall
• Timothy A. Burns 

Congratulations to all in your new assignment and, as always, be safe!

Smoke Alarms Awaken Sleeping Occupants To House Fire

Just before 1 AM on Monday, December 22^nd fire and rescue units were dispatched to the 2200 block of Kings House Rd. for the report of flames coming from the house. Units from Burtonsville Fire Station 15 arrived on the scene and confirmed heavy fire from the structure. 

The occupants of the house were safely outside the home upon MCFRS arrival and indicated that they were awakened by the smoke alarms sounding thus allowing time to exit the burning home. Working smoke alarms save lives!

Due to the heavy fire conditions firefighters requested a 2^nd Alarm to assist.  At some point during fire suppression operations a Mayday was declared because a firefighter had fallen through a hole on the first floor into the basement. The firefighter was quickly located, rescued and evaluated and suffered no significant injury with no transportation to the hospital required.

Approximately 75 firefighters responded to the scene and brought the fire under control.  The fire is believed to have originated in the basement with the cause currently listed as undetermined.  Two adults were displaced and one cat is currently unaccounted for.  Damages were estimated at $600K to the structure and $200K to the contents of the home.

After the fire had been extinguished a high pressure pipe, below ground under a fire hydrant, broke and began leaking in the 14900 block of Peach Orchard Rd.  WSSC was contacted and responded to the scene to address. 




 Video from WUSA Channel 9

#firesafehomeforholidays

The holiday season is traditionally an occasion for family, friends and joyous times.  Unfortunately, it can also be a time of tragedy as the risk for fire increases.

Help us spread the message of safety this holiday season via social media!  If you are on Twitter or Facebook in particular, we are using the hash tag: #firesafehomeforholidays

Please share these posts with your followers to help spread the joy of holiday fire prevention.  We will also be posting related safety tips on our other sites.  Below, please find our variety of social media platforms and follow us throughout the year!

Happy Holidays to all!

MCFRS on Social Media

   

 

Happy Hanukkah and Use Your Candles Safely!

Happy Hanukkah to all who will be celebrating starting this evening!

December is a time of year where candles play a major role in many religious observations.  Please take a moment to review the below presentation on candle safety in the hopes all of you, regardless of your holiday season celebration, can enjoy a fire safe home for the holidays!

Santa's Little Helpers

By: Battalion Chief Mark Davis

Firefighters from Fire Station 19 (Montgomery Hills) C-Shift helped deliver Santa Saturday to some very excited children at the Calvert Baptist Church. Many Fire Departments throughout the Country help out Santa through the holiday season by delivering him to many special places - MCFRS is no different. Some good work in the community 19 - C! 

Put A Freeze On Winter Holiday Fires

Please take a moment to click on the below info-graphic and learn how to help prevent fires in your home this holiday season.

As well, please also listen to the audio below (text translation in a link next to it).

Be safe today!





Holiday Decoration Fire Safety

  (:30 MP3) Read

Gaithersburg Plane Crash and House Fire

On Monday, December 8 at approximately 10:43 AM, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were alerted for a house on fire due to a plane crash.  Incoming units arrived on the scene to find a plane that had crashed in the front yard of 19737 Drop Forge Lane and fire coming from the house located at 19733 Drop Forge Lane. 

Firefighters initiated simultaneous attacks on the fire and an initial search was conducted in 19733 for reports of possible people trapped inside.  Quickly deteriorating conditions, including compromised structural integrity, necessitated almost immediate evacuation of fire and rescue personnel from the home.  Exterior fire extinguishment efforts continued.

In addition, firefighters were simultaneously checking the downed plane and located three victims who were pronounced deceased on the scene.

Fire investigators arrived on the scene and assisted MCPD and NTSB with the investigation.  It was determined the house at 19733 caught fire as a result of the plane crash next door.  Two other houses received structural damage only as a result of the crash. 

After the fire was extinguished and the house was stabilized, a search resumed for the reported missing individuals in 19733.  All three were located together and removed. 

In total there were six fatalities:

Three occupants of 19733 Drop Forge Lane; a 36 year old female, a 3 year old male and a 7 week old male.

Three occupants of a Phenom 100 EMB-500 aircraft.

Physical damage estimates:

19733 Drop Forge Lane with damage estimate of approximately $400K 

19740 Drop Forge Lane received approximately $150K in structural damage; no fire, occupants escaped without injury 

19737 Drop Forge Lane (immediately next door) received approximately $50K in structural damage; no occupants were home at time 

Phenom 100 EMB-500 aircraft valued at $3.7M

Christmas Tree Fire Destroys a Living Room in Under a Minute

An impressive video giving you an idea of just how fast a Christmas Tree can burn and, likewise, destroy a room by fire.

After watching the video please go below and review Christmas Tree safety tips. By taking proactive steps you will be able to reduce your chances of a similar scene to the video playing out in your home.

Enjoy the holidays safely!

 

When selecting a tree for the Holiday, needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. A safer option is to buy a fire-resistant artificial tree.

Use a wide-based stand to make sure the tree is secure and will not fall over. Keep your tree in a container full of water, and check it daily.

Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and heating vents. Decorate your tree with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that are breakable, have small detachable parts, metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Make sure tree lights are hung out of reach of young children. Also, cut back the lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children.

Decorate your tree using only UL (Underwriters' Lab Inc.) approved lights and cords. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights on one extension cord, and never run an electrical cord under a carpet. Be sure to secure electrical cords so that children cannot pull them and topple the tree.

Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed, depart from home or leave the tree in an unattended room.

Never burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in your fireplace. Dispose of your tree promptly after the holidays.

MCFRS Now on Instagram

 We are now on Instagram!  Please go here and follow us when you get a chance!

MCFRSNews  http://instagram.com/mcfrsnews/

Christmas Safety

Picking the perfect Christmas tree - At roughly 2:40 in our very own Assistant Chief Charles Bailey provides some important safety tips!

DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG

Holiday Fire Safety

Text Transcript

Annual Toys for Tots Campaign

Once again the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) will be assisting the United States Marine Corps in collecting toys for their annual Toys for Tots campaign.  Now through Thursday, December 18 residents can drop off toys to the following fire and rescue stations designated as official collection points for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign:

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 5020 BATTERY LA., BETHESDA, MD 20814

Fire Station 4 - 17921 BROOKE ROAD SANDY SPRING, MD 20860

Fire Station 7 - 8001 CONNECTICUT AVE., CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815

Fire Station 12 - 10617 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE., SILVER SPRING, MD 20903

Fire Station 15 - 13900 OLD COLUMBIA PIKE BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866

Fire Station 22 - 18910 GERMANTOWN ROAD, GERMANTOWN, MD 20874

Fire Station 25 - 14401 CONNECTICUT AVE., LAYHILL, MD 20906

Fire Station 28 - 7272 MUNCASTER MILL RD., DERWOOD, MD 20855

Fire Station 32 - 9615 DARNESTOWN ROAD ROCKVILLE, MD 20850

Fire Station 34 - 20633 BOLAND FARM ROAD, GERMANTOWN, MD 20876

Give A Space Heater Space (VIDEO)

From our friends at MyMCMedia, MCFRS Spokesperson Pete Piringer says it is important to give space heaters space. Take a look and listen:

Thanksgiving Holiday Message form Chief Lohr To MCFRS

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Thanksgiving Holiday is the traditional start of the holiday season. As we all pause to reflect upon the many things we have to celebrate and give thanks for, I want to personally wish each member of the MCFRS and their families a safe Thanksgiving Holiday. We need look no further than the national news  to realize  that we are fortunate to live and work in a community that values our efforts and our commitment to safe and secure neighborhoods.

On behalf of our entire senior staff, I am authorizing a holiday work routine tomorrow in order that all essential on-duty personnel have an opportunity to enjoy a traditional holiday meal with their work family while maintaining the level of readiness I expect.

History holds that the first Thanksgiving observance followed the Pilgrim’s first harvest in 1621. Over two-hundred-forty years later, in the throes of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a federal and public holiday. The important part of this custom has always been reflected in the fact that diverse groups of people with different beliefs and traditions have come together in a charitable way to serve others.

The Thanksgiving tradition is a natural extension of our day-to-day mission; serving our communities in a charitable way. On this holiday, the American people choose to celebrate Thanksgiving in a variety of methods. Whether a parade, a football game, local and non-local travel or, a simple family meal; remember that each of you can contribute in a positive way by simply doing what you always do best; provide a kind word and a helping hand to assist others in need.

I am keenly aware that throughout my career, this season also marks a time when the frequency and severity of incidents are typically elevated. An unintended consequence of this busy season is the additional emotional toll on our personnel who are tasked with responding to others. Please be attentive to each other as we work through this peak demand season.  

Thank you for your great service and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Steven E. Lohr

Fire Chief

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service

Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips From NFPA

Keep Your Family Safe this Thanksgiving

Did you know that cooking fires are the #1 cause of fires? 

More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Montgomery County Fire Chief Steven Lohr is urging residents to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and to keep safety at the top of everyone’s “to do” list this holiday season. “Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a rookie cooking your first holiday feast, the strategies for serving up a safe meal are the same,” said Chief Lohr. “Unattended cooking is the leading cause of residential fires and we’re asking residents to follow these simple safety tips and to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Cooking Safety Tips:

Be alert! Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and use a timer. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a minute, turn off the stove.

Keep anything that can catch fire at least 3 feet from the stove, toaster oven or other heat source. This includes pot holders, food packaging, dish towels, paper/plastic bags, etc.

Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread. In the event of a range-top fire, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding a lid or cookie sheet onto the pan. Leave the lid in place until the pot or pan has cooled.

Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.

Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking to prevent clothing from coming in contact with a burner and catching fire.

Do not hold children while cooking or carrying hot foods or drinks. Keep children at a safe distance from hot surfaces, liquids and other kitchen hazards.

 Plug microwaves and other kitchen appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all other appliances are turned off and that any candles or smoking materials are safely extinguished.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test alarms monthly and change batteries annually or as recommended by the manufacturer if your alarm features long-life batteries.

Turkey fryers are becoming an increasingly popular choice to cook the Thanksgiving turkey and can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. If your plans include using a turkey fryer, fire department officials urge residents to follow all manufacturer directions closely and to review the following safety tips: 

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips:

Never leave a fryer unattended.

By design, turkey fryers are prone to tipping over. Fryers should always be used on a non-combustible, flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.

Fryers should always be used outdoors at least 10 feet from buildings and any flammable materials. Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage, porch or other enclosed space.

Do not overfill the fryer. The oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames resulting in a potential fire hazard that could engulf the entire unit.

Oil and water do not mix! Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer. Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spillover effect which may result in a fire. 

Some units do not have thermostat controls and, if not carefully watched, have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.

Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching the pot or lid handle. The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot and can result in severe burns. If available, use safety goggles to protect your eyes from any oil splatter.

Keep children and pets away from fryers. The oil can remain dangerously hot even hours after use.

Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates and reduce injuries dramatically.  For more information about our fire safety programs or to request a free home safety evaluation or smoke alarm check, please contact the County’s non-emergency call center at 311 during business hours.

1st Battalion Paramedic Awarded EMS Provider of the Month for October

By Battalion Chief Mark Davis

Congratulations to Lieutenant Paramedic (LTP) Robert Furst (A-Shift Float) for being chosen by MCFRS's EMS Division as EMS Provider of the Month for October 2014. Lieutenant Furst was the primary care provider on a critically ill and combative patient. His work, along with his crew's efforts provided a successful outcome. In the photos below you will notice that in addition to a certificate, the EMS Provider of the Month also receives a beautiful challenge coin.

In addition to his normal duties as a Float Lieutenant on the A-Shift in the 1st Battalion, LTP Furst also serves as a back-up EMS Duty Officer and as a guest lecturer at the County's training academy. 

Excellent work LTP Robert Furst!

Graco Recalls 11 Models of Strollers Due to Fingertip Amputation Hazard

Normally we post these types of recalls from CPSC via our Twitter or Facebook platforms.  But, this one is so large and impacts one of our most vulnerable populations, infants/toddlers, that I felt I should post additionally here.

If you have a stroller of any kind, please take a moment to read below from our partners in safety at the CPSC and take the needed steps if you find you are in possession of one of these strollers.  As well, feel free to share this and help spread the word.

BD

Recall Summary

Name of product:

Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling and TravelMate Model Strollers and Travel Systems

Hazard:

The folding hinge on the sides of the stroller can pinch a child’s finger, posing a laceration or amputation hazard.

Units

About 4.7 million in United States, about 202,000 in Canada, and about 10,300 in Mexico

Description

This recall includes eleven Graco and Century-branded strollers with model names Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling and TravelMate.  All models are a single-occupant stroller with an external sliding fold-lock hinge on each side and a one-hand fold release mechanism on the handle. Strollers with a manufacture date from August 1, 2000 to September 25, 2014 are included in the recall. Model numbers and the date of manufacture are printed on the white label located at the bottom of the stroller leg just above the rear wheel. The model names and numbers included in the recall are:

Aspen
6947MAN	6954AMB		7403ANM	7414BKL	7453UVB	7454WNN
Breeze
34950	6904N8		6904TN8	6907JUN	7404M7	7404TM7	7433BER
6904BUG	6904NV		6904YL	6907ZOU	7404NCB	7431PUR	7464CEL
6904LAZ	6904TLQ		6907CYP	6932AR	7404P8	7432PUR	7464KSB
Capri - Century Branded Literider
6901DZ	6901FRN		6901MP
Cirrus
35233	6956COR		6956MLL	7426CUB	7438JET	7456NGS
6919MV	6956MAC		7416HX	7435WNN	7456GKG	7463CUB
6919TMP	6956MIC		7416THX	7438GIN	7456MON
Glider
35206	6974CYP		6987FMT	6S00MRG3	7441SAV	7446STA	7S00SBN3
1755545	6974HAB		6987FMT3	6S01JAV3	7441SAV2	7448WLS2	7S00WAV3
1757978	6983THE		6987SFJ3	6S02SFS3	7441SPT	7459KYW2
6937N6	6984SAR		6999TRI	7441FLT	7445UNN	7S00KWD3
Kite
6837COE
Literider
1759206	1834721		6712NPB	6903RG	6927HE	6942MP	7304TOP2
1759753	1834725		6712PWC3	6912GMP	6927HK	6955G9	7305ALB2
1760521	1843722		6712SFT	6916BLW	6927LV	6989N2	7320UVB
1761301	1850503		6712SNY	6916BRN	6927TMJ	6989Y2	7321UVB
1763582	1852558		6712SUP	6916D5	6927TXB	6M01TAN3	7340SSR
1783222	1853477		6712SUP3	6916F3	6929B7	6M02SFR3	7340SSR2
1790492	1876823		6720THE	6916HBH	6929HX	7003CHP	7350DOH
1794240	34855		6730BEB	6916MEL	6929KY	7300MAK	7350DOH2
1801006	34939		6730DRM	6916P8	6929WN	7303BRL	7360NGS
1804095	35635		6730HMP	6916RK	6936HAV	7303BRL2	7436GIN
1809351	6710JKP		6827RS	6916TA6	6936JAM	7304GEI	7436JET
1809556	6710JUP		6903IND	6927AE	6938A5	7304GEI2	7M00DCF3
1817150	6712NAP		6903JJJ	6927GP	6940A4	7304HNW3
Literider - Century Branded
1804730
Sierra
7487GP	7487VA
Solara - Century Branded Literider
6965ZOL		6985CNC
Sterling
6988KER		7425CLE	7425OAK	7428RAC	7429VL	7437N5	7447PAS
7423RAC		7425CLE2	7427AD	7429HX	7429WZ	7447M7
TravelMate
6958HAV		6958TDT

Incidents/Injuries

Graco has received 11 reports of finger injuries including six reports of fingertip amputation, four reports of partial-fingertip amputation and one finger laceration.

Remedy

Contact Graco immediately for a free repair kit. Repair kits will be available from the firm at the beginning of December 2014. While waiting for a repair kit, caregivers should exercise extreme care when unfolding the stroller to be certain that the hinges are firmly locked before placing a child in the stroller. Caregivers are advised to immediately remove the child from a stroller that begins to fold to keep their fingers from the side hinge area.

Sold at

Target, Toys R Us, Walmart and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and other online retailers from August 2000 through November 2014 for about $40-70 for the stroller and about $140-$170 for the Travel System.  

Manufacturer

Graco Children’s Products, of Atlanta, Ga.  

Manufactured in

China