Thanksgiving Wins FIRST Place - For Most Cooking Fires!

More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein 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 Goldstein. “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 stove top 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 reduce injuries dramatically.  For more information about our fire safety programs or to request a free home safety evaluation or smoke alarm check, call 311 during business hours or visit our website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe any time.

.

Quiz Results

Yesterday, we decided to give a little Twitter quiz to see how much our loyal followers knew about the cause of home structure fires and injuries.

Well over one hundred of you took the challenge and we are happy to report that 52% of you got the answer correct. Cooking related fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries!

Heating equipment comes in at number two. Smoking is the leading cause of civilian home fire deaths.

Please see below for the question and the answers. Thanks to all of you who participated!

#mcfrsSOS Quiz-Which fire cause below is the leading cause of home structure fires & home fire injuries? #MoCoSafety

— MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire (@mcfrs) July 19, 2016

Cooking -- The Leading Cause Of Home Fires

Did you know that one out of three home fires begin in the kitchen? This is more than any other location in the home.

Over the next several days there are a few significant religious celebrations that can involve family, friends, and food. Obviously, cooking can and will play a major role at various points.

Please make sure your family or friends do not have to meet our Firefighters, over the next several days, by “accident!” The vast majority of cooking fires are preventable and NOT an accident.

Take a quick moment to review a few safety tips, as well as a short video, below.

How to prevent cooking fires and related injuries (ppt)

Cooking safety checklist

Cooking Safety Video

It's Cooking safety week as part of our Summer of Safety effort. This video from our friends at NFPA.

Cooking Safety Tips

As part of our Summer of Safety outreach, this week's theme is Cooking Safety.  Cooking related fires are the number ONE cause of fires locally and nationally!

Below, please find some important tips to help prevent this all too common cause of fire!

* Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. Three in every 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen - more than any other place in the home.

* Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (i.e. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).

*Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a three-foot (one-meter) "kid/pet-free zone" around the stove.

* Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped and children can't grab them.

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

* Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.

* Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.

* Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. You may also use baking soda. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.

* If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

* Never leave a child unattended in the kitchen. Close supervision is essential, whether children are helping an adult cook or simply watching.

* If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave - If safe to do so. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location. Remember that food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings carefully to prevent steam burns.

* Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all other appliances are turned off.

Watch What You Heat! Cooking Related Fires Leading Cause of Home Fires!

By: Battalion Chief Mark Davis

Cooking-related fires continue to be one of the leading causes of fire in the home. According to United States Fire Administration data from 2008 to 2010:

On average, an estimated 164,500 cooking related fires in residential buildings occur each year in the United States;

Residential building cooking fires occurred mainly in the evening hours from 4 to 9 p.m., peaking from 5 to 8 p.m, accounting for 26 percent of the fires;

Oil, fat and grease (51 percent) were the leading types of material ignited in cooking fires occurring in residential buildings.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries;

1 in 8 households will have a cooking fire each year;

The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

And sadly, Montgomery County's first fire death of 2013 occurred in the 1st Battalion and was the result of clothing that caught fire during cooking.

It is clear that cooking is dangerous. The numbers do not lie! Don't be distracted while you cook - it can save your life!

Townhouse Fire

By: Battalion Chief Mark Davis

Several units from the 1st Battalion (E719, E724, E701, AT719, T716, BC701) responded to a townhouse fire in the lower end of Battalion 4 (Wheaton/Kensington) on Monday evening. Companies 18, 5 and Rescue 2 arrived quickly and found a working kitchen fire in a 2-story occupied townhouse. The 1st Battalion units provided support operations in terms getting to the rear of the structure and into adjacent structures to make sure fire did not spread into those properties.

Once again - a small, cooking-related fire quickly grew to a much larger proportion. Although damage to the home was significant, all occupants (including several children) were able to escape thanks to working smoke detectors.

Crews in this photo are getting ready to make the initial entry through the front door. Several ladders have been placed for rescue and building access. Fortunately - the fire was contained in little time due to the coordinated efforts of all companies. 

Cooking Safety Tips for Older Adults (Video)

It's a recipe for serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove or leave items that can catch fire, such as potholders or paper towels, around the stove. Learn more about cooking safety...

News Advisory - Woman Succumbs to Injuries After Kitchen Fire

First Fire Fatality 2013 by Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue

Do Not Let Your Thanksgiving Go Up In Flames!

More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers 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 Bowers. “Unattending 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 and 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  batteries monthly and check batteries annually. 

Significant Fire & EMS Incidents From July 18 through July 24

Battalion 1 Incidents

• Motor Vehicle Crash Colesville Road @ Silgo Creek PKWY – Fire units found 2 vehicles w/ 3 trauma patients (1 trapped & 1 pinned). 1 MCPD officer 2 civilian patients transported to local hospitals.

• House Fire in the 3 block of Hickory Ave – Fire units arrived to find smoke showing from the roof. Fire started on the rear below the deck and spread to the attic then entered the structure. $400K damage to structure and $200K to contents

Battalion 2 Incidents

• River Rescue at Purple Horse Beach. Units retrieved a 16 year old female w/ a minor ankle injury. Patient, and mother, refused further treatment.

Battalion 3 Incidents

• House Fire in the 13000 block of Mustang Hill La - Fire started on exterior of rear of home possibly due to improperly discarded smoking materials that ignited decking & siding. Fire extended into attic was through the roof on arrival of fire units. Exterior & interior coordinated attack extinguished fire. $200K damage to structure and $100K to contents.

• Building Fire in the 11100 block of Rockville Pike – Fire units arrived and found fire on the 1st floor. A 2nd Alarm was called for. Three business involved and impacted. 1 Fire Fighter transported to local hospital for heat issues.

Battalion 4 Incidents

• House Fire in the 4000 block of Glenridge St- Fire units arrived and found a fire in the basement. Fire fighters were able to contain fire to one room. No injuries with loss of $10K in structure and $5K for the contents.

• House Fire in the 12100 block of Veirs Mill Rd. – Fire units arrived on scene with smoke showing. Fire fighters found fire out and reported it to be food left on the stove with no extension but heavy smoke.

• Apartment Fire in the 5500 block of Burnside Dr. – Fire units arrived on scene and found a fire on balcony of one apartment. The fire was contained to the balcony. Damage estimated at $300 to structure and $500 to contents. Cause determined to be discarded smoking material.

Battalion 5 Incidents

• Hazardous Materials Incident in the1 block of Observation Court - Hazmat call for unknown chemical ("white powder") found on several vehicles in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Haz Mat crew determined the substance was table salt. Referred to MCPD for vandalism investigation.

• Trauma Injury from a fall in the 6500 block of Olney-Laytonsville Road - Counselor/lifeguard fell from lifeguard stand onto pool deck & into pool. C-spine stabilized by staff in the pool prior to fire units arrival. Patient treated & transported to local hospital as a Priority 2/Category C trauma.

Significant Fire & EMS Incidents From June 27 through July 3

Battalion 1 Incidents

• House Fire in a Detached 2 story structure used as a garage and 2nd floor game room/office. Fire Units arrived to find heavy fire on 1st and 2nd floors. 2nd alarm called for but not used. No reported injuries, no displacements, $150K damage to structure and $100Kto contents.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at Spencerville/Peach Orchard Rd’s – Fire units arrived to find a single-vehicle w/ one person trapped. One patient transported Priority 2 to Shock Trauma.

Battalion 2 Incidents

• Injury on the Billy Goat Trail @ the Potomac River. injured 34 yr old female who was removed by Strike Team 30.

• Garage Fire in the 7900 block of Paloma Ct - report of fire in the attached garage of a single family dwelling. Fire units arrived to find a fire in a trash can in the garage with no extension into the structure.

Battalion 3 Incidents

• Odor in the building in the 5500 block of Security Lane – Fire units responded for an investigation for an "odor of exhaust" in an 11 story (4 levels parking/7 levels business office) high rise office building. Found significant levels of Carbon Monoxide. Quickly located construction activity going on at the P-3 level with multiple gas powered equipment in operation - evacuated 75-100 occupants.

• Chemical Exposure in the 5 block of Mannakee St - Adult female transported to the burn unit via ambulance due to an exposure to a base chemical in a science lab. No damage to building and no operational changes to the classroom.

• Building Fire in the 15100 block of Southlawn Lane - Fire Units arrive to find heavy smoke from the front of a two story warehouse. Fire quickly controlled in coffee roasting machine and extensive smoke prolonged ventilation efforts. No injuries to civilian or Fire personnel. Estimates $25K damage to structure and $100K to contents and lost stock. Likely cause - machine failure.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at Great Seneca Hwy/ Muddy Branch Rd – Fire units on scene with car over the embankment about 75 feet of the road. One patient trapped with serious injuries and one patient with less serious injuries out of the vehicle. Trooper 3 was utilized and both persons were transported.

• Drowning – 18000 block of Cottage Garden Dr. – Fire units arrived to find a 22 month old in bath tub.

• House Fire in the 17100 block of Hughes Rd - Fire units arrived and found a fire above garage & electrical wiring for dryer. $3K in damage and fire confined to area of origin. Lightning strike was the cause.

• Injured Person on the Tow path between Edwards Ferry & Whites Ferry. Bicyclist struck by tree during storm. Fire units found the person DOA.

Battalion 4 Incidents

• Townhouse Fire in the 1600 block of Hugo Circle- Fire units arrived on scene and found smoke showing from the roof of end unit townhouse. Fire on the deck with extension to both floors and attic space from vinyl siding. Second Alarm dispatched and only a couple of the units used. Held fire to townhouse of origin. No injuries. $200K damage to structure and $100K for contents. Two adults displaced.

• House Fire in the 1900 block of Poplar View Ln- Fire units on scene with kitchen fire that was confined by the home fire sprinkler system. No injuries and only $4K in damage.

Battalion 5 Incidents

• Garage Fire in the 23000 block of Davis Mill Rd. Fire units found fire on exterior of garage w/ extension. No Injuries. Loss: $3K structure and $2K contents.

• House Fire in the 25000 block of Woodfield Rd. Fire units found significant fire in the house on three levels plus extension into attic. Two minor Fire Fighter injuries. Loss: $300K to the structure and $100K to the contents.

• House Fire in the 400 block of Fellowship Circle - Residential Duplex in Asbury Village w/fire in the kitchen of unit under construction. Units found small fire in the walls from a plumbers torch. No injuries/displacements. $1K loss.

• Building Fire in the 19200 block of Montgomery Village Avenue - Report of pillar on fire to the front of the occupied restaurant. Fire units found a wooden column on fire, which was quickly extinguished. Cause was improperly discarded smoking materials. $25K loss to structure and no injuries.

• Building Fire in the 700 block of N. Frederick Avenue - Report of fire on the roof. Fire units found roofers had started a small fire on the roof of a 3-story office building. Fire quickly extinguished & extensive overhaul with no injuries/displacements.

Extinguishing a Pan Fire

Over the last two years many of you were made aware of a YouTube Fire Safety video from the UK which recommended placing a wet towel over a pot/pan fire to extinguish the fire. I received, and continue to receive, many inquiries asking about this and what I recommend. I was, and still am, very much opposed to this method of dealing with a cooking related pot/pan fire.

Cooking related fires are, by the way, the number one cause of fire both here in the County as well as nationally.

Yesterday, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) came out with a position statement on this method -which I strongly agree with - and I have included it below for your information and reference.

Extinguishing a Pan Fire

NFPA discourages the use of a damp towel to extinguish a pan fire. The damp towel method adds additional time to extinguish the fire – getting the towel, wetting it, and wringing it out. Placing the towel on a pan fire may result in tipping the pan, missing the pan or not completely covering the pan; thus putting the home owner at increased risk for burns, clothing catching fire and the spread of fire. This technique is also questionable because the type of material or a cloth not completely wet could have a different outcome. NFPA recommends staying in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop. Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool. When in doubt, get everyone out of the home and call the fire department.

Thanks and Be SAFE!

Bill