Passover Fire Safety

Passover is fast approaching! The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service would like to share some important fire safety tips with you. There are many things families can do to reduce the chance of a fire starting in their homes. Please make sure your smoke alarms are working and that you have practiced a home escape plan. Remember, the very best safety plan is prevention.

Passover Safety Flyer 2016

Overcoming Challenges - HVAC Fire S.Glen Road

The below video and photos are from an incident earlier this morning in the 10700 block of S. Glen Rd. MCFRS units arrived on the scene to find a fire involving a propane-fed HVAC unit free-burning on the roof.

Challenges were immediate as firefighters encountered buried fire hydrants and access issues. Undeterred, firefighters advanced hose lines and ladders thru the snow to attack the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished.

MCFRS crews have had to overcome many weather related challenges on S Glen Rd ie unplowed driveway, hydrants buried pic.twitter.com/cGlSKeJPuS

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) January 26, 2016

House Fire 12200 Block of Turley Drive

On today's date at approximately 1:40 PM MCFRS units responded to the 12200 Block of Turley Drive, North Potomac, for a report of a fire in the basement. Units arrived on scene and found a working basement fire in a two story, single family home. Firefighters quickly gained access to the basement and extinguished the fire.

The family of seven was home at the time of the fire. An occupant of the home had been using a stove in the basement prior to the fire and 5-10 minutes after the family member returned upstairs, the basement smoke alarm began sounding. All occupants safely evacuated the home.

One firefighter sustained a minor burn injury to the hand.

The family of seven was displaced and is now staying with family in the area. Damages were estimated to be $175K to the home and $50K to the contents. The fire is listed as undetermined.

MCFRS would like to remind all residents that working smoke alarms can save your life!

 

Pool and Water Safety Week

As part of our Summer of Safety initiative announced last week by Fire Chief Lohr, each week will have a different safety theme.  This week it is Pool and Water Safety.

Below, please take a moment to watch a report from FOX 5 News that was done last week with personnel from our River Rescue Team as well as Division Chief Scott Goldstein.  This report clearly highlights the dangers associated with the Potomac River in and around the Great Falls Park area and all along the C & O Canal.

Please heed the warning as otherwise we may end up meeting you by "accident!"

  

DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG

Potomac River Safety

Last week MCFRS participated in a joint press conference with the National Park Service, Park Police, and Fairfax County Fire & Rescue that highlighted the dangers of the Potomac River.  Video highlights are below.

From County Council Cable:




From MCFRS:

Media Advisory: Fire Causes Significant Damage to Potomac Home

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 27, 2013

      Fire Causes Significant Damage to Potomac Home

        Fire Displaces Family of Four 

                                                        

Montgomery County, MD - - -  A Potomac home suffered over $600,000 in damages after a fire Monday afternoon. Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 4:00 p.m. to the 12400 block of Willow Green Court in Potomac for the report of a house fire. First arriving units described heavy fire and smoke conditions and requested additional resources.  

Photos courtesy of Rockville Volunteer Fire Department 

Two teenagers were home at the time of the fire and were able to safely escape after an alert neighbor walking her dog smelled smoke and went to investigate to locate the source. The neighbor saw flames to the rear of a home and quickly called 9-1-1, secured her dog to a nearby mailbox and ran to the home and began to pound on the front door of the home in an attempt to alert any occupants inside that the home was on fire. The teens inside narrowly escaped the blaze and officials are crediting the alert neighbor’s quick actions in helping the occupants escape safely.   

Fire and Explosive Investigators conducted a detailed investigation and have determined that the fire was accidental in nature and believe that cooking materials placed outside to cool sparked the fire. Investigators noted that, due to extensive fire damage to the home, they were unable to determine whether the home was equipped with smoke alarms.   

One firefighter was injured and was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries and has been released. Approximately 80 fire rescue personnel responded and were on the scene at the height of firefighting operations and the American Red Cross was assisting the displaced family.

Fire department officials remind all residents that smoke alarms are one of the most important safety features to have in your home and, with many units available for under twenty dollars, they are worth every penny. 

More photos below and HERE. 

                                                                            #  #  #

                                            

Photos courtesy of Rockville Volunteer Fire Department 

Photos courtesy of Rockville Volunteer Fire Department 

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...

River Training

By: Fire Fighter Kris Kostura

Getting ready for river training this morning.  Swift water training with Fire Station 10 and Fire Station 30.  Today's topics are shallow water operations, crossings and navigation. 

Our Fire and Rescue personnel are always training to fine tune techniques and knowledge to ensure we are always ready to respond to all types of emergencies! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                             

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Another scorcher today!  Over the last couple of weeks, we at MCFRS have preached to everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated.  Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that.


Just in case, I thought it would be useful to post the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  Warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include: 

Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Pulse rate: fast and weak
• Breathing: fast and shallow
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache and/or dizziness 

Heat Stroke:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
• The absence of sweating
• Rapid pulse 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Throbbing headache
• Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
• Confusion, agitation and disorientation
• Unconscious                             

If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.


Remember, Heat Stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly.  Call 911 right away if you suspect Heat Stroke.

No Twitter? No Problem! You Can Still Get MCFRS Updates!

Do not have a Twitter account but want to receive Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s tweets? No problem.

A Twitter feature called Fast Follow make it possible for those with a cell phone and a text messaging plan to receive tweet’s on their phone.  Understand that Text messaging rates apply.

Here is how you do it:

Text “follow @mcfrs” to 40404.  You will get a text message back indicating you are now following @MCFRS.  The text will also provide guidance on how to stop the text messages if you no longer wish to receive them.

If you follow, you can expect to receive all of the latest news, updates, and safety tips from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.

Dispose of Fireplace and Wood-stove Ashes Properly

Fireplace and wood-stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days after a fire. It is important to learn the following ways to dispose of fireplace and wood-stove ashes properly:

·         DO NOT discard your ashes into any combustible container like a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.

·         DO put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.

·         DO pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.

·         DO keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from combustibles.

·         DO teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.

As always, please make sure you test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Practice and plan a family home escape plan.

MCFRS Significant Fire & EMS Incidents From May 23 through May 29

Battalion 1 Incidents

• Building Fire in the 1100 block of Spring St. – Fire units responded to a building under construction and found water proofing, insulation and wood forms on fire below grade. No extension to rest of building. $10K in damages

• Apartment Fire in the 1100 block of Fidler Lane - Report of fire on the 9th floor. Fire units arrived to find a natural gas leak which resulted in an explosion and fire involving 2 apartments on the 11th floor. Small fire extinguished quickly and 2nd alarm called and utilized. 2 Fire Fighter injuries (Minor knee and heat related) with both transported to a local hospital. 1 civilian injury that was evaluated and patient refused treatment. 2 families displaced and being assisted by building management. Damages were $50K to the structure and $50K to contents.

Battalion 2 Incidents

No significant incidents

Battalion 3 Incidents

• POTOMAC RIVER RESCUE at RILEYS LOCK @ 22800 C AND O CANAL - Units arrived on scene with 4 boaters who required assistance to the Virginia side. Non emergency.

• STABBING in the 14100 block of TRAVILAH RD – Units arrived to find 1 patient DOA. Suspect in custody & transported to a local hospital.

• Car into the building in the 9700 block of Traville Gateway Dr – Units arrived to find a sheared off gas meter with a 2 1/2" open main from shear - significant leak. Evacuated several mercantile occupancies downwind and addressed threatened businesses and apartments on Traville Garden & University of MD on Guldesky which reported strong odor. Incident mitigated quickly. 1 person from collision to a local area hospital.

• Hazardous Materials Incident in the 19300 block of Mateny Hill Road - CSX Freight Train with slow fuel leak from locomotive fuel cell. Haz Mat Unit mitigated with plug kit; total product lost about 150 gallons over entire route of travel.

• House fire in the 700 block of Wilson Ave – Fire Units arrived to find heavy fire on first floor of 1,100 sq ft Rancher. 1 civilian injury and 1 Fire Fighter injury. $280K in total damages.

• Barn Fire in the 9800 block of Fields Road. Barn well involved. Loss pending - cause under investigation.

Battalion 4 Incidents

• Pedestrians struck at Veirs Mill Rd / Centerhill St – Units arrived to find 2 pedestrians who had been struck by an auto. 1 trauma code and 1 priority 2 transported to a local area hospital.

• 12731 Layhill Rd Garden Apt Fire from roofers using torches. Box Alarm and RID. Loss: $50K Structure and $10k contents. Occupants of 2-3 units displaced and relocated within complex.
• 14809 Pennfield Circle - Original dispatch of adaptive, upgraded to box assignment for a high-rise apartment building - Units on scene w/nothing evident and building being evacuated - Food on stove with one sprinkler head activated, no extension - CE requested to scene - $5K loss.

Battalion 5 Incidents

• House Fire in the 16400 block of Keats Terrace – Fire units arrived on scene to find a fire in the kitchen. Fire quickly extinguished. Cause was food left on the stove. 1 adult displaced with $50K in Structure damage and $15K for contents.

• House Fire in the 1 block of Observation Ct- Fire units responded for alarm bells sounding and arrived on scene to find a kitchen fire with extension to the cabinets. Fire sprinkler system contained fire and limited damage to only $3K.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at Goshen & Midcounty - 2 car collision with 1 person trapped. 2 persons transported to a local area hospital.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at Woodfield Rd & Brink Rd. Single Vehicle crash -van into tree. Adult male Trauma Code transported to a local area hospital.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at MIDCOUNTY HWY & SHADY GROVE RD. Fire Units arrived with one person trapped. Transported 2 patients including 1 Truama and 1 minor injury with a third patient who refused transport.

• Injury from a fall at High Point Farm – Units arrived to find a pediatric trauma from fall at a large festival gathering (10,000 people) - transported to an area trauma center by MD State Police aviation.

Potomac River - - Just Stay Out!

Firefighters Distribute Safety Tips Over the Holiday Weekend

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel were out in force over the Memorial Day weekend in and around the Potomac River reminding visitors of the inherent dangers associated with the river and passing out safety tips aimed at informing and educating visitors to stay out of the Potomac River.

Considerable interagency cooperation at the local, county, state and federal levels has focused attention on methods to prevent drownings in and around the Potomac River since 2004. The presence of Montgomery County Firefighters distributing bi-lingual educational materials over the holiday weekend served to underscore the continued commitment and importance of this initiative and the goal of “zero” drownings as the summer season kicks off in the Washington Metropolitan area.

A copy of the safety tips in both English and Spanish (2nd page) are below.

Great Falls Warning

News Advisory: House Fire in Potomac Claims a Life

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2011

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) personnel were called at 0435 hours for a house fire to the rear of 10416 Gainsborough Road in the Falls Road area of Potomac. Units arrived on the scene of a working fire at 8509 Scarboro Court in a large 2 story single family home. Heavy fire was found in the kitchen area on the first floor of the house. An unconscious, elderly male was located in a second floor bedroom and removed from the structure. Advanced Life Support treatment was initiated immediately and he was transported to Suburban Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. A second elderly male was located outside the house and he also was treated and transported to Suburban Hospital for evaluation of smoke inhalation.

The fire originated in the kitchen on the stove top. A heavily damaged sauce pan was located on the burner of the stove top where the survivor stated they were cooking. It appears the fire burned for some time before being seen by the neighbor after it vented through the kitchen window.

An estimated 65 fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene and it took 25 minutes to bring the fire under control. There were no fire and rescue injuries. The name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of family.

# # #

Raw Video of Potomac River Rescue from NBC4

A good video of MCFRS River Rescue Team rescuing a women whose kayak had overturned.

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com/?__source=embedCode.

Potomac Flooding Update, Roads That May Flood & Safety Tips

Due to the rainfall in the last 24 hours and the forecasted rise in the Potomac River level all County residents are urged to be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials.  Flash floods can come without warning and sometimes without weather.

In addition, the Potomac River is extremely dangerous and no one should consider any activity near the banks of the river! 

The Potomac will hit flood stage on Monday and crest at about 11 feet mid to late day Monday.  Current river level at Little Falls Dam – 7.8 feet at 0645 April 17^th, with crest at 11 feet during the early evening hours on Monday April 18^th.  People living in low laying areas along the Potomac River should ensure they are aware of the rising water level and the impact on access and egress to their homes should they need to evacuate OR have a need for emergency fire, rescue, or police response. 

Fire and Rescue personnel from Fire Stations 31(Darnestown), 30 and 10 (Cabin John/Potomac) will be going to their low flood prone areas and ensure the residents in those areas are aware that they have  less than 24 hours before access will be limited to their areas.  They will also check all boat launching areas - twice a day until Wednesday – to assess any limitations of vehicle access and boat launching for the MCFRS River Rescue Team.

Know areas of concern when the Potomac River reaches or exceeds flood stage include:     

      

•             Riley's Lock Road (Seneca Boat Ramp)
•             Lock 10
•             Park areas near Swains Lock
•             Park areas near Pennyfield Lock
•             Park/Picnic area at Violets Lock

Also please note: List of Roads in Montgomery County Subject to Periodic Flooding

Remember, never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Turn Around - Don’t Drown!  Try an alternate route!  

Potomac Pipe Bomb Arrest Made

Final Potomac Arrest Media Release

Smoking and Home Fires

In light of yesterday’s tragic house fire in Potomac that has seriously injured an 85 year old man, I thought it prudent to pass along some pertinent safety tips.

If you smoke or know someone who does, it is well worth your time to review some of the links I have provided below. Smoking related fires can be prevented.

Smoking and Fire Safety
 
Smoking & Home Fires Campaign
 
Fight Fire with Facts: Careless Smoking


Stay Safe,

Bill

Public’s Help Needed In Potomac Explosion Investigation

Below is our update from late yesterday afternoon regarding the explosive device that had detonated in front of a home in Potomac.

As you scroll down, please take a look at a photo of a necklace found on the scene. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is urged to call the Montgomery County Fire and Explosives Tip Line at 240-777-2263. Callers can remain anonymous and the tip line is available 24-hours a day.

PotomacExplosion31620112nd

Daniel's Ride Along With the MCFRS Safety Officer

Waking up at 7:00 AM is bad enough but 5:30? That is unheard of. However getting up was a breeze as I had an exciting day ahead of me, or so I thought. The Safety Officer who oversees significant emergencies in all of Montgomery County, is stationed at the Chevy Chase fire station and allowed me to ride along with him to emergencies for a 12 hour shift. Even though a 12 hour day was longer than anything I had ever done, how slow could it go when you are jumping from one emergency to the next?

Out of the whole year, Tuesday was the day for the safety officer to go to the Fire & Rescue Occupational Medical Services. This is where all the personnel of the MCFRS go to make sure they are healthy and fit for work. As we entered with the mindset of it being a quick and easy visit, it was soon shot down as their equipment was malfunctioning. Almost two hours later, we had that obstacle behind us and were on our way back to the station.

When we got back to the station, I got a very interesting tour as it is one of the old fire stations. In Hollywood, every fire station has a pole that the firefighters slide down but that is not always the case. Many firefighters have gotten injured either falling or sliding down so it is rarely present anymore but they still have one at station #7. There is also a tower that was once used to hang wet hoses to dry but now it is used as storage for extra ones. After the tour, I sat down to watch TV as I anxiously waited for the siren to sound. As minutes turned to hours, it was already time for lunch.

After lunch, we went to the Public Safety Training Academy near my house that I have seen from the outside many times. As we drove around back, we noticed an experiment in full force. Two people from Good Morning America were filming the exothermic reaction that occurs when linseed oil is left to dry. It is amazing how a liquid can catch on fire just by drying in an oxygenated environment and it is important for the public to be aware. After spending an hour or two there, we were on our way back to the fire station.

With the day winding down and not one call, I was starting to wonder if I would ever get to see some action. As dinner was served, we were positive a call would come in right as we sat down to eat but to our surprise, it didn't. It is like it was announced that an intern was going to be with the Chevy Chase station and everyone should be extra careful so as not to give him what he came to see. As we finished dinner, it was time for me to depart and we were surprised that I had not gone on one call.

While it is a good thing there were no emergencies in the area, it would have been nice to see one. Hopefully there will be some more action if I get to do another ride-along. I thank the people at Fire Station #7 for their hospitality as I was there almost all day.