Working Smoke Alarm Alerts Germantown Family To Fire

At approximately 3:23 a.m. this morning, MCFRS units responded for a reported house fire in the 13400 block of Tilford Court in Germantown. Units arrived on scene with fire showing from the rear of a two-story single family home.

Six occupants of the home, two adults and four children, were awakened by a working smoke alarm and observed the deck on fire. The family then exited the structure and called 911 once safely outside.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire which appeared to have started on the deck and then extended inside the house.

Fire Investigators arrived on scene and conducted an origin and cause investigation. Family members indicated that a charcoal cooker on the deck was used earlier in the day. Upon further examination, investigators determined that the cause of the fire was accidental, the result of a charcoal cooker.

A total of approximately 75 firefighters were on the scene. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. As a result of the damage, the family of six was displaced. Total fire loss was determined to be $100,000 to the structure and $50,000 for contents.

MCFRS would like to remind everyone that working smoke alarms save lives! Please make sure the alarms in your home work and ensure that you have a home fire escape plan. MCFRS offers free home safety evaluations and smoke alarms for those in need.

We would also like to remind all residents about Outdoor Grilling Safety.

July Is The Peak Month For Grill Fires

Getting ready to "fire up" the grill this holiday weekend?

Did you know that July is the peak month for grill fires?  Below, please find a safety tip sheet highlighting ways to grill safely as you and your loved ones celebrate Independance Day.

Do not let your Independance Day weekend go up in flames!  Take a moment to review the below safety tips and enjoy a safely grilled meal!

  Grilling Safety

Firing up the Grill This Weekend? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

It looks like we are going to have another beautiful weekend and there is no doubt people will be firing up their grills and the last thing on many minds is probably safety, right? Well, it shouldn’t be according to Fire Chief Steve Lohr. Every year, thousands of homes catch fire because of inproper use of grills and the Fire Chief wants to remind residents that preparation is the key to staying safe when using grills this season. 

Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, please review these safety tips:

 If you haven’t used your grill in a while, give it a good spring cleaning. Scour the grate with a wire brush. Save future cleaning time by using a nonstick cooking spray to prevent food from sticking to the grill.

 Before using your grill for the first time this season, go online to check whether your grill has been recalled due to any dangerous defects.

 Position the grill in a well-ventilated, flat and level surface away from your house, overhangs, deck railings, tree branches, shrubbery and anything that can burn. Never use a grill indoors or in a garage.

 Never leave a grill unattended – even for a minute – and supervise children and pets around the grill: declare three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grilling area. 

 Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled-up sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle over the grill and catch fire. 

 Use long-handled tongs and brushes while grilling. 

 Never move a lit barbeque.

 Make sure the barbeque is turned off, and completey cooled, before covering.

For Gas Grills: 

Before grilling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for checking the connection to the cylinder. An easy way to do this is to tighten the connection, turn on the cylinder and then apply a soapy water solution around the connection. If bubbles appear, the connection is leaking. Turn the cylinder off, reconnect the cylinder and check again. 

 Check grill hoses for cracking, corrosion, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing. 

 If repairs are needed, do not attempt to do them yourself. Enlist a professional. 

 Always keep propane gas containers upright. 

 Always open the lid of a grill before igniting it.

 Regularly remove grease and fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. 

 If you smell gas, turn the grill off immediately and do not use it until it is repaired.

 Do not store tanks or other flammable materials near a grill, indoors or in a heated area such as a vehicle trunk. Propane tanks need to be stored in well-ventilated areas. 

For Charcoal Grills:

 Use the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources. 

 Never use any type of grill inside. Don't barbeque in the garage, even with the door open. Barbecues produce carbon monoxide, which can build up in an enclosed area. Carbon monoxide is invisible, colorless and tasteless -- but extremely dangerous. Instead, set up your grill in a corner of your deck or patio. Avoid grilling on a covered or enclosed porch or on top of anything that can catch on fire.

 Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals. 

In Montgomery County, unless you live in a house, it is illegal to:

• Kindle or maintain charcoal burners and/or gas-fired grills on balconies or within 20 feet of any structure. 

• Store liquid propane (LP) gas cylinders, within 20 feet of a multi-family residential building. 

Remember, when cooking outside - ALWAYS open the hood before lighting the grill. ALWAYS keep the grill in a safe area away from children, pets and heavy people traffic where someone could bump into it. NEVER try to grill inside and remember, it is best to grill 20 feet away from anything that can burn. Have a safe summer! 

Sources: NFPA, CPSC and the USFA

Backyard Grill Explosion

As many of you are aware, this week is Grill Safety Week as part of our overall Summer of Safety program. Below is a very powerful interview with Hannah Storm of ESPN who experienced a horrific incident with a propane grill approximately a year and a half ago.  Please pay close attention to what she mentions occurred.

Please enjoy your grill safely and make sure you are aware of all precautions you should take so that something like this does not happen to you.  We applaud Ms. Storm for her continued efforts to make people aware of what occurred in an effort to prevent others from suffering as well.


ABC US News | ABC Sports News

Grilling Safety

We are just starting Week #3 of our Summer of Safety outreach efforts.  This weeks theme is Grilling Safety.

Did you know that July is the peak month for grill fires?  Below, please find a safety tip sheet we will be handing out in various areas of the County highlighting ways to grill safely.

Do not let your summer go up in flames!  Take a moment to review the below safety tips and enjoy a safely grilled meal!

  Grilling Safety

Outdoor Grilling Safety

Thinking of starting/firing up the grill during this holiday weekend?  Fire Chief Steve Lohr of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this weekend SAFELY! Below are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help:

Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit. NEVER use gasoline!
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow off propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill. repaired by a professional, if necessary.
• Remember to keep your grill clean! Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• REMEMBER! Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Grilling Safety

According to the Barbecue Industry Association, three out of four households in the United States own a barbecue grill. From making a quick dinner to barbequing a feast for family and friends, when lighting a charcoal or gas grill, it's important to remember that a savory barbeque is a safe barbecue.

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas and charcoal grills cause an annual average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires in or on residential properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $29.8 million.

Make Fire Safety a Priority

Protection can be relatively simple and inexpensive. To help prevent fire fatalities and injuries at your home this summer:

Only use your barbecue grill outside. Grills are not designed to be used in a trailer, tent, garage, or house. Carbon monoxide can build-up and poison you.

• Set-up a grill in an open area away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves or brush. Be sure to avoid high traffic areas and always barbecue in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of wind blown sparks.
• Always read the owners manual before using the grill.
• Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 20 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
• Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher within easy reach.
• When purchasing a fire extinguisher, choose the largest size that can be handled comfortably.
• Wear clothing that does not have hanging sleeves or apron strings, and use flame retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.
• Never leave a grill unattended once it is lit.
• Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and splatters.
• Never attempt to move a hot grill.
• If using a charcoal grill, gasoline should never be used in place of charcoal lighter fluid. And never reapply charcoal lighter fluid after the fire has started; the flames can ignite the vapors, and travel up to the can causing an explosion.

Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

Consumers should use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers.

Grills manufactured after October 1, 1995, are required to have three additional safety features to eliminate leak hazards: a device to limit the flow of gas in the event of hose rupture; a mechanism to shut-off the grill; and a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak proof. Consumers should consider purchasing grills that have these safety features. Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and NFPA

Outdoor Grilling Safety

The onset of warm weather signals the beginning of Barbecue Season! Fire Chief Steve Lohr of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this season SAFELY! Below are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit. NEVER use gasoline!
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow off propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill. repaired by a professional, if necessary.
• Remember to keep your grill clean! Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• REMEMBER! Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Grilling Safety

According to the Barbeque Industry Association, three out of four households in the United States own a barbeque grill. From making a quick dinner to barbequing a feast for family and friends, when lighting a charcoal or gas grill, it's important to remember that a savory barbeque is a safe barbeque.

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas and charcoal grills cause an annual average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires in or on residential properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $29.8 million.

Make Fire Safety a Priority

Protection can be relatively simple and inexpensive. To help prevent fire fatalities and injuries at your home this summer:

• Only use your barbeque grill outside. Grills are not designed to be used in a trailer, tent, garage, or house. Carbon monoxide can build-up and poison you.
• Set-up a grill in an open area away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves or brush. Be sure to avoid high traffic areas and always barbeque in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of wind blown sparks.
• Always read the owners manual before using the grill.
• Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 20 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
• Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher within easy reach.
• When purchasing a fire extinguisher, choose the largest size that can be handled comfortably.
• Wear clothing that does not have hanging sleeves or apron strings, and use flame retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.
• Never leave a grill unattended once it is lit.
• Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and splatters.
• Never attempt to move a hot grill.
• If using a charcoal grill, gasoline should never be used in place of charcoal lighter fluid. And never reapply charcoal lighter fluid after the fire has started; the flames can ignite the vapors, and travel up to the can causing an explosion.

Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

Consumers should use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers.

Grills manufactured after October 1, 1995, are required to have three additional safety features to eliminate leak hazards: a device to limit the flow of gas in the event of hose rupture; a mechanism to shut-off the grill; and a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak proof. Consumers should consider purchasing grills that have these safety features. Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and NFPA

Chief Bowers Talks About Safety Tips For Grilling Season

Fire Chief Bowers talks about grilling safety below.  Have a safe weekend and please follow these tips if you will be pulling out the BBQ grill!

Reminders, Tips for Safe Disposal of Ash from Grills Provided by Division of Solid Waste Services, Fire & Rescue Service

With grilling season in full swing, Montgomery County’s Division of Solid Waste Services (DSWS/Dept. of Environmental Protection) and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service are issuing reminders and tips about the importance of safely disposing of the ash generated when using outdoor grills. 

Residents are reminded to never put out ashes from outdoor barbecues (and fireplaces) for collection with their regular household trash unless they have been thoroughly soaked with water or held for at least a week to ensure there are no residual embers.

Cooled ashes may be brought to the Solid Waste Transfer Station, for disposal in specifically-designated ash containers. The Transfer Station is located at 16101 Frederick Rd., Derwood (off Rt. 355 at Shady Grove Rd.). 

If delivering ash by car, residents are asked to use the Frederick Rd. (Rt. 355) entrance just south of Shady Grove Rd. The Transfer Station's Public Unloading Facility (PUF) -- also called the "Car Ramp" -- has several steel drums marked specifically for ash disposal. The drums are located between trash drop-off bays. DSWS staff verifies that the ash has cooled off before taking it to the rubble drop-off area for disposal. 

If delivering ash by truck, residents should use the Shady Grove Rd. entrance and speak to the scale house staff for further instructions. 

“Many residents are enjoying the summer weather, spending more time outdoors, and having barbecues. It’s extremely important that they allow the ashes from their grills – as well as any fireplaces or fire pits – to cool down completely before they properly dispose of them,” said Dan Locke, chief of the Division of Solid Waste Services. 

“Hot ashes that are not properly cooled and disposed are significant fire hazards, capable of starting fires while mixed in loads of waste in refuse collection trucks, on rail cars on their way to waste disposal facilities, or while waste is actually being processed at the County’s Transfer Station or Resource Recovery Facility,” Locke said. 

“The risk of fire becomes even greater due to the hot, dry weather conditions during the summertime.” 

Fire Chief Richard Bowers added, “Improper disposal of ashes or hot coals from fireplaces, grills or mobile fireplaces designed for decks or patios has become a common cause of many recent fires. 

“Embers often concealed in what appears to be cold ashes, can remain hot enough to rekindle a fire for several days,” he explained. “We want residents to enjoy their fireplaces and grills but to always dispose of the ashes wisely.” 

Fire Department officials remind residents to:

• Allow ashes and coals to cool in place for several days, if possible.

• When it’s time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Only use an approved metal ash bucket that has a tight fitting metal lid.

• Store the container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles or other combustible materials.

• Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes.

• Never dump ashes into a plastic container, cardboard box, bag, or anything or in any place where combustible fluids of fumes are present.

• Don't dump ashes outside on a windy day. The wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot and sending them traveling to ignite nearby combustibles.

• And lastly, always have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.

NEWS ADVISORY: Firing up the Grill? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2011

Firing up the Grill?

Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

With Memorial Day fast approaching, people will be firing up their grills for the first time this year and the last thing on many minds is probably safety, right? Well, it shouldn’t be according to Fire Chief Richie Bowers. Every year, thousands of homes catch fire because of inproper use of grills and the Fire Chief wants to remind residents that preparation is the key to staying safe when using grills this season.

Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, please review these safety tips:

 If you haven’t used your grill in a while, give it a good spring cleaning. Scour the grate with a wire brush. Save future cleaning time by using a nonstick cooking spray to prevent food from sticking to the grill.

 Before using your grill for the first time this season, go online to check whether your grill has been recalled due to any dangerous defects.

 Position the grill in a well-ventilated, flat and level surface away from your house, overhangs, deck railings, tree branches, shrubbery and anything that can burn. Never use a grill indoors or in a garage.

 Never leave a grill unattended – even for a minute – and supervise children and pets around the grill: declare three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grilling area.

 Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled-up sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle over the grill and catch fire.

 Use long-handled tongs and brushes while grilling.

 Never move a lit barbeque.

 Make sure the barbeque is turned off, and completey cooled, before covering.

For Gas Grills:

Before grilling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for checking the connection to the cylinder. An easy way to do this is to tighten the connection, turn on the cylinder and then apply a soapy water solution around the connection. If bubbles appear, the connection is leaking. Turn the cylinder off, reconnect the cylinder and check again.

 Check grill hoses for cracking, corrosion, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

 If repairs are needed, do not attempt to do them yourself. Enlist a professional.

 Always keep propane gas containers upright.

 Always open the lid of a grill before igniting it.

 Regularly remove grease and fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

 If you smell gas, turn the grill off immediately and do not use it until it is repaired.

 Do not store tanks or other flammable materials near a grill, indoors or in a heated area such as a vehicle trunk. Propane tanks need to be stored in well-ventilated areas.

For Charcoal Grills:

 Use the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources.

 Never use any type of grill inside. Don't barbeque in the garage, even with the door open. Barbecues produce carbon monoxide, which can build up in an enclosed area. Carbon monoxide is invisible, colorless and tasteless -- but extremely dangerous. Instead, set up your grill in a corner of your deck or patio. Avoid grilling on a covered or enclosed porch or on top of anything that can catch on fire.

 Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

In Montgomery County, unless you live in a house, it is illegal to:

• Kindle or maintain charcoal burners and/or gas-fired grills on balconies or within 20 feet of any structure.

• Store liquid propane (LP) gas cylinders, within 20 feet of a multi-family residential building.

Remember, when cooking outside - ALWAYS open the hood before lighting the grill. ALWAYS keep the grill in a safe area away from children, pets and heavy people traffic where someone could bump into it. NEVER try to grill inside and remember, it is best to grill 20 feet away from anything that can burn. Have a safe summer!

Sources: NFPA, CPSC and the USFA

# # #

Outdoor Grilling Safety

The onset of warm weather signals the beginning of Barbecue Season! Fire Chief Richard Bowers of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this season SAFELY! Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help: GO HERE