Candle Safety

Yet another important 101 Days of Summer Safety topic - Candles.

Candles may look festive and smell pretty but understand that unattended candles account for thousands of fires annually. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that, on average, 25 home candle fires are reported across the United States each day. Back in May, a candle caused a house fire in Bethesda.

In addition, the NFPA reports that from 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,300 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 86 deaths, 827 injuries and $374 million in direct property damage.

MCFRS asks that all residents consider battery-operated, flameless candles instead. Many look and smell like real candles - you really can’t tell the difference!

If you still wish to use open flame candles, MCFRS would like to remind all residents to check your smoke alarms regularly and please follow these safety tips while using candles in the home:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• If power is out please use flashlights for emergency lighting. Never use candles.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g., clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations, etc.).
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place lit candles in windows. Blinds and curtains can easily ignite.
• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish candles when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material. Votive and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
• Avoid candles with decorative items embedded in them.

For more tips go here: Candle Safety

Propane Grill Fire Causes One Minor Injury

On Saturday, July 16 at approximately 4 p.m., MCFRS units responded for a reported fire on a deck in the 2300 block of North Gate Terrace in the Layhill area of the county. First arriving firefighters found a propane grill on fire on the deck to the rear of the home.

All occupants were safely out of the house though firefighters reported one occupant with minor burns that required medical evaluation. Firefighters let the 'venting' propane tank burn and held it in check, before extinguishment containing the fire to the deck with no extension to the home.

The occupant of the home stated that a new propane cylinder had been installed on the grill earlier in the day. After lighting the grill, the occupant heard a slight hissing noise in the area of the propane cylinder and was checking the fitting of the hose to the cylinder when a flash fire occurred.

Approximately 45 firefighters were on the scene. One adult female occupant of the home was transported to an area hospital for a check-up of minor burns. Damages were estimated to be $500 total to the grill and deck.

A contributing factor in the fire not spreading to the home was the fact the occupant placed the propane grill away from house. MCFRS recommends that residents position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Learn more safe grilling tips here: Outdoor Grilling Safety

MCFRS Significant Incident Map - June 2016

Click on the icons and learn more about significant incidents that occurred in June. You may even find videos and photos embedded within the icon. You will also find links to more information in many as well.

This is another layer in the significant incident map since March. Once you go into the map, you can click the March, April and/or May box which will then layer those incidents in with the June map below.

 

Fire Sprinklers Keep Fire In Check

At approximately 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 MCFRS units were dispatched for an initial report of an auto fire that was changed to a dumpster fire and, finally, was upgraded to a dumpster fire next to the building as units arrived on the scene of 15780 Shady Grove Road. Units from Fire Station #32 arrived on scene and found fire showing from a dumpster attached to the building.

Firefighters from PE732 extinguished the dumpster/compactor fire while other units deployed to the interior of the building to check for extension. Crews gained entry into rear of the store to find an interior fire that was being controlled by the activation of four fire sprinkler heads. There was considerable smoke conditions throughout the building as well.

Three truck companies remained on scene for a total of two hours to assist with smoke removal from the impacted stores. There were approximately 50 firefighters were on scene.

All occupants of the store safely evacuated along with neighboring businesses. There were no injuries and initial damages were estimated to be $5,000. This total is expected to increase after appraisal of inventory and length of store closing. Fire Sprinklers save lives and property.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Derwood House Fire

This morning at a little after 5 am, MCFRS Units were dispatched for a reported house fire in the 5900 block of Willow Knoll Drive in Derwood.

First arriving units encountered heavy fire to the rear of a two story, single family home.  All occupants were safely out of the home as they awoke to a combination of a working smoke alarm and smoke in the home.

Firefighters quickly initiated an exterior attack to extinguish a large bulk of the fire and then transitioned to interior operations to extinguish the remaining fire located on the first and second floors.  The fire was quickly brought under control.

Approximately fifty (50) firefighters were on scene.  One adult and two children were displaced as a result of the damage to the home.  Firefighters did rescue one guinea pig though another guinea pig unfortunately succumbed to its injuries.  

Cause of the fire appears to be misplaced fireplace ashes in a combustible container on the back porch/deck.  Damage to the home and contents is estimated to be approximately $300K ($250K to home and $50K to contents). 

Later today, firefighters from Gaithersburg Fire Station #28 will return to the neighborhood to go door to door handing out safety tips and offering to check smoke alarms to ensure they are working.

Related Safety Tip: Fireplace and Wood Burning Safety

Electrical Safety

While cooking/kitchen fires remain the number one cause of fire in Montgomery County, our firefighters do respond to fires whose cause is electrical in nature.

With that in mind, below, please find some very helpful electrical safety tips from our partners in safety at the National Fire Protection Association.   

Electrical Safety Tips