The Use of Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas and other similar appliances has become popular in our
Community. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service would like to share with you the criteria for their use
Photo via Lowes.com
You must have permission of the land owner.
There must be one person at least 18 years of age to assume responsibility
for the use of these appliances.
A permit from the Fire Marshal or the Department of Environmental
Protection is not required.
Use in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Once you purchase this appliance, keep these
guidelines in a safe place for future reference.
Use of Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas and similar portable devices
must be at least 20 feet away from any building or structure.
Keep a clear area (clear meaning free of anything that can burn) of at least 3
feet in diameter around the appliance. Please remember that mulch can burn so keep your appliance at
least 3 feet away from mulch as well.
Do not use or store Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas or
similar devices on a balcony or deck.
Burn only aged dried wood. The burning of any type of
construction material or trash is prohibited.
Do not use any type of flammable or combustible liquid at any time.
Have a garden hose connected to a constant water source available
and close by.
Smoke is not allowed to cross property lines. Be mindful of the
wind speed prior to starting this type of fire.
Do not use on Code Orange or Code Red Air Quality days.
Dispose of all ashes in a safe manner. After 24 hours has passed, all left over hot ashes must be
thoroughly dampened, cooled and stored in a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. Ashes that
are 2 or 3 days old may appear to be safe, but can still retain enough heat to cause an unwanted fire. Do
not discard hot ashes in a compost pile, paper bag cardboard box or anything that is combustible. Also,
be careful in handling partially burned wood. The wood may still be smoldering and cause a serious
burn.
Please keep in mind, that if the Fire Department is contacted and determines
your situation to be a fire hazard, the Fire Department can require you to
extinguish your fire.
If additional questions arise, please call Code Compliance
at 240-777-2457.
Earlier
today a seven-year-old Silver Spring girl, who recently called 911 to help her
Dad, was honored as an “Everyday Hero” and met the MCFRS call taker/dispatcher,
Amanda Poore, who took her 911 call. Jenna made the right call and got help to
her home quickly.
Fire Chief Scott Goldstein praised Jenna for her quick thinking, calm demeanor
and remembering her home address as she made her 911 call on Sunday, February
28. Chief Goldstein then presented Jenna with a medal and plaque in recognition
of her outstanding effort and potentially lifesaving call.
Jenna
was then treated to a tour of the MCFRS dispatch and communication area by
Amanda.
MCFRS
utilized Periscope to live stream the even and you can view the replay below
along with other videos of the event.
Also
below is an audio of Jenna’s 911 call.
MCFRS wants to know that, if needed, can you make the right call? When calling
911, know what to expect. Learn more here: What to Expect
When You Call 911
As
well, make sure your child knows their home address – or two if mom and dad
live in different homes. Here is an activity for your child that we hope helps:
"Learn
Your Address!" Activity for Kids
Around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, MCFRS units were dispatched for a reported townhouse fire in the 1800 block of Windjammer Way in Gaithersburg. Firefighters arrived on scene and found heavy fire conditions in a two-story, middle of the row townhouse.
Two occupants of the home were alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm, exited the home and called 911. Firefighters were made aware that there was one other occupant of the home, who resided in the basement, who was unaccounted for.
Firefighters engaged in firefighting operations as well as escorting neighbors out of their homes next door. A second alarm was called for bringing additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Ultimately, the bulk of the fire was knocked down, brought under control, and mostly contained to the townhouse of origin.
Shortly after midnight, the body of an adult male was found among the debris in the basement.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and MCFRS Fire Investigators are working with Montgomery County Police Homicide detectives – which is standard procedure with a fire death. Due to the extensive damage, and partial collapse of the first floor, investigators are currently awaiting the arrival of engineers to stabilize the structure for fire investigation operations.
Red Cross is on scene and assisting the occupants and neighbors who have been displaced as a result of the fire.
Damage estimates are pending. Over 100 firefighters were on scene and there were no reported injuries to fire department personnel or residents.
A seven-year-old Silver Spring girl who recently called 911 will meet the MCFRS call taker/dispatcher who assisted with the call. The young girl made the right call and got help to her home quickly.
She and her family will hear the 911 audio tape for the first time and have an opportunity to meet the call taker/dispatcher as well as tour the MCFRS dispatch and communication area.
The youngster and her family will meet MCFRS dispatchers at the Montgomery County Public Safety Communications Center, located at 1300 Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30.
If needed, can you make the right call? When calling 911, know what to expect. Learn more here: What to Expect When You Call 911
