Raw Video from WUSA9 along with an interview with Assistant Chief Scott Graham.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NEWS ADVISORY - Photo Op
Washington Freedom and the Fire Department are Teaming up! Photo Op
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Where: Bethesda Fire Department, 6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland
(parking behind the station)
ROCKVILLE, Maryland - - The Washington Freedom is the region's elite, professional women's
soccer team and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is honored to have been selected by the club to be recognized at this weekend's game recognizing First Responders.
Stars from the Freedom will be stopping by Bethesda Fire Station 6 TODAY to test their skills off the turf. Sliding down the firehouse pole may prove more challenging than the pressure of rocketing a soccer ball thru the goalposts at high velocity … or not. These seasoned athletes definitely have what it takes and are going the extra mile to ensure that the community also has what it takes to be fire safe - - - working smoke alarms.
“The Washington Freedom is an outstanding organization and is doing great things in the community,” said Fire Chief Richie Bowers. “If any one can KICK off our Spring into Summer Safely campaign - - - it’s these athletes who are champions both on the field and off.”
Public Information Office
Media line – 240.777.2442
When: April 15, 2010 Time: 4:00 p.m.
Where: Bethesda Fire Department, 6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland
(parking behind the station)
ROCKVILLE, Maryland - - The Washington Freedom is the region's elite, professional women's
soccer team and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is honored to have been selected by the club to be recognized at this weekend's game recognizing First Responders.
Stars from the Freedom will be stopping by Bethesda Fire Station 6 TODAY to test their skills off the turf. Sliding down the firehouse pole may prove more challenging than the pressure of rocketing a soccer ball thru the goalposts at high velocity … or not. These seasoned athletes definitely have what it takes and are going the extra mile to ensure that the community also has what it takes to be fire safe - - - working smoke alarms.
“The Washington Freedom is an outstanding organization and is doing great things in the community,” said Fire Chief Richie Bowers. “If any one can KICK off our Spring into Summer Safely campaign - - - it’s these athletes who are champions both on the field and off.”
# # #
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Fire in Landscaping Materials and Mulch
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service reminds residents to use caution and common sense when it comes to fire safety as warm weather arrives. One of the most common causes of fires this time of year is improperly discarded smoking materials.
Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers is urging residents to be aware of the dangers of improperly discarded cigarettes, particularly around landscaping. “The risk of a mulch fire is more common than one might expect. We have seen a steep increase in mulch fires as commercial and public facilities ban smoking inside buildings and smoking materials are discarded into landscaped areas as people enter and/or exit a building presenting a significant safety hazard,” said Chief Bowers.
In order to reduce the potential for a fire in landscaping materials and mulch, the following guidelines are recommended:
• If you smoke, PLEASE properly dispose of all smoking materials and matches.
• If you see anything smoking in a landscaped bed, put it out safely if possible and immediately report it to someone inside the building. If the burning material is not thoroughly doused with water or removed, it may re-ignite.
• Grounds maintenance crews should be aware of the conditions that are favorable for mulch fires and increase surveillance of mulched areas.
• Businesses should provide proper receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to public buildings and in designated smoking areas. Do not use mulch in or near these areas.
• Provide a minimum of an 18-inch clearance between landscaping mulch beds and combustible building materials. Ensure proper clearance to electric devices, such as decorative lights, by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not use old planter pots that contain potting soil as an ashtray. Many mixtures include different types of fertilizers that are oxidizers and will accelerate the rate that a fire will grow.
• Although mulch helps retain soil moisture, when dry, it can become flammable. Keep landscaping moist if possible.
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service also reminds citizens to always have working smoke alarms on every level of their home and a home fire escape plan. It is best to practice that plan at least twice a year – more often with small children. The plan should include two ways out of every room, a meeting place outside the home and instructions for calling 9-1-1 immediately after exiting the home. For more fire and life safety information, visit us at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe
In order to reduce the potential for a fire in landscaping materials and mulch, the following guidelines are recommended:
• If you smoke, PLEASE properly dispose of all smoking materials and matches.
• If you see anything smoking in a landscaped bed, put it out safely if possible and immediately report it to someone inside the building. If the burning material is not thoroughly doused with water or removed, it may re-ignite.
• Grounds maintenance crews should be aware of the conditions that are favorable for mulch fires and increase surveillance of mulched areas.
• Businesses should provide proper receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to public buildings and in designated smoking areas. Do not use mulch in or near these areas.
• Provide a minimum of an 18-inch clearance between landscaping mulch beds and combustible building materials. Ensure proper clearance to electric devices, such as decorative lights, by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not use old planter pots that contain potting soil as an ashtray. Many mixtures include different types of fertilizers that are oxidizers and will accelerate the rate that a fire will grow.
• Although mulch helps retain soil moisture, when dry, it can become flammable. Keep landscaping moist if possible.
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service also reminds citizens to always have working smoke alarms on every level of their home and a home fire escape plan. It is best to practice that plan at least twice a year – more often with small children. The plan should include two ways out of every room, a meeting place outside the home and instructions for calling 9-1-1 immediately after exiting the home. For more fire and life safety information, visit us at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Home Fires Can Start Outdoors!
With warm weather upon us, many people are taking an opportunity to enjoy various outdoor activities after a cold and snowy winter. Unfortunately, some of these outdoor activities can lead to serious fires in and around your home if you are not careful. Yesterday, Montgomery County experienced several fires that started outside but next to houses/buildings that placed people and property in danger. In the recent past the County experienced a fire in an Alzheimer care facility that was severely damaged by a fire started outside of the building by a cigarette!
Clean – Remove all dead plant material from around your home; this includes dead leaves, dry grass and even stacked firewood
Although mulch helps retain soil moisture, when dry, it can become flammable. Mulch as well as all landscaping should be kept well watered to prevent them from becoming fire fuel.
Do not use old planter pots that contain potting soil as an ashtray. Many mixtures include different types of fertilizers that are oxidizers which will make a fire that does start, grow at an even faster rate.
Keep an ashtray in areas where someone might be smoking around potted plants.
If you have dead plants in pots in and around your home, discard them properly by throwing them out in the trash or spreading the soil from the pots in your yard or garden.
Keep your potted plants well watered and maintained.
If you keep potting soil in your garage or on your deck, do not leave it near any combustible material.
Barbeque Grills
In 2003-2006, one-third (33%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch, 18% started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 11% started on an exterior wall surface.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Propane grills
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
Charcoal grills
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Always keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use a UL approved extension cord for outdoor use. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Smoking materials
Smoking materials (i.e., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
If you smoke outside, use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table or surface
Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
Check under outdoor furniture cushions and in other places people smoke for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight.
If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires.
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children's sight and reach.
Several tips gathered from the NFPA and USFA.
To help people enjoy outdoor activities around your home in a safe manner, the women and men of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue ask that you please take a moment to review the below safety tips from some of our safety partners (listed below). Also take a moment to review the video above from our safety partners at the National Fire Protection Association on grilling safety.
Plants, Mulch, Potted Plants
Clean – Remove all dead plant material from around your home; this includes dead leaves, dry grass and even stacked firewood
Although mulch helps retain soil moisture, when dry, it can become flammable. Mulch as well as all landscaping should be kept well watered to prevent them from becoming fire fuel.
Do not use old planter pots that contain potting soil as an ashtray. Many mixtures include different types of fertilizers that are oxidizers which will make a fire that does start, grow at an even faster rate.
Keep an ashtray in areas where someone might be smoking around potted plants.
If you have dead plants in pots in and around your home, discard them properly by throwing them out in the trash or spreading the soil from the pots in your yard or garden.
Keep your potted plants well watered and maintained.
If you keep potting soil in your garage or on your deck, do not leave it near any combustible material.
Barbeque Grills
In 2003-2006, one-third (33%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch, 18% started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 11% started on an exterior wall surface.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Propane grills
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
Charcoal grills
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Always keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use a UL approved extension cord for outdoor use. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Smoking materials
Smoking materials (i.e., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
If you smoke outside, use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table or surface
Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
Check under outdoor furniture cushions and in other places people smoke for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight.
If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires.
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children's sight and reach.
Several tips gathered from the NFPA and USFA.
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