Residents living in Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino counties interested in a fire prevention program email jack.markle@fire.ca.gov
In a matter of seconds, a life time of memories can go up in flames. Sadly, as we grow older, our risk of dying in a home fire increases dramatically. The CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit wants to remind people aged 50 plus to please pay special attention to fire safety. According to the United States Fire Administration, “each year approximately 1,100 Americans ages 65 and older die as a result of a home fire.”
CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Chief Tim McClelland says “if elderly citizens take some simple precautions, they can dramatically reduce their risk of death or injury from fire.”
Smoke Safely: Careless smoking has been shown to be a major cause of fire deaths and injuries for people 65 years and older.
· Never smoke in bed.
· Put your cigarette or cigar out at the first sign of feeling drowsy while watching television or reading.
· Use deep ashtrays and put your cigarettes all the way out.
· Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials.
Cook Safely: The kitchen can be a very dangerous place if you are not practicing fire safety. The USFA says “cooking is the third leading cause of fire deaths and the leading cause of injury among people ages 65 and older.”
· Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
· Always wear short or tight fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames.
· Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
· Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house.
Heat Safely: During these cool winter months, there are historically more home fires than any other time of the year. Heating devices like space heaters and wood stoves can make a home comfortable, but they should be used with extra caution according to CAL FIRE and the USFA. Heating is the second leading cause of fire deaths and third leading cause of injury to people 65 years of age and older.
· Keep fire in the fire place by making sure you have a fireplace screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.
· Space heaters need space. Keep flammable materials as least three feet away from heaters.
· When purchasing a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
Get Out Alive:
· Smoke Alarms: Install and maintain a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test the batteries every month and change the batteries at least once a year. A good idea is to replace the batteries with the spring and fall time changes.
· Carbon Monoxide Detectors: It’s the law in California that every residential home now have a Carbon Monoxide detector installed. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and many types of appliances and cooking devices. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people and sending more than 20,000 people to emergency rooms across the nation.”
· Home Fire Escape Plan: Create and most importantly practice a fire escape plan regularly. At a minimum you should practice your escape plan twice a year. Make the time change weekend a fire safety and review weekend. Keep your exits clear of debris.
· Home Fire Sprinklers: If at all possible, install residential sprinklers in your home. Home fire sprinklers are a proven way to protect lives and property against fires at home.
CAL FIRE and your local fire department want you to be fire safe by practicing fire-safe behaviors when smoking, cooking and heating. Maintain your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and prepare and practice a home fire escape plan. For more suggestions on fire safety, you can go to www.fire.ca.gov
San Bernardino Unit Chief Tim McClelland administers the oath of office to newly promoted Division Chief Darren Feldman. Chief Feldman who has been the Administrative Officer for the San Bernardino Unit since 2006 was recently promoted from battalion Chief to Division Chief. He will remain in his Administrative Officer position. Division Chief Feldman is one of the longest serving Administrative Officers in CAL FIRE and has provided his expertise and support to three Unit Chiefs.
Chief Feldman began his career in 1984 as a paid call firefighter in the city of Highland. During his career, he has worked in city fire stations, wildland fire stations, and as a Captain at the Fenner Conservation Camp. From there he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assumed his duties as the Unit's Administrative Officer. Congratulations Chief Feldman!
Officials from the San Bernardino Unit of Cal Fire have lifted the wind caused burn suspension effective 6:00 A.M. today Monday, December 12, 2011. Fire Prevention Battalion Chief Preston Fouts says “burning will be allowed until weather conditions require the burn suspension to be reinstituted.” According to Chief Fouts, each request for a burn permit will be accompanied with a physical inspection of the property. There will also be special instructions placed on the permits such as; extra clearing, making sure that there is a charged water source immediately available and tools are at hand. “While rain is predicted, fire conditions remain difficult. We want to allow residents in those areas that are able to burn to do so. With the personal inspections prior to the issuance of the burn permit and cooperating weather, we feel confident that with the property owners as partners in prevention with Cal Fire, we can reduce some of the current fire potential” said Unit Chief Tim McClelland.
It is important to realize that the moisture levels in the wildland vegetation remain dangerously low. “It continues to be important for homeowners to harden their properties against the potential of wildland fires” said Chief McClelland. Property owners need to maintain the 100 foot clearance (or to the property line). To find out more about how to comply with the fire clearance laws or to find out ways to harden your home against wildfire, you can contact your local fire department, CAL FIRE or go to the CAL FIRE web site at http://www.fire.ca.gov/ or http://www.readyforwildfire.org/ .
CAL FIRE is suspending burning permits on ALL STATE RESPONSIBILITY LANDS WITHIN INYO, MONO and SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES. This is being done because of the anticipated severe windy period being forecast for this week which when combined with the dry vegetation throughout the region creates a high potential for wildland fire. The burn suspension will be instituted beginning Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 6:00 A.M. in accordance with Section 4423.1 of the California Public Resources Code. The suspension is effective except in incorporated cities. Additionally, the use of campfires is restricted to campfire facilities located within established campgrounds that are open to the public.
Tim McClelland, CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Chief says “the forecast possibility of unusually strong winds combined with the dry vegetation across the wildland areas of Southern California and the areas of Inyo and Mono counties increases the potential for fire ignitions. By taking this step, we hope to reduce the accidental fire starts that can threaten life and property within Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino Counties.”
Homeowner’s responsibility is the key to fire safety. Following the law and having their 100 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) is a great first step in making their homes and property fire resistive.
Once again, the Burning Permit Suspension is effective beginning Wednesday morning, November 30, 2011 at 6:00 A.M. and will remain in effect until the suspension is terminated by CAL FIRE.
San Bernardino – The CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit will transition to winter staffing levels beginning Monday, November 21, 2011. The recent rains, mild weather and cooler temperatures have combined to reduce the threat of wildland fires. This allows CAL FIRE to reduce resources from the peak staffing levels for the high fire hazard months of summer and fall.
Seasonal firefighter layoffs will be completed by Monday, November 21, 2011. One CAL FIRE engine will remain staffed and will be located in the Owens Valley. While the other San Bernardino Unit engines will be undergoing winter maintenance, they will be able to be quickly put into service if necessary. Helicopter 305 will be available on an as needed basis. Fire crews will continue to be able to respond to emergencies if needed throughout the winter months.
Not only is this time used for maintenance of equipment, fire engines, aircraft, but for firefighter training in preparation for the high fire hazard months of 2012. . “Our ability to expand or reduce staffing levels and equipment operations to correspond with the fire hazard threat allows CAL FIRE to operate more economically and efficiently” Said Unit Chief Tim McClelland.
CAL FIRE maintains 5,000 full time trained firefighters statewide with the ability to respond to all-risk situations year round. It is important to remember that the threat of wildland fire is not gone. Careless or intentional acts can still ignite a vegetation fire. Cal FIRE needs You to continue to be fire safe. Remember to observe all fire rules and regulations in whatever you do in the wildland. “Even a small vegetation fire can be dangerous and destructive” says Preston Fouts, CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Fire Prevention Battalion Chief.
CAL FIRE wants to commend the public for their increased awareness and participation in fire prevention and fire hazard reduction.
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