Showing posts with label fireworks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fireworks. Show all posts
Friday, May 4, 2012
Arson Awareness Week: Prevent Youth Firesetting
The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal is pleased to partner with U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), Safe Kids USA, USAonWatch, National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and the National Association of State Fire Marshals to announce the theme for the May 6-12, 2012, Arson Awareness Week (AAW): Prevent Youth Firesetting.
This year's theme is intended to raise public awareness of the collaborative effort with fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, mental health, social services, schools, and juvenile justice to help reduce the incidents of youth misusing fire.
Oregon data shows there were more than 500 reported youth set fires in 2010-2011. The majority of these fires were started by youths from 10-15 years of age.
"Most people don't realize the serious consequences of youth-set fire behavior," said Oregon Chief Deputy State Marshal Jim Walker. "Whether it's a young child misusing a cigarette lighter or a teen setting a fire for the fun of it, these behaviors are risky, can be deadly, and result in thousands of dollars in property loss."
Parents need to be aware they may be held financially responsible for property damage or injuries resulting from a youth-set fire. Youths should be aware they could be cited with a criminal offense for setting an intentional fire (e.g. arson or reckless burning) and face serious legal, financial, and emotional consequences.
Youths who do not understand the power of fire can be seriously burned.
Here are some fire safety tips for parents/caregivers:
* If your teens have a fascination with fire, check their bedroom for matches, lighters, flammable liquids, fireworks, and other devices.
* Monitor the internet sites your teen frequents.
* If your teen burns candles or incense, be sure to set clear rules that these items must be extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed.
* Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of young children at all times.
* Have working smoke alarms in your home and practice a home escape plan.
If you are concerned because your child repeatedly sets fires, contact your local fire department now, before tragedy occurs. Oregon has an effective, well-developed network of concerned firefighters, law enforcement officers, and counselors.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Fire restrictions increased in No. Cascade District
August 19, 2011
Contact: Jamie Paul, Oregon Dept. of Forestry – No. Cascade District, 503-829-2216
MOLALLA – Warm, dry weather has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to increase fire safety restrictions in the North Cascade Forest Protection District beginning Wednesday, Aug. 17. The North Cascade District protects private, State and some Federal forestlands in portions of Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion and northern Linn counties. A regulated use closure is now in place for all private and public lands within the ODF protection boundary. Most summers, these restrictions would already be in place, but this year’s weather allowed for a delay.
Fire season officially started July 13 and although the dry summer weather has been late in coming this year, vegetation has now had time to dry out and the fire threat is in full force. The decision to institute the regulated-use closure in the region was based on the continued drying of wildland fuels, and forecasted weather patterns calling for warmer and drier weather with no measurable precipitation in the foreseeable future.
“The message right now is that we’ve had a delayed start to fire season and because of that, people have gotten complacent about fire danger,” said Christian Paul, protection supervisor for the ODF Molalla Unit.
Several recent fires in the Molalla, Colton and Clarkes-Highland areas have caused concern for ODF fire managers. One fire took off quickly in dried grasses and threatened a nearby barn. For all-wood buildings, ODF recommends keeping nearby vegetation well-trimmed and putting a few feet of rock between the building and the grass.
“I think one of the take-home prevention methods ODF would recommend is for homeowners to keep vegetation lean and green around their houses and structures,” Paul said.
Another fire was caused by juveniles. ODF reminds parents to stay aware of their children’s activities during the summer months and to reinforce the message that fire, matches and lighters are “tools, not toys.”
The stepped-up restrictions include the following:
1. Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks that are free of vegetation.
2. Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
3. Chainsaw use is prohibited, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., in areas subject to Industrial Fire Precaution Level I and II. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one ax, one shovel, and one operational 8 oz. or larger fire extinguisher. In addition a fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.
4. Chainsaw use is prohibited in areas subject to Industrial Fire Precaution Level III and IV.
5. Use of motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads or for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
6. All motor vehicles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2-½ lb. or larger fire extinguisher, one ax, and one shovel, except when traveling on state highways and county roads and driveways. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one operational 2-½ lb. or larger fire extinguisher, except when traveling on state highways and county roads.
7. Use of fireworks is prohibited.
8. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is permitted at all other hours, if conducted in a cleared area and if a water supply is present.
9. Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
10. Blasting is prohibited, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
11. Use of exploding targets is prohibited.
12. Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer instruction for fire safe operation.
For more information, contact your local Oregon Dept. of Forestry office. In Molalla, call 503-829-2216. In Lyons, call 503-859-2151.
Contact: Jamie Paul, Oregon Dept. of Forestry – No. Cascade District, 503-829-2216
MOLALLA – Warm, dry weather has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to increase fire safety restrictions in the North Cascade Forest Protection District beginning Wednesday, Aug. 17. The North Cascade District protects private, State and some Federal forestlands in portions of Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion and northern Linn counties. A regulated use closure is now in place for all private and public lands within the ODF protection boundary. Most summers, these restrictions would already be in place, but this year’s weather allowed for a delay.
Fire season officially started July 13 and although the dry summer weather has been late in coming this year, vegetation has now had time to dry out and the fire threat is in full force. The decision to institute the regulated-use closure in the region was based on the continued drying of wildland fuels, and forecasted weather patterns calling for warmer and drier weather with no measurable precipitation in the foreseeable future.
“The message right now is that we’ve had a delayed start to fire season and because of that, people have gotten complacent about fire danger,” said Christian Paul, protection supervisor for the ODF Molalla Unit.
Several recent fires in the Molalla, Colton and Clarkes-Highland areas have caused concern for ODF fire managers. One fire took off quickly in dried grasses and threatened a nearby barn. For all-wood buildings, ODF recommends keeping nearby vegetation well-trimmed and putting a few feet of rock between the building and the grass.
“I think one of the take-home prevention methods ODF would recommend is for homeowners to keep vegetation lean and green around their houses and structures,” Paul said.
Another fire was caused by juveniles. ODF reminds parents to stay aware of their children’s activities during the summer months and to reinforce the message that fire, matches and lighters are “tools, not toys.”
The stepped-up restrictions include the following:
1. Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks that are free of vegetation.
2. Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
3. Chainsaw use is prohibited, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., in areas subject to Industrial Fire Precaution Level I and II. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one ax, one shovel, and one operational 8 oz. or larger fire extinguisher. In addition a fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.
4. Chainsaw use is prohibited in areas subject to Industrial Fire Precaution Level III and IV.
5. Use of motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads or for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
6. All motor vehicles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2-½ lb. or larger fire extinguisher, one ax, and one shovel, except when traveling on state highways and county roads and driveways. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one operational 2-½ lb. or larger fire extinguisher, except when traveling on state highways and county roads.
7. Use of fireworks is prohibited.
8. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is permitted at all other hours, if conducted in a cleared area and if a water supply is present.
9. Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
10. Blasting is prohibited, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
11. Use of exploding targets is prohibited.
12. Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer instruction for fire safe operation.
For more information, contact your local Oregon Dept. of Forestry office. In Molalla, call 503-829-2216. In Lyons, call 503-859-2151.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
SUMMER FIRE SAFETY TIPS FROM FEMA
Emergency Managers Urge Caution
SEATTLE – As skies clear and weather turns warmer, Pacific Northwest residents are hoping for glorious weather this Fourth of July. But however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, 73 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between 18 June and 18 July.
“When celebrating the Fourth of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays held by trained professionals,” said Murphy. “Summer holidays should be fun and generate good memories, not pain and remorse. Have fun, but be safe.”
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS:
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
• Observe local laws.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
GRILLING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep, matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation’s fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
SEATTLE – As skies clear and weather turns warmer, Pacific Northwest residents are hoping for glorious weather this Fourth of July. But however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, 73 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between 18 June and 18 July.
“When celebrating the Fourth of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays held by trained professionals,” said Murphy. “Summer holidays should be fun and generate good memories, not pain and remorse. Have fun, but be safe.”
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS:
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
• Observe local laws.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
GRILLING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep, matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation’s fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Oregon Fireworks - keep it legal and keep it safe
The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Oregon fire service, natural resource agencies, Oregon fireworks wholesalers, and safety experts encourage Oregonians to keep it legal and keep it safe when using fireworks. The 2011 Oregon fireworks sales season opens today, June 23 and runs through July 6. The OSFM and their partners want everyone to know what are legal fireworks in Oregon, where they are permitted, and the important steps everyone can take for fireworks safety.
"Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands," advises Interim State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "And regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. For example, fireworks are prohibited on all Oregon beaches, in parks, and campgrounds."
Oregon law bans possession, use or sale of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman Candles, and firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon.
Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
There were 117 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon during 2010, resulting in more than $1.6 million in property damage. Over the past five years from 2006 through 2010 there were 1,057 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon resulting in one death, 62 civilian injuries, and more than $4.7 million in property damage.
"All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only legal fireworks and use them carefully," adds Walker.
The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
*Be Prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
*Be Safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
*Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak in a bucket of water before disposal.
*Be Aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.
The four B's of fireworks safety brochure is available here:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/4BesFireworks.pdf.
Tips in Spanish are also available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/Fireworks_4Bs_Spanish.pdf.
More fireworks information is available at:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Licensing_Fireworks_Home.shtml
"Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands," advises Interim State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "And regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. For example, fireworks are prohibited on all Oregon beaches, in parks, and campgrounds."
Oregon law bans possession, use or sale of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman Candles, and firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon.
Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
There were 117 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon during 2010, resulting in more than $1.6 million in property damage. Over the past five years from 2006 through 2010 there were 1,057 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon resulting in one death, 62 civilian injuries, and more than $4.7 million in property damage.
"All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only legal fireworks and use them carefully," adds Walker.
The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
*Be Prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
*Be Safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
*Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak in a bucket of water before disposal.
*Be Aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.
The four B's of fireworks safety brochure is available here:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/4BesFireworks.pdf.
Tips in Spanish are also available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/Fireworks_4Bs_Spanish.pdf.
More fireworks information is available at:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Licensing_Fireworks_Home.shtml
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Happy 4th of July
I am taking a few day off starting today, July 1. I will be out of the office until Wednesday, July 7. During that time, I may or may not be posting on this blog. If I find something that I think would be of great importance to our readers, I will do my best to get it on here in a timely manner. Otherwise, have a great holiday, be careful with fireworks, be safe and drive sober, take your emergency kit with you, and I'll be back soon.
Jenni
Jenni
Monday, June 28, 2010
Fireworks Can Foil Family Fun
July 4
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:34:33 -0500
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Weather forecasts are mixed in the Pacific Northwest for this year’s Fourth of July observances, but however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. More than 30,000 fires are attributed to fireworks every year, and according to Dennis Hunsinger, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington Murphy, more than half of those occur the first week in July.
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:34:33 -0500
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Weather forecasts are mixed in the Pacific Northwest for this year’s Fourth of July observances, but however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. More than 30,000 fires are attributed to fireworks every year, and according to Dennis Hunsinger, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington Murphy, more than half of those occur the first week in July.
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