Camano Island Fire and Rescue
525 E. North Camano Dr.
Camano Island, WA 98282

Emergency: 9-1-1
Office: (360) 629-3008

Double Click on the movie start button arrow to engage the video.

• In 2007, there were an estimated 399,000 reported home structure fires resulting in 2,865 civilian deaths and 13,600 civilian injuries and $7.4 billion in direct damage in the United States. Home fires caused 84% of civilian deaths and 77% of injuries.
• Heating equipment and smoking are the leading causes of civilian home fire deaths.
• January and December were the peak months for home fires and home fire deaths.
• More than half of all home fire deaths result from incidents reported between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., but only 20% of home fires occur between these hours.
• Children under 5 and older adults face the highest risk of home fire death, but young adults face a higher risk of home fire injury.

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Most-common smoke alarms often disabled

Residents remove batteries after false scares, study finds

By PHUONG CAT LE
P-I REPORTER

The type of smoke alarm most commonly found in U.S. homes was the least likely to be working months after being installed, according to a research by the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center and the University of Washington.

After installing two types of smoke alarms -- photoelectric and the more popular ionization -- in 750 King County homes, researchers returned nine months later to find that 20 percent of the ionized alarms weren't working, compared with just 5 percent of the photoelectric alarms. They got similar results when they checked six months later.

The biggest reason ionized alarms weren't working?

Residents disconnected the battery or didn't replace it. Researchers found that ionized detectors were more prone to "nuisance alarms" from normal cooking, so many residents disabled their smoke alarms as a result.

Compared with ionization ones, photoelectric alarms had fewer absent or disconnected batteries, the study found.

"Our study seemed to show by using photoelectric, you can reduce the nuisance alarms and increase the long-term function," said Dr. David Grossman, a pediatrician and study co-investigator who is now medical director for preventive care at Group Health in Seattle.

The study appears in the April issue of the peer-reviewed journal Injury Prevention.

"Many fires in the house start in or around the kitchen, so we know that it is critical to having functioning smoke alarms on the first level," Dr. Beth Mueller, principal investigator and epidemiologist at the Harborview research center said in a statement. "Clearly, photoelectric detectors performed much better in this part of the house."

Photoelectric alarms are generally better at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization ones are better at detecting fast, flaming fires.

Photoelectric alarms use optical sensors; ionization alarms detect particles from rapid combustion. Packaging ought to tell you which smoke alarm you are buying.

"If you have a smoke detector that's working and not offering any trouble, there's not necessarily a reason to change it," Grossman said. But if you're installing a new smoke alarm, the evidence points to photoelectric probably being a better choice, he added.

The National Fire Protection Association, a leading nonprofit advocating fire prevention, however, recommends having both types in your home.

"First and foremost, you should have and maintain smoke alarms in your home," said the group's spokeswoman Lorraine Carli. "Because you're not going to be able to predict the type of fire, you're best protected by having both technologies."

If nuisance alarms are a concern, consumers can buy alarms with hush features. If the alarm goes off because of burnt toast or steam from the shower, the "hush" button will silence the alarm, and it will reset itself.

"The worst thing people can do is disable the smoke alarm and not return the battery to it," Carli said. "Regardless of the type of smoke alarm you have, the sad reality is we see the majority of fire deaths in homes that have no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, which reinforces that you have to have them and maintain them."

SAFETY TIPS

·  Test your smoke alarms once a month.

·  Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year, or when alarm "chirps" that the battery is low.

·  Never borrow a battery from a smoke alarm.

·  Don't disable alarms, even temporarily.

·  If your alarm sounds "nuisance alarms," try moving it farther from kitchens or bathrooms, where fumes and steam can trigger alarms.

·  Replace alarms every 10 years. Can't remember how old it is? It's probably time for a new one.

·  Consider buying a long-life battery that lasts 10 years and costs about $17.

SOURCE: National Fire Protection Agency

WHERE TO BUY

Lowe's, Sears, The Home Depot, Target, Ace Hardware and Fred Meyer are just some of the retail stores that sell photoelectric smoke alarms from $15 and up. Ionization alarms run $10 and up. Dual sensor alarms are also commonly available.

Some Smoke Alarms Better Than Others

New study finds that household photoelectric alarms are more likely to remain working

If you thought all smoke alarms were equally effective, think again.  According to a recent study by researchers from the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center (HIPRC) and the University of Washington in Seattle, photoelectric smoke alarms are much more likely to remain functioning after installation than are ionization alarms.  Ionization alarms are the most common type found in U.S. households.

The study, which looked at more than 750 households in Washington State, found that nine months after a smoke alarm was installed, 20% of the ionized alarms did not function, compared to just 5% of the photoelectric alarms.  Researchers checked the same alarms six months later and found similar results.  The most common cause of a non-functioning alarm was the removal or disconnection of the battery.

Researchers found that ionization detectors were more prone to nuisance alarms, often caused by cooking.   Nuisance alarms are the most cited reason by residents for removing or disconnecting an alarm battery. "Many fires in the house start in or around the kitchen, so we know that it is critical to have functioning smoke alarms on the first level, adjacent to the kitchen," said Dr. Beth Mueller, the study principal investigator and epidemiologist at the HIPRC.  "Clearly, photoelectric detectors performed much better in this part of the house."  

Alarms sold for home use in the U.S. are ionization, photoelectric, or combination designs. Photoelectric and ionization alarms operate differently.  While both detect particles from combustion, photoelectric alarms use optical sensors and are more sensitive to slow, smoldering conditions. Ionization alarms are responsive to flames by detecting particles from rapid combustion.

"The study results are significant," said Dr. David Grossman, a pediatrician and study co-investigator who is now medical director for preventive care at Group Health in Seattle. "Though the U.S. has made great strides in getting these life-saving smoke alarms in people's homes, we still have a long way to go to make sure that they remain operational.  Photoelectric alarms may be a key answer to providing longer term protection." The study appears in the April issue of the international journal Injury Prevention. Research was funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and the King County Fire Chiefs' Association. Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center is affiliated with the University of Washington, and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. It is one of the nation's leading centers dedicated to injury prevention and trauma research.

National Burn Awareness Week

Here are a few reminders about how to deal with minor and severe burns.

* For a small minor burn, run or submerge the area in cool water for at least five minutes. Then cover with a dry, sterile bandage. Once the burn is cooled, moisturizing lotion can be used to relieve discomfort. Giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help reduce pain and swelling.

*For a serious burn, call 911 immediately.

*Make sure the person is breathing properly and their airway remains as clear as possible. Cover the burn with a clean, dry bandage or cloth.

*Elevate the burned area above the heart and take steps to prevent shock. Do not apply ointments, and do not attempt to remove any clothing stuck to the skin. Any second degree burn that is over a large area or is on the hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or major joints should be treated as a severe burn.

TRENDS IN NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Link:      http://www.tvfr.com/Dept/fm/const/doc_files/skinny_streets.wmv

The video depicts recent trends in new residential construction, which could impact the ability of Fire / EMS service providers in their timely response during an emergency.   This link will connect you to the T.V.F.R. Web Site in Oregon.   The file is large (29mb) and may take up to 90 seconds to load on your browser.

 

 

"Practice Your Escape Plan!" — that's the message of Fire Prevention Week 2007. It's not enough just to have a fire escape plan. To escape safely from a home fire you've got to make sure that everyone in the home has practiced the plan as well. Take this new Fire Prevention Week quiz and see how many questions you can answer correctly. Good luck!

1. What percentage of household have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely?

1. 50%.
2. 30%.
3. 23%.
4. 75%.

2. Smoke alarms are needed:

1. in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
2. in all rooms in the home.
3. in all rooms in the home except for the bedrooms.
4. in every sleeping room and on every level of the home.

3. Smoke alarms should be tested at least:

1. once a week.
2. once a month.
3. once a year.
4. they don't need to be tested. 

4. Smoke alarms should be replaced:

1. when they chirp.
2. when you paint the ceiling.
3. every 10 years.
4. every Fire Prevention Week.

5. More than half of all home fire deaths result from incidents reported between:

1. 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
2. 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
3. 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
4. 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

6. What kind of fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries?

1. Heating.
2. Cooking.
3. Smoking.
4. Electrical.

7. Heading down the hallway to the stairs and there is smoke - what should you do?

1. Grab a towel and block your face.
2. Run.
3. Use your second way out.
4. Hold your breath.

8. An escape plan should include:

1. Two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place.
2. Two ways out of every room and a fire extinguisher and a meeting place.
3. Two ways out of every room, smoke alarms, an outside meeting place and practice.
4. Two ways out of every room, smoke alarms, telephone, and an outside meeting place. 

9. In a fire you may have as little as two minutes to escape however, a recent poll showed three-quarters of Americans think they have ________ before a fire can turn deadly?

1. less that 4.
2. less that 6.
3. less than 8.
4. less than 10.

10. If you want to be counted, you should be part of:

1. Practice your escape plan.
2. the Great American Fire Drill.
3. Get out, stay out.
4. Go to your meeting place.

ANSWERS: 

1).    23

2).    IN EVERY SLEEPING ROOM, OUTSIDE EACH SLEEPING AREA AND ON EVERY LEVEL OF THE   HOME.

3).   ONCE PER MONTH

4).    EVERY 10 YEARS

5).   11 PM AND 7 AM

6).    COOKING

7).    USE YOUR SECOND WAY OUT

8).   TWO WAYS OUT OF EVERY ROOM, SMOKE ALARMS, AND OUTSIDE MEETING   PLACE AND PRACTICE.

9).    LESS THAN 10

10).  THE GREAT AMERCAN FIRE DRILL

This fall and winter season the last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don't give some thought to it before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be very short-lived. Why ? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people.

Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fueled fires, while providing heat for ahome. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion - thesubstances given off when wood burns.

As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote.

Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky ... tar-like, drippy and sticky ... or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system.

Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities and catches fire inside the chimney flue- the result will be a chimney fire. Although any amount of creosote can burn, sweeps are concerned when creosote builds up in sufficient quantities to sustain a long, hot, destructive chimney fire.

Certain conditions encourage the buildup of creosote, restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than-normal chimney temperatures are all factors that can accelerate the buildup of creosote on chimney flue walls.

Chimney fires don't have to happen. Here are some ways to avoid them :

· Use seasoned woods only (dryness is more important than hard wood versus soft wood considerations)

· Build smaller, hotter fires that bum more completely and produce less smoke

· Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimneyfire

PROPER MAINTENANCE

Clean chimneys don't catch fire. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep TM inspects your solid fuel

venting system annually, and cleans and repairs it whenever needed.

Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove.

CSIA recommends that you call on certified chimney sweeps, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems .

What to Do if You Have a Chimney Fire

If you realize a chimney fire is occurring, follow these steps:

1) Get everyone out of the house, including yourself

2) Call the fire department

 

When you're buying a home, be sure to have a chimney professional check the fireplace to make sure it is functional and does not need repairs.

After you've moved in, have a chimney sweep clean and inspect the fireplace annually to make sure it's safe. Between professional inspections, do your own checks and maintenance to monitor and enhance the unit's performance.

Checking Chimney Caps
A cap fitted with wire mesh sides covers the hole at the top of the chimney. It keeps rain, birds, animals, and debris from entering. Replace or repair a cap that is missing or damaged.

Inspect Masonry Chimneys
Examine the outer mortar between bricks or stone to make sure it is intact. Shine a flashlight down the chimney to look at the mortar inside.

About Chimney Sweep Professionals

 

Why do I need my chimney swept?

What else does a chimney professional do for me?

 

When wood is burned, not all the smoke escapes from the chimney. Some will cool down and become solid, producing creosote. Sweeping the chimney removes this flammable residue. Further, creosote is corrosive to the flue tiles in the chimney and can cause unpleasant odors in your home. Ideally, the chimney should be swept in the spring time just after the winter burn season is over.

  

A truly scary aspect of chimney fires is that they often occur without the homeowner's knowledge. Chimney fires tend to happen most often within a short time of adding wood to a burning fire or upon lighting a new fire. Often people heating with wood are adding fuel to the fire before going to bed or leaving for work and are unaware that the chimney has caught fire.

 

All chimneys need to be inspected yearly and cleaned when needed. Oil soot is less flammable than wood residues but can cause blockages that allow carbon monoxide and other fumes to back up into the living space of your home. Gas appliances can also cause soot but are more prone to cause damage due to moisture condensation that can cause rapid chimney deterioration. Improperly sized gas flues are a leading cause of severe damages to chimneys and walls which also can allow deadly fumes to enter your home. Leaves, birds, animals and other intruders can also cause blockages that can inhibit proper draft.

 

As chimney sweep professionals, we also check other components of your home's heating system. We look for visible damage, structural design problems, signs of deterioration and check proper clearances for the appliance and venting system. We advise you on fire safety, proper maintenance and habits of use to help make sure your chimney serves its function to keep your home warm and safe. When repairs, renovation or upgrades are needed, we're prepared to provide most any type of chimney related services you could need.

 

You should expect these services from your local professional chimney sweep. In the absence of other criteria such as references from friends and relatives, ask if your local chimney sweep company is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and/or if they're certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).  While many fine companies and chimney sweep technicians may not have either credential, having them shows their knowledge has been recently tested and that they met the training standards for accreditation.

 What Should I Consider Before Hiring a Chimney Sweep?

When home heating costs began to rise signficantly in the 1970s and 1980s, many homeowners turned to wood as a cheaper source of energy. Along with this renewed interest in firewood came a boom in the wood-burning stove market. While homeowners did enjoy a reduced dependency on expensive natural gas and electricity, wood-burning stoves brought back many of the problems homeowners faced a hundred years ago. Over time, the accumulation of soot, creosote and other by-products created a fire hazard which could only be eliminated by a professional chimney sweep. This created a new cottage industry of independent chimney sweep companies and fireplace safety inspectors.

Before hiring a chimney sweep to clean out your fireplace flue or chimney, you should ask yourself a few questions. First of all, can you perform the same tasks yourself without going through the expense of hiring a professional? A chimney sweep probably won't volunteer to clean out your collection of ashes or clean the visible portions of your stove or fireplace. Those tasks can be very messy and time-consuming, but a diligent homeowner can probably do just as well as a professional with the right cleaning equipment. If your needs are largely cosmetic, you shouldn't need to call in a chimney sweep.

If you've been burning wood for several months, especially oily firewoods such as fir, you'll need a professional chimney sweep to remove build-up of a natural substance called creosote. Creosote is released while the firewood burns and naturally clings to the inner walls of the flue or chimney. Unlike soot, creosote cannot be removed with a wire brush alone. If the accumulated creosote and soot become hot enough, the result is often a chimney fire. If you regularly burn oily firewoods and suspect a build-up of creosote, definitely call a professional chimney sweep. He or she may use chemicals in addition to brushes to break up the hardened creosote.

Before hiring a chimney sweep, you may want to ask for the company's credentials or the sweep's level of training. Chimney sweep companies often belong to national trade associations with strict guidelines concerning training and services. Independent chimney sweeps may also receive certification from recognized fire safety training centers. Unfortunately, the increased demand for chimney sweep services has lead to a number of fly-by-night operations. A trained chimney sweep should do more than run a wire brush through the chimney several times and leave. Word-of-mouth advertising from neighbors with wood-burning stoves should provide solid leads.

Another consideration is availability. A chimney sweep has his or her own busy season, much like a tax preparer. Most customers try to hire a chimney sweep during the fall or winter months in order to prepare for cold weather. It might be easier to schedule an appointment for late spring or summer for anything other than an emergency. Some homes with a heavy dependency on woodburning stoves may need three or four cleanings throughout the coldest months. Ask about availability when booking a chimney sweep -- you may have to wait several months for an opening.

If there are budgetary concerns, try to find a chimney sweep who only performs cleanings and inspections, not repairs. Sweeps who work for larger maintenance companies may suddenly discover several other problems during a cleaning session, leaving the owner vulnerable to additional service plans. A good chimney sweep should have state-of-the-art inspection equipment and cleaning tools, but should not use the cleaning session as a launching point for upgrades and general repairs. It's not improper for a chimney sweep to point out potential hazards during an inspection, but homeowners should be able to hire other contractors for those repairs.

____	Fire Safety Checklist Call 911 to report fire as soon as it is discovered.   Fire can double insize each minute of delay.   Do NOT Delay.   Go outdoors and stay outdoors when reporting a structure fire. Make certain that baseboard and portable heaters are at least three feet away from anything that can burn; furniture, curtains, papers, clothing, etc. Turn them off if you leave the room or go to bed. Carbon Monoxide poisoning or death can result from improper venting of fuel-burning equipment. Use only the proper fuels.
____	Make certain that the fireplace is equipped with a sturdy metal screen and the chimney is checked before each heating season and repairs are made as necessary. Have chimneys and furnaces inspected / cleaned prior to the winter season. Burn only seasoned wood.
____	Make certain that extension cords and multi-plug adapters are used as little as possible. Replace any worn, brittle, frayed or cracked cords. Make certain that extension cords are not tacked to walls, under rugs or through doorways. Unplug small appliances when not in use. Do not overload electrical outlets. Use Ground-Fault Interrupters near sink and outdoor areas.
____	When preparing food, never leave it unattended while on the stove or in the oven. Set a timer or take something with you to remind you that the stove or oven is on. Avoid loose fitting clothing, which may readily ignite from stovetops while cooking. Turn pot handles inward. Keep the stove areas clean. In the event of a fire, put a lid over the flames. Teach children to keep away from hot appliances or grills while in use.
____	Make certain that matches, lighters and other smoking materials are kept out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach children that these "grown-up tools" are NOT playthings.
____	Always place candles in non-tip candleholders before you light them. Keep them out of the reach of children. Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed, as unattended candles start many fires each year.
____	No smoking in bed is a rule in your home. Drowsy or medicated people may forget lit materials and start a fire. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America.
____	Be sure smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on a wall outside of the bedroom(s) and on each level of your home. Make certain that, at the very least, once a year you install new batteries in your smoke alarms and you test them once each month. Have your children help you with this to reinforce the message.
____	Ensure that your family members know what to do if there is a fire. Prepare an Escape Plan. Have a Home Fire Drill. Practice your Escape Plan regularly so your family members can practice their escape. Make certain all exits are free or clear of any obstructions. It is VERY dark and smoky in a fire situation. Stay below the smoke level. Get low and GO ! Practice crawling to the exits. Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in your bedrooms.
____	Discussing how to behave and react in an emergency can help reduce fear. It is critical that everyone recognizes the sound of the smoke alarms and knows two (2) safe ways out of each room if one exit is blocked or impeded. When the smoke alarm sounds, every second counts. Do not re-enter a structure if it is on fire to retrieve pets, toys, or valuables. Fire Insurance can replace lost items - but not lost lives. Get out and stay out. Designate a meeting place to gather outside of your home. Account for all members outside at your meeting place. Give a brief and accurate fire situation report to the firefighters when they arrive.
____	Post 911 Emergency Telephone Numbers near each telephone in your home. Teach children how to dial this emergency phone number and make certain that they understand this is not a toy or plaything.
____	Maintain your fire extinguishers and check them yearly for readiness. Install fire extinguishers strategically near bedrooms, kitchens, garages, laundry rooms, and the fireplace.
____	Maintain a 30-foot defensible space around the perimeter of your home to avoid exposure to wildfires during the summer season. Landscape with fire resistant ground cover. Don't create an opportunity for wildfire to jump.
____	Be extra observant during the dry season or whenever fireworks are present or if the wind is increased.

   --------   Strongly consider keeping important papers in a fire-proof safe for protection.

 

 

Private Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Technical Advisory Group

Check this link to view information regarding residential sprinklers:

http://www.sbcc.wa.gov/tags/rfsstag.html