SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Christmas Tree Safety!

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 12/09/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
A Christmas tree is extremely flammable, especially after it’s been in your home for several weeks. The combination of oil, pitch and dry branches is excellent fuel that if ignited, can become an eight-foot blow torch in your home. The key is to keep your tree as fresh as possible and reduce the chances that it ever ignites. The SFD advises the following safety tips this season.

Keep your tree fresh:

Start with a fresh tree by cutting one yourself or doing the ‘grab test’ when choosing a previously cut tree from a lot. Grab the branches and run them through your hand; the needles should not come off in your hand. If they do, the tree is too dry.

Make a fresh cut at the base of the tree when you are ready to place it in the tree stand. This ensures that the tree is able to begin absorbing water. (This is the same principle as cutting the stems of flowers before placing in water.)

Keep your tree watered

While there are products that are marketed for Christmas trees fresh, the most important element is water. It is critical to keep the water level up over the base of the tree trunk. If it falls below, the tree will form a seal of pitch and will no longer absorb water.  The average tree consumes between a quart and gallon of water each day so it’s important to check the water level every day.

Reduce your chance of a fire

Decorate your tree with UL-approved miniature lights. They produce less heat and reduce the drying effect upon a tree. Reduce your risk of a fire by not overloading your electrical socket with too many strands of lights connected end to end. For added protection, plug your lights into an electrical power strip with a surge suppressor that will trip if it’s overloaded. You should also unplug the lights before going to bed or leaving your home, and place your tree away from heat sources and open flames including fireplaces and candles.

Check all smoke alarms to ensure they are working in case of a fire and keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. If a fire breaks out, never attempt to extinguish it yourself! Get out and call 9-1-1. 

Check out this video link that demonstrates the flammability of a Christmas Tree in your home.  http://fire.nist.gov/tree_fire.htm

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2012053362
Date of Incident: 12/09/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 8:40 PM on Sunday, December 9^th, the Spokane Fire Department responded two ladder trucks, four engines, one rescue truck and two battalion chiefs to a reported fire at 607 S. Monroe Street. Engine and Ladder 4 arrived on scene within four and one-half minutes from their Browne’s Addition station and reported smoke from the attic of the three-story Victorian style house, which had been converted to ten apartments. While Engine 4’s crew advanced a fire attack hose to the third floor, Ladder 4’s crew confirmed that all occupants of the structure had evacuated, and then began searching for the source of the smoke. As other crews arrived they were assigned to other necessary tasks including laddering the roof in case roof ventilation was needed, establishing a water supply from a hydrant, extending a backup attack hose and establishing the required rapid intervention team in case firefighter rescue was needed. The smoldering fire in the attic was quickly located, using thermal imaging cameras, and extinguishment was accomplished by opening a portion of the ceiling in one of the third floor apartments. Although crews were able to keep damage to the structure to a minimum, one apartment will not be habitable until repairs to the structure and to the electrical wiring can be completed. Until then, the Red Cross is assisting the occupant of that apartment with temporary housing.

During the fire, Spokane Police Officers assisted in routing traffic around the scene,  which closed the south Monroe Street hill for several hours. Street Department crews also sanded the hill, due to icing conditions created during firefighting operations. AMR responded an ambulance crew to standby during the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
 Investigators from the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of the fire to be malfunctioning electrical wiring in the attic.

Damage:
Damage was confined to burned ceiling joists and the removed portion of ceiling area. Also, electrical wiring in the fire area will need to be replaced.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002