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Friday, 05 June 2009 |
By Brent Harper
Chief, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department
 I would like to start this tip off with a report on a recent fire. Over Memorial Day weekend, we had a mattress fire inside a structure. Fortunately – very fortunately – no one was seriously injured.
As with most mattress fires, this one started by smoking in bed. This type of fire is notorious for its extremely heavy and toxic smoke. This residence normally had kids that slept in the loft, but they were not at home.
To make matters worse, both smoke detectors were inoperable; one appeared to be disconnected because of numerous false alarms. The two adults barely made it out. Our crews reported extremely heavy smoke when they entered the structure.
I am sure you can figure out what needs to be done to avert this type of tragedy. First, don’t smoke in bed. Second, make sure your smoke alarms are operating and the batteries are fresh.
Check smoke alarms at least once a month. In fact, you probably ought to do it right now, so you don’t forget.
If the smoke detector keeps going off because of a wood burning device (or not so excellent cooking), then consider getting a different type of detector or moving the detector to a better location.
Smoke detectors have saved more lives from fire and than any other item.
As we start into wildland season, our crews will be out on the weekends doing chipping. Call our office if you have a pile that needs to be chipped (760) 934-2300.
We are suffering from budget constraints like everyone and we do not have as many people this year, so please be patient. Crews will continue to work in the Old Mammoth area and up in the Knolls doing fuels management.
In addition, our crews will continue their home and property inspections. This year will be a little different in that we will be re-inspecting properties and issuing citations for those that haven’t cleaned up.
Some of you are getting pressure from your insurance companies. If you are notified by your insurance company that you need to clean up your property, let us know. We will work with you and your insurance company, but you will still need to clean up the property.
Lastly, firewood...
This year we will enforce our ordinance, which requires that piles of firewood be at least 30 feet from the structure and neighboring structures from June 1 through Sept. 30. If you cannot get the clearance, we will allow you to cover firewood with a “fire resistant” tarp. These tarps are primarily for smaller stacks of wood, such as less than a half-cord.
Watch for Volume 2 of “Wildfire 101,” which should be out next week. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 June 2009 )
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