Tag Archives: wildfires

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

WESTERN UNITED STATES STILL BATTLING WILDFIRES

This year, the Western United States has been charred by several wildfires, many still burning.  Droughts, less spring snowpack, and higher summer temperatures are the main causes of these fires.  Firefighters from all over the United States have helped in the battles in these eleven states:  Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona. 

When wildfire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. If ordered to evacuate, assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. Include:

  • Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.
  • A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
  • A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
  • Sanitation supplies.
  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • An extra pair of eye-glasses.
  • Pet food.  Make arrangements to get your pets to a shelter, if possible.

Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.  When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms, caused by smoke:

  • Stinging eyes
  • A scratchy throat
  • Irritated sinuses
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • A runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Asthma exacerbations

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:

  • Inability to breathe normally
  • Cough with or without mucus
  • Chest discomfort
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath

If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might worsen your symptoms.  People with heart disease might experience—

  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

In cases such as this, you should contact your physician as soon as possible.

Wildland Fires: Fire-Adapted Communities

How the Fire Service, local officials, and the public can work together to withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire.  They are called grass fires, forest fires, wildland fires, or by a variety of names. Yet, no matter the name, they pose an evolving threat to lives and property in an increasing number of communities across the United States. 

Homes near natural areas, the wildland/urban interface (WUI), are beautiful places to live. These pristine environments add to the quality of life of residents and are valued by community leaders seeking to develop new areas of opportunity and local tax revenue, but these areas are not without risk.  It is up to each home owner to build their home with the right kind of landscaping, away from the house, and have a water supply available to wet down the home and surrounding area, in order to protect it. 

Because fires are a part of the natural ecology, living adjacent to the wilderness means living with a constant threat of fires. Fire, by nature, is an unpredictable and often uncontrollable force.  Firefighters will always give their best effort, but with wind and weather changes, it may be a puzzle to outguess the fire. 

The concept of fire-adapted communities (FACs) holds that, with proper community-wide preparation, human populations and infrastructure can withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire, reducing loss of life and property.  This goal depends on strong and collaborative partnerships between agencies and the public at the State, Federal, and local levels, with each accepting responsibility for their part. 

Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities frames the FAC concept and current efforts to define its scope, explain the roles that groups can adopt to improve their fire safety, and provide leadership for future steps. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) believes that by reviewing the roles and responsibilities each group can adopt now, communities will become better prepared to realize the FAC goal in the future.

 

Sources: U.S.F.A.; FEMA

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WIERD WEATHER IN THE UNITED STATES!

As we say in Texas, “if you don’t like the weather, hang around for a while….. it’ll change!”  It’s either feast or famine, no happy in-between most of the time.  Last year, many parts of the Southwest experienced a drought they will never forget.  Tanks were dry, animals had to be sold due to a lack of both water and growth of food.  This year, thankfully, in many parts of Texas, rains have come pretty regularly and things have greened up better than usual.  However, we’re experiencing a pretty dry July, so we have much more heat ahead of us.  So, we continue to pray for rain. 

This year, wildfires have devastated Colorado, New Mexico, and other Southwestern states, as well as northern states, too.  People have lost their homes and everything they have.  Firefighters do everything they can to contain them; however, Mother Nature controls the winds and other conditions that make them hard to contain.

In the southeast, it’s the opposite: hurricanes develop in the states that border the Gulf Coast.  Much destruction has been experienced there, as well.  It is hard to stay dry in states that get a large accumulation of rain at one time.  Also, I’ve seen quite a few baseball games, and even the Olympic time trials in Oregon, where the rain had no mercy.  Times like that require some coverage – such as some new rain gear! 

It’s best to be prepared regardless  where we live.  Stay alert to weather forecasts by using your NOAA radio or other weather forecast systems.  There are several mobile apps that you can put on your cell phone free.  Have an emergency plan, just in case, along with a supply of water, non-perishable food, flashlight, cell phone, can opener, blankets, pet food, medicines and important papers you don’t want to lose.  Most things can be replaced, but we only get one time around in life.  

Our friends in other countries have certain weather conditions that we don’t have, so it is important that worldwide, we are ready when nature takes over.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and other devastating events have taken lives and greatly disrupted  normal ways of life.  Weather happenings are not of our making, so we must try to contend with them the best we can.  

Just remember, whatever type of work you do, there is some type of Home Safety Supplies that will be of great help to you when you must be outdoors.  You will notice that all rescue personnel wear their gear when they are carrying out their duties in times of emergencies, so let’s take advantage of the standard required protection, regardless of the weather, or other conditions.

General Safety Issues

LET’S HOPE FOR MORE “GOOD” NEWS IN 2012!

We know that the world we live in isn’t perfect, but it seems that 2011 has had more than its’ fair share of bad news around the world.  There has been so much unrest in parts of the world because people had been persecuted for years; thanks to the internet, Facebook, and Twitter, they were able to bring attention to their dilemma to the rest of the world, which brought about much change. 

“Protests” seemed to be a popular word in 2011, and almost everyone was protesting something.  In the Middle East, there were revolutions against leaders, which resulted in the resignation of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.  Other leaders were either killed or ousted by those who had been oppressed by their governments for years.  The Arab Spring wave of popular uprisings in the Middle East also caused Moammar Gadhafi, brutal leader of Libya, to meet his demise.  Citizens of these countries hope to see an establishment of greater democracy. The United States Navy Seals were successful in taking out Osama bin Laden, who had boasted that he masterminded the destruction of the World Trade Center September 11, 2001.  The new World Trade Center Memorial opened in September, to honor thousands who lost their lives that tragic day, and reports are that more than 10,000 people visit the memorial daily.

Natural disasters also prevailed throughout the world.  Tornadoes happening at unusual seasons of the year, volcanic eruptions, and devastation brought about either by too much water, (flooding), or not nearly enough (drought).  Along with the drought came horrific wildfires, costing the lives and property of countless citizens and wildlife.  

In Japan, a 9.0 earthquake, resulted in a tsunami, killing 15,843 persons.  Their nuclear plants were badly damaged, which caused fallout of a different type, in addition to the destruction of homes and businesses.  Turf battles still go on in Mexico, with the powerful cartels shipping drugs to the United States.  Many innocent Mexican citizens and Americans have lost their lives to these cartels.    North Korea lost their leader, Kim Jong-il just recently; his third son, Kim Jong-un will replace him.  South Korea and the world are anxious to see how the new North Korean leader will act toward South Korea. 

On our home front, there was the Casey Anthony trial, which kept persons tuned to their televisions to listen to the allegations made that she took the life of her beautiful daughter, Caylee, age 2.  Anthony was found not guilty; however, many felt that justice was not served for the child.  Recently, the Penn State scandal brought to the forefront the abuse that young boys suffer at the hands of someone they trust, such as a coach.  That accused coach is Jerry Sandusky.   He has not come to trial yet, but hopefully justice will be served for the many young men that allege they suffered assault by him. 

In Tuscon, Arizona, we learned that our representatives in Congress may not even be safe in their own backyard, so to speak.  U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot at a “Congress on the Corner” meeting in front of a grocery store.  The perpetrator was a mentally unstable young man.   Six people died and fourteen others were wounded.  Representative Giffords is making a remarkable recovery, but still has a long way to go.  It is hoped by all that she can return to Congress. 

Good news for the U.S. and allies this month was that the Iraq war was officially over, and troops got to come home!  We honor our faithful men and women who served in Iraq and continue to do so in other countries, fighting for freedom from oppression of their citizens.  

Of course, the economy was one of the biggest stories of the year.  This included many countries, not just the United States.  One thing for sure:  we need to get back to the basics of balancing our budgets, and operating openly and honestly.  People need to trust financial institutions, and political leaders.  This will be a big year of campaigning for the U.S. Presidency and other offices; most of us are prepared to hear the things we want to believe will be done.  Sadly, that’s usually not the way it turns out.  Our representatives and President are there to serve the citizens of our country and do what is best for the country.  It is sad that it takes millions of dollars of campaign money to get a job.  There should be a limit to what is spent on campaigns, so the battlefield is even.   It seems obscene that so many people can’t find a job – any job, during this time of their lives,  yet all that money is being spent to become their leaders. 

There are so many persons who try to keep us safer, that we owe a debt of gratitude, such as firemen, law enforcement, rescuers and first responders, physicians, nurses, and healthcare providers.  Let’s hope that 2012 will bring a more peaceful world.  Maybe there won’t be as much “bad” news, but instead, some “good” news.  Somehow, the good news makes the back page.  Let’s all try to change that by being good citizens and helping others to focus on the positive.

 Please drive safely this New Year’s week-end and celebrate the end of 2011.  It is the wish of Blog4Safety and parent company, Texas America Safety Company that you will have good health, a job, peace, prosperity, and happiness in 2012.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

SAFETY FOR OUR FIREFIGHTERS

1 Comment

Wildfires continue to make their way through the state of Texas, and the firefighters, both volunteers, professionals, and other firefighters from all over the United States are doing their best to contain them.  Thousands of persons have been left homeless, having been left with only the clothes on their backs.  The brave personnel who have been fighting wildfire after wildfire must be totally exhausted, but they keep going back to answer the calls for help. 

Workers are exposed to many obstacles, such as electrical hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, lifting, extreme heat, respiratory problems, snakes, rodents and insects, and slips, trips and falls.  They also must bear the extreme weight of the protective clothing that they wear.  Depending upon the site’s job tasks, listed are some of the personal protective equipment that they must use:

  • Disposable cut/abrasive resistant work gloves.
  • Chemical gloves.
  • Fully enclosed goggles (best for ash) or safety glasses.
  • Ear protection in noisy areas.
  • Head protection.
  • Respirators. 

Fire fighters must be medically cleared to wear the correct respirator.  Other instructions per OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.134), include:

  • Proper training.
  • Fit testing for respirator.
  • Inspect respirator each time it is put on and taken off.
  • Perform a user seal check every time it is donned.
  • Clean the elastomeric respirator at least once a day in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
  • Store elastomeric respirators in a clean bag.
  • Stop work and retrieve a new one should the respirator become damaged or fail to function. 

Firefighters are also exposed to the fire retardants that are dropped by planes.  Desperate measures are demanded to try to extinguish or control the strength that these fires contain because of the extreme drought for the past eleven months of this year in the state.   So far, approximately 1,600 homes have been lost, (the count changes daily), and more than 3.7 million acres have burned.  Firefighters have saved countless homes.  Four persons have died as a result of the fires. 

Once the fire is over, firefighters and other workers may be involved in a variety of response and recovery operations.  Some, such as utility restoration, cleaning up spills of hazardous materials, and search and rescue, should only be conducted by workers who have the proper training, equipment and experience.  Because of demand, many other community volunteers will be involved with cleanup, and should take the same precautions as trained workers.

Please think positive and say a prayer for rain for those parts of our country that so desperately need it.  There are some states who have had too much rain, so it seems to be “feast or famine” where the weather is concerned.  The words “Thank You” cannot express the gratitude we owe our firefighters everywhere, every day – men and women who work so diligently to save homes, people, wildlife and land. 

Source: OSHA, NIEHS, NIH

General Safety Issues

HOT NEWS FROM SCORCHED TEXAS!

There’s an old saying “if you don’t like the weather in Texas, just hang around, it’ll change soon!”  Well, not lately!  When it comes to the weather in the United States, it seems that 2011 has brought “feast or famine.”  Some places have experienced horrific tornadoes; others have had everything destroyed by flooding; still others have lost their homes to wildfires.  It’s a shame that some of the rain that caused rivers to swell and flood could not have been re-routed to areas that are so extremely dry.  Sure wish someone could figure out how to do that! 

Texas A&M Professor, Don Conlee, Instructional associate professor of atmospheric sciences, who along with a graduate student, also assists State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon with recordkeeping, confirms that the period from February through June was by far the driest on record with a statewide average of 4.26 inches of rain.  The next driest period occurred in 1917, with 6.45 inches.  The months-long Texas drought is sapping the record books bone dry.  It is also showing dire statistics that have never been reached since reliable record-keeping began 116 year ago, in 1895. 

Can you imagine driving down a Houston freeway during the beginning of hurricane season, and reading an electronic sign warning of extreme wildfire danger?  Seems a little strange, doesn’t it?  Outdoor burn bans have reached a record high of 236 out of Texas’ 254 counties.  Only the southern and northeastern parts of the state are without burn bans.  During the current wildfire season, 3.3 million Texas acres have burned, according to the Texas Forest Service. 

Should the state receive an average of 2 inches of rain in July, it will already have had the driest August (2010) through July period ever.  Professor Don Conlee says the Palmer Drought Severity Index (used by the National Climatic Data Center) is currently –6.37, officially making this the third worst drought on record.  First place occurred in 1956 with a mark of –6.54, and second was in 1918 with a –6.41 reading.  This drought has the potential to surpass one or both of the infamous past droughts to be the worst or second worst drought in Texas history.  The main cause is the lingering La Nina cooling the Pacific waters; however, it’s unknown if climate change is affecting rainfall one way or the other.  It is known that temperatures are a degree or two warmer with climate change so the drought is worse that it would otherwise be.  

Drought always has an economic ripple effect.  A&M reports that Texas has lost $1.5 billion from November, 2010, to June due to drought of pasture land loss.  Livestock losses will top $1 billion due to lack of water and feed for cattle, according to NOAA.  Texas is the second-leading agricultural state; many agricultural businesses will also be affected: gins, elevators, fuel distributors, and fertilizer dealers.  The U.S.D.A. has named Texas and 32 counties in Louisana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico, (ones that are adjacent to Texas), as a natural disaster designation. 

Lack of natural food because of the drought is affecting wildlife in the state – birds, rabbits, squirrels, and small mammals can’t feed their young.  Deer have been highly affected by the drought; some does have even abandoned their fawns because there is no food.  Foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and nocturnal animals such skunks and raccoons are seen out during the day, which increases contact between animals and humans, raising the risk of disease, such as rabies.  This is a warning to all citizens to watch for wild animals in their neighborhoods; they probably are simply looking for food and water, but don’t get close to them. 

The outlook for rain is not good; we have to keep hoping that we will see a weather change soon.  For those who have already had their share of bad weather in the U.S. and other countries, we hope we Texans can be as tough as you.  We all have to wish for things to get better, because sometimes we feel it just can’t get any worse!

P.S. I got an email today about how dry it is in Texas: a Lubbock man said he killed a mosquito carrying a canteen!

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU READY FOR A FOURTH OF JULY “BIG BANG?”

As we stated yesterday, June and July are slated as “National Fireworks Safety Month.”  Probably there are many “eager beavers” out there that are already stocking up on fireworks.  Because of drought conditions in many parts of the country, fireworks will be banned.  Please observe warnings from county/city officials. 

Judy Comoletti, National Fire Protection Association’s Division Manager of Public Education, states: “Fireworks are dangerous and unpredictable, especially in the hands of amateurs.  The few seconds of pleasure those fireworks may bring are not worth risking injury, permanent scarring, or even death.”  Wooded areas, homes, and even automobiles have become engulfed in flames because of fireworks.  (Haven’t we had enough wildfires already?)  Fireworks-related fires have typically caused at least $20 million in property loss each year for recent years.  Bottle rockets or other types of rockets are some of the main causes of structure fire property loss. 

Dr. John Hall, NFPA’s Division Manager of Fire Analysis and Research says, “when things go wrong with fireworks, they go very wrong, very fast, far faster than any fire protective provisions can reliably respond.”

We mentioned yesterday that more than 8,000 Americans spent part of the July 4th in emergency rooms because of fireworks injuries.  Contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye, in addition to permanent loss of vision are just part of the injuries caused by fireworks.  However, 1,600 eye injuries tells us that the sight of shooting off fireworks for a few minutes’ thrill is not worth gambling on your vision, or hurting any other part of the body. 

Fireworks must be treated with respect, if you plan to shoot them off.  Read all the warnings and cautions and use common sense.  As we said earlier, if there is a burn ban, forget it.  If you should see someone misusing fireworks, stop them.  Do not let children under 12 handle sparklers.  Fireworks and alcohol don’t mix; have a “designated shooter.” 

Most people do not want to risk losing a home that they have worked their life for by playing around with fireworks.  Public fireworks displays are one of the safest alternatives to using fireworks on the Fourth of July.  Conducted by trained professionals, these displays are the safest and smartest fireworks alternative for anyone, because they are established under controlled settings and regulations.  After these displays or any other time, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, because they could discharge by still being active.  Children should always tell an adult if they find fireworks. 

Facts worth repeating (in case they haven’t all been mentioned):

  • More fires are reported in the U.S. on July 4th than any other day of the year, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fire.
  • In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000  reported fires, including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires.  These fires resulted in no reported civilian deaths, 30 civilian injuries, and $38 million in direct property damage.
  • In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 for fireworks related injuries; 53% of 2009 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 42% were to the head.
  • The risk of fireworks injuries was highest for children ages 10-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.
  • Few people understand the associated risks – devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death, permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment that could result. 
  • Amateur fireworks use endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures. 

One look at all the wildfires that are happening throughout the country easily displays the devastation that one spark can cause.  How about giving our firefighters a break this year?  There are some spectacular live fireworks shows on television, and with the HD quality of the pictures you see, pop some popcorn and watch it at home.  That way you won’t have to fight the mosquitoes or traffic!  Have a safe one!  P.S.  Please keep Fido in a safe place (on the couch with you), or in a room where the noise won’t frighten him.  Animals are more sensitive to noise, so keep that in mind. For all they know, the popping sounds could be guns. Thanks.

 

 

Source: NFPA, Firewise.org

 

General Safety Issues

WILDFIRES CONTINUE………..

2 Comments

We talked about the tremendous amount of wildfires that firefighters were battling in Texas, back in April, in an article called “Wildfires Are Taking a Huge Toll on Texas.”  It is sad to know that wildfires are continuing throughout the United States, from Arizona to the eastern Atlantic coast, and north to Delaware.  So many states are suffering from extreme droughts, and excessive heat.  Northern states have already registered unusually high temperatures, with several persons already losing their lives from the heat.  This year’s weather is really hard to predict, so far. 

In Colorado, over 400 firefighters are battling the Bear and Purgatorie Fires, which scorched 13,000 acres near  the Colorado-New Mexico border on Thursday.  As of Thursday, June 9th, the Bear Fire has destroyed roughly 6,900 acres and is almost 40 per cent contained.  The Purgatorie Fire, which has destroyed 6,100 acres is 60 per cent contained, according to a report from the Denver Post. 

In Eastern Arizona, the state’s second largest wildfire is raging on.  Although it quieted down last night (June 9), small fires are igniting from burning embers, causing new concerns about the prospects of extinguishing the 13-day old Wallow Fire.  So far, 337,000 acres of land have been destroyed, and main electric lines that supply power as far as West Texas are threatened.  Thousands have been evacuated from their homes. 

Since fire season started on November 15, 2010, Texas Forest Service and area fire departments have responded to 11,695 fires, which have burned 2,876,303 acres.  Yesterday, Texas Forest Service responded to 24 new fires for 7,651 acres, including new large fires in Coke and Hardin counties.  The Hollow Rock Mountain in Shelby County was contained at 425 acres.  In the past seven days, the Texas Forest Service has responded to 138 fires for 30,263 acres.  I want to thank Dwight Dold, who is a local fire department chief, for this information.  He has also given us these resources that will be helpful to everyone: 

Prevention Messages:

  • Firewise (firewise.org) is a resource for residents to protect their home and property from wildfire.
  • Remove flammable materials from around your home.
  • Develop an evacuation plan for your family.  Resources are available on the Firewise website and at texasfirestorm.org.
  • Obey outdoor burning bans. Don’t burn trash or debris when conditions are dry or windy.  Unsafe burning of leaves, brush, household trash and other debris is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in Texas.
  • Keep lawn mowers and agricultural equipment in proper working condition and avoid rocks and other materials that might cause a spark.
  • To report suspicious activities, call the Arson Hotline at (888) 501-3850.  If possible, safely obtain an accurate description of the person and/or vehicle (including the license number) before calling the hotline.
  • Humans cause more than 90 per cent of all wildfires.  Do not weld or cut without a spotter, a water source and a shovel. 

There are many things that persons who live in areas prone to wildfires can do to help protect their property, such as not having any shrubs or trees too close to the house, and replace roofs that catch fire easily with ones that don’t.  Pavement and brick walkways may help, as well. 

Thanks to Mr. Dold, who is very involved in fighting fires throughout Texas.  I know he and all volunteer and professional firefighters will appreciate everyone who does their best to prevent fires and observe burning bans.  Once a fire starts, it takes a long time to put it out, and in the meantime, there is a terrible price to pay, with the loss of property, livestock, wildlife, and the health and well-being of those who serve.

General Safety Issues

WILDFIRES TAKE A HUGE TOLL ON TEXAS

2 Comments

For several weeks, the Texas Forest Service, volunteer fire departments, and firefighters from other states have been fighting fires that have been rampant in several areas of the state.  Last week, devastating fires in far West Texas burned much of the Fort Davis area.  A fire that started north of Marfa, Texas, took only 20 minutes to reach Fort Davis, located 21 miles away.  As of today, the Texas Forest Service reports at least 800,000 acres have burned.  Several homes, businesses, property, and a church have been destroyed by fire.  A firefighter from Eastland, Texas, lost his life when he and others exited their truck; he was hit by either a vehicle or a piece of equipment.  Visibility was limited because of heavy smoke, so at this time, the Texas Department of Public Service is classifying this incident as a traffic fatality, pending further investigation.  

We live in a small rural area in North Central Texas, and wildfires have come within 30 miles of us.   A community eleven miles west of our town was evacuated on Friday as a result of nearby fires.  Because this has hit very close to home, it makes us aware of  how seriously we must prepare for the safety of our families.  We should have emergency supplies (water, flashlight, non-perishable foods, medicines, important papers, etc.) on hand, and know what we will  take with us if we have to leave quickly. 

If Mother Nature would wave her magic wand and send rain, while stopping the gusty winds for a while, both firefighters and homeowners would be very grateful.  The dry terrain and low humidity levels combine for fires just waiting to happen.  Ranchers have lost livestock ,and much wildlife is gone.   In an article in today’s (Sunday) Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, writer Bud Kennedy’s headline is “Just one cigarette is all it takes to inflict a world of damage.”  According to the Texas Forest Service, humans start 9 in 10 wildfires.  Kennedy goes on to say that any spark can burn a town, taking with it homes, dreams, and sometimes, firefighters’ lives.  In Texas, the punishment for tossing a lit cigarette is only a littering ticket.  However, Texas’ arson law includes felony punishment for anyone whose cigarette recklessly sets fire to a building or injures anyone.  Arson is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by two to 20 years in prison, but if a person is hurt or killed or if the fire involves a church, arson is a first-degree felony, and the arsonist can face up to life in prison. 

 Many firefighters are volunteers – they risk their lives every time they are called out.  They are trained to use their equipment to save lives, homes, and  properties of their neighbors.  When things become as serious as they are right now, other firefighters step in to help.  The Texas Forest Service reports that  there are around 1,250 personnel on the ground  now, including firefighters from 34 states.  Our firefighters will do the same for them when they are called.  We, as citizens, must be vigilant in preventing fires when weather conditions create dangerous situations.    We appreciate the hard work they are doing.   The next time you see a firefighter, give him or her a big THANK YOU!  (And, pray for rain!)

 

Sources: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Forest Service 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WILDFIRE WEATHER

The old saying “when it rains, it pours,” infers that there’s usually been too much of a bad thing.  Australia has certainly experienced more than their share of weather-related happenings: a cyclone on the eastern coast, and flooding from drenching rains in Queensland and southern Victoria.  Now, in Perth, in Western Australia, wildfires are destroying homes, forcing many to evacuate.  February is the last month of summer in that country, bringing the height of monsoon season, in addition to being the riskiest time for wildfires. 

The United States has already begun to experience wildfires in several areas of the country:  from California, eastern New Mexico, western Texas and the panhandle of Texas, to the Carolinas and the east Coast.   Because brisk winds accompany warmer days, red flag warnings and fire danger warnings are commonplace, as some areas are beginning to see a gradual warmup.  Spring and warmer temperatures cause an earlier snowmelt in the mountainous areas, leaving the vicinities dryer overall, creating a longer season in which a fire can start.  Don’t let your home and property become fuel for a wildfire.  We want to share these suggestions from the Texas Forest Service about steps you can take to reduce your risk for damage from wildfire:

  • Keep leaves and other debris cleared from gutters, eaves, roof, porches and decks.  They can cause embers that can ignite your home.
  • Clear vegetation around your home at least 30 to 100 feet, depending on your area’s wildfire risk.
  • Landscape with native and less-flammable plants.  Check with your state forestry agency for information.
  • Dispose of debris and lawn cuttings quickly.
  • Remove fuel within 3-5 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including sheds and garages.  If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck, or porch.
  • Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire; keep your lawn hydrated and maintained.
  • Remove branches from trees to a height of 15’ or more.  Wildfire can spread to tree-tops.  Be sure the lowest branches are 6’ to 10’ high.
  • LPG tanks should be far enough from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire.  Keep area around tank clear of flammable vegetation.
  • Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
  • Establish fuel breaks along roadways and buildings and fields or woodlands, if you live in a rural area.
  • Any combustibles – firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, and stacked lumber should be kept away from all structures.
  • Have fire tools handy, such as:  shovel, rake and buckets for water, as well as a ladder tall enough to reach your roof.
  • Keep water hoses connected on all sides of your home for emergency use.
  • Be certain that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home and neighborhood.

These are excellent ideas to help keep the exteriors of our homes less susceptible,  in case of any type of fire;  even those who don’t live in an area of a possible wildfire.  

I have seen first-hand the devastation wildfires can cause.  A few years ago, a small community and its’ surrounding area were almost totally wiped out because of a wildfire.  Persons lost their homes and everything in them.  Because of extremely dry, windy conditions, wildfires were happening in many parts of Texas, all around the same time, (in the spring), causing not only the loss of homes, but churches and businesses.  Cattle and wild animals were trapped inside fenced pastures, with no way to get out.  

If additional senseless and potentially deadly wildfires are to be avoided, everyone must exercise extreme caution with all potential sources of wildfire ignition.  Careless debris burning is one of the major causes of wildfires.   First, and foremost, stay informed about wildfire danger levels and heed warnings and bans on outdoor burning.  Check to see if weather changes are expected.  Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up, and check with your local fire department to determine if bans on outdoor burning have been lifted.  If you decide to burn, have a water hose ready, and stay with all outdoor fires until they are completely out. 

Source: Texas Forest Service