vernonia rural fi re protection district
january19
2017
15
Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District
Chimney Fires
As temperatures begin to
drop, Oregonians will start using their
fi replaces and woodstoves, and fi re
agencies will fi nd themselves responding
to chimney fi res.
The largest percentage (65%)
of chimney related fi res occur between
November and February. During these
months, chimney fi res account for nearly
one out of every three home fi res. Look-
ing at houses and apartments in Oregon
from 2011 through 2015, there were a
total of 2,968 fi res that either were con-
fi ned to a chimney/fl ue or started in a
fi replace, chimney, or fl ue and extended
to the structure. During this period, these
fi res resulted in 13 injuries, and more
than $13 million in estimated damage.
Most fi res involving chimneys
are confi ned to the chimney or fl ue.
These confi ned fi res rarely result in
serious injury and account for just 2%
of estimated losses in chimney related
fi res. The average estimated loss per
fi re that was confi ned to the chimney
or fl ue was $96. Conversely, 17% of
chimney fi res spread to become building
fi res, accounting for 98% of estimated
losses in chimney related fi res. The
average estimated loss per fi re that was
not confi ned to the chimney or fl ue was
more than $26,000.
Additional chimney related fi re statistics:
• Half of all chimney fi res occurred
between 4 pm and 9 pm
• There has been a 7.5% average decrease
in chimney fi re incidents over the last
fi ve years.
• The average dollar loss from a chimney
fi re that spreads to the structure is about
270 times greater than the average dollar
loss from a chimney fi re confi ned to the
chimney. The trends, issues, and threats
associated with chimney fi res in a local
community can easily be identifi ed
through complete and accurate incident
reports. By understanding the
prevalence and causes of chimney
fi res in their local jurisdictions, fi re
agencies can lead public education
campaigns to help prevent these
types of fi res.
Reminding residents of the
following can help prevent fi res:
• Have chimney and woodstove
fl ues inspected and cleaned each
year by a qualifi ed chimney sweep
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood; it
causes less buildup in the chimney
• Never use a fl ammable liquid such
as lighter fl uid, kerosene, or gasoline
to start a fi re
In addition, educating residents
about safe practices, such as using a
fi replace screen, keeping combustibles
away from heat sources, and properly
disposing of ashes will also translate to
fewer fi res.
The Offi ce of State Fire Marshal has
educational materials covering home
heating and many other topics. You can
review and order materials on the OSFM
website. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/
SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/Gated_Wye/2016/
November_16_GatedWye.pdf
Building Emergency Supply Kits for Your Home and Car
Here in the Great Northwest
emergencies can threaten the safety of
our families. Whether it’s a snow storm,
wind event, fl ooding, or an earthquake,
steps can be taken to improve the
outcome.
For a complete list of steps to
take, templates that you can use, and
other good information, go to www.
Ready.gov. This website is the offi cial
website for the Department of Homeland
Security.
We recommend that you build a
disaster supply kit. The kit will contain
basic items that you will need in the
event of an emergency.
You may need to survive on your
own after an emergency. This means
having your own food, water and other
supplies in suffi cient quantity to last
for at least 72 hours. Local offi cials and
relief workers will be on the scene after a
disaster but they cannot reach everyone
immediately. You could get help in hours
or it might take days.
You should build your kit well
in advance in the event that you need to
evacuate at a moment’s notice, taking
the essentials with you. If you wait
you probably will not have the time to
assemble or shop for the items in most
circumstances.
After building your supply
kit, you’ll want to make sure that it is
properly maintained. Here are some
tips to keep your kit ready and in good
condition.
• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
• Store boxed food in tightly closed
plastic or metal containers to protect
from pests and to extend its shelf life
• Throw out any canned goods that
become swollen, dented or corroded
• Place new items at the back of the
storage area and older ones in the front
• Change stored food and water supplies
every six months. Be sure to write the
date you store it on all containers.
• Re-think your needs every year and
update your kit as your family’s needs
change
• Go to: http://www.ready.gov/maintain-
ing-your-kit, for additional information
You never know where you
might be when an emergency occurs.
Consider having more than one kit
available. Having your main supply
kit at home will cover you and your
family in the event that you need to
evacuate. But having a small kit at
work or in your car could prove to
be quite valuable if you are unable
to get home and become stranded
in your vehicle because of an event.
Becoming stranded in your car is a
real possibility when we get those
occasional snow storms.
Consider the following things
when putting together your emergency
food supplies:
• Store at least a three-day supply of
non-perishable food
• Choose foods your family will eat
• Remember any special dietary needs
• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty
• Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain
cereals and canned foods with high
liquid content
• Don’t forget about medications that
you or your family members take daily
Following a disaster there
may be power outages that could last
for several days. Stock canned foods,
dry mixes and other staples that do not
require refrigeration, cooking, water or
special preparation. Be sure to include a
manual can opener and eating utensils.
You should store at least one
gallon of water per person for three
days. A normally active person needs
about three quarters of a gallon of fl uid
daily, from water and other beverages.
However, individual needs vary,
depending on age, health, physical
condition, activity, diet and climate. To
determine your water needs, take the
following into account:
• One gallon of water per person per
day, for drinking and sanitation
• Children, nursing mothers and sick
people may need more water
• A medical emergency might require
additional water
• If you live in a warm weather climate
more water may be necessary. In very
hot temperatures water needs can double
• Keep at least a three-day supply of
water per person
For more information about developing
a disaster plan, building a 72-hour
supply kit for you and your family, go
to: https://www.ready.gov.
Information contained in this article was
obtained from www.Ready.gov.
VOLUNTEERS
WANTED
VERNONIA RURAL FIRE
PROTECTION DISTRICT
VRFPD is currently accepting applications
for Volunteer Fire Fighters.
Calls responded to
December 1-31
Fire
Emergency Medical Service
Hazardous Condition
Service Call
Good Intent
Severe Weather & Natural Disaster
Special Incident
No Emergency Found
False Alarm
Total
• You must have a High School Diploma or
G.E.D., a valid Oregon Driver’s License, and
be at least 18 years of age.
1
41
1
11
1
0
0
0
2
57
• Currently, you must be able to attend
weekly training on Monday nights
Here’s What We Do!
• Willing to attend the Fire Academy
VRFPD
• Live or work (employer willing to let you
respond to calls) within VRFPD’s District
555 E. Bridge St.
Vernonia, OR 97064
503-429-8252
• Applications can be picked up at the Fire
Station.