West Pierce Firefighters Respond to Multiple Fires over a two-week period

Lakewood and University Place, Wash. – Over the past two weeks, West Pierce Fire & Rescue has responded to seven significant structure fires including; two commercial fires, two apartment fires, one duplex fire and two house fires, along with several smaller fires.  The causes of these fires have varied, but a few fire safety tips will help you from suffering the devastating effects of a fire in your home or business.

Be kitchen wise.

• Wear tight-fitting clothing or short sleeves when cooking.
• Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
• Don’t cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.

Grilling Safety

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• If you have a charcoal grill only use charcoal starter fluid.  Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

If you smoke, smoke outside.

• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them out or bury them in sand.
• Never smoke in bed.

Give space heaters space.

• Keep them at least three feet (1 meter) away from anything that can burn – including you.
• Shut off and unplug heaters when you leave your home or go to bed.

Smoke alarms save lives.

• Have smoke alarms installed outside each sleeping area, on every level of your home, and in each bedroom.
• Have someone test your smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button.
• West Pierce Fire & Rescue has a free smoke alarm program.  Please contact us during business hours at 253-564-1623 to see if you qualify.

Plan and practice your escape from fire.

• If possible, know two ways out of every room in your home and two ways out of the home.
• Make sure windows and doors open easily. In a fire, get out and stay out.

Know your local emergency number.

• In our area, the number is 9-1-1.
• Once you have escaped a fire, call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone or a cell phone.

If you have any questions regarding fire safety in your home or business please contact us at 253-564-1623.