Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District, protecting Oregon's Little Switzerland: LAKE RESIDENT AMONG JOSEPH VOLUNTEERS DOUSING FIVE-HOUR STRAW-BALE FIRE

Monday, April 16, 2012

LAKE RESIDENT AMONG JOSEPH VOLUNTEERS DOUSING FIVE-HOUR STRAW-BALE FIRE

Ten Joseph volunteer firefighters, including Wallowa Lake resident Dusty Creps, fought a stubborn fire involving more than 300 tons of dry straw in stacked bales on Wednesday, April 11.

The blaze at the Triple Creek Ranch in rural Joseph broke out in late afternoon and burned for five hours. Creps responded from his home. Five Enterprise firefighters also took part.

Firefighters saved nearby structures, including the big landmark "TC" barn on Liberty Road.

Damage was estimated at $84,000. Fire Chief Tom Clevenger said the cause remains undetermined.

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About the fire district

Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District encompasses properties bordering and near Wallowa Lake in northeast Oregon. It includes the community at the south end ("head") of the lake, homes at the north end ("foot") of the lake and properties along the West Moraine including Lake Shore Road, Edgewater Drive and the Hays Lane area.

Fire protection and rescue services are provided through a contract with the City of Joseph and its volunteer fire department. Joseph provides a fire engine located at the lake fire station, 60000 Mt. Howard Lane. It is staffed by Joseph firefighters who live and/or work at the lake.

In case of an emergency, Joseph Fire Department responds from the lake fire station and from its station in Joseph. If necessary, additional aid will be provided by Enterprise and Wallowa fire departments, the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service.

Heat your home safely

Each winter, the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities causes many to search for alternate sources of home heating. Wood stoves, space heaters and fireplaces, however, are a major contributing factor in home fires.

Many of these fires can be prevented. You can prevent the loss of life and property resulting from heating fires by identifying potential hazards and following these safety tips:

All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.

Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

Make sure all fuel-burning heating equipment is vented outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Purchase only portable space heaters with an automatic shutoff so if they’re tipped over they turn off.

Allow wood stove and fireplace ashes to cool before disposing of them. Use a tightly covered metal container and keep it at least 10 feet away from your home.

How to prevent electrical fires

Electrical fires in homes claim the lives of 280 Americans each year. Many of these fires are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

Winter fires can be prevented. The following electrical fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter season.

Check electrical appliances and wiring routinely.

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.

Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or emits smoke or sparks.

Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.

Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Keep clothes, curtains, and other combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.

If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.

Use safety closures to make electrical outlets childproof.

Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.

Shut off and replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

For more information on electrical fire safety, log onto www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/electrical.shtm.

Tips on summer grilling and campfire safety

Every year we look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Annually, nearly 3,800 Americans are injured by gas or charcoal grill fires.

Summertime should be a time of fun and happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

Safety Tips for Grilling and Campfires

Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.

If you own a propane grill, check the cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and bubbles will reveal any escaping propane.

In a fire pit, avoid using soft wood, such as pine or cedar that will likely pop and throw sparks. Seasoned hardwood is better.

Don’t build a campfire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions or if the campground, area or event rules prohibit campfires.

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Monday, April 16, 2012

LAKE RESIDENT AMONG JOSEPH VOLUNTEERS DOUSING FIVE-HOUR STRAW-BALE FIRE

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