Earlier this year, a man using a turkey fryer (pictured above)  in Aloha nearly burned down his home after over-filling a turkey fryer on his back deck. Cooking fires are [...]]]>

The turkey fryer pictured above was too full when it was used. The ensuing fire almost destroyed an Aloha family's home in March 2011.

Earlier this year, a man using a turkey fryer (pictured above)  in Aloha nearly burned down his home after over-filling a turkey fryer on his back deck. Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of home fires. With families now making plans for their holiday turkey and trimmings, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is reminding the public to use extra caution around the turkey fryer and kitchen this year.  If you’re planning to use a turkey fryer, you should know there are some very specific precautions you need to take to prevent a catastrophic fire.

This year, TVF&R teamed up with Portland resident Padriac Ansbro to demonstrate the safe way to use a turkey fryer. Mr. Ansbro cooks more than a dozen turkeys every year for a fundraising dinner he organizes called Madeline’s Party. The event raises money for needy families in the metro area. “I use a turkey fryer because we love how the turkeys taste,” he says, “turkey fryers are great, but only if you know how to use them safely. I hope people get the message.”

Padriac Ansbro removes a turkey from his turkey fryer.

Turkey Fryers (click here for more detailed prevention tips)

TVF&R advises individuals planning to use a turkey fryer to use extreme caution. Nationwide, since 1998 there have been approximately 100 incidents involving these appliances.

-Turkey fryers should always be used on a flat, non-combustible surface, outside away from buildings and items that can burn. Never use on wooden decks or in garages.

-Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls and will heat until the oil ignites.

-To avoid oil spillover and a resulting fire, do not overfill the fryer.

-Oil and water do not mix! Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. A frozen turkey placed in hot oil will splatter and/or cause an explosive fire.

-Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handle.

-Never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer – the oil inside the cooking pot can remain hot for hours.

-Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire occurs. 

The video below, produced by Underwriters Laboratories, demonstrates how quickly a turkey fryer can catch fire.

 Stovetop Fires

-Never leave food unattended on the stovetop – turn off burners or set a timer if you leave the room for any reason.

-Heat cooking oil slowly and never leave it unattended.  Turn down the heat if it begins to smoke.

-Keep combustibles away from the stovetop and keep your cooking area clean.

-If the fire is large or appears to be growing, do not attempt to extinguish it.  Leave your home and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor’s house.

-If the fire is still the pan or oven you may be able to extinguish it yourself by:

-Put a Lid on It.  Turn off the burner and from the side carefully slide a pan lid over the pan. The lid will “smother” the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat. You may also use a baking sheet or pizza pan.

-Sprinkling baking soda on the fire

-Using a fire extinguisher

-Shutting the door of the oven or microwave and turning off the heat.

 Note: NEVER transfer a burning pan from the stovetop to the sink or out the back door. The fire may grow in size and burn you or spread to countertop or cabinets. Also, never pour water on a grease fire. The flames will “splash,” resulting in burns to your body and/or spreading to nearby cabinets and countertops.

Halloween is just around the corner, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and the Office of State Fire Marshal have these reminders to keep you and your little ones safe:

TUALATIN – TVF&R fire investigators believe a pan of bacon left cooking on a stove caused a devastating mobile home fire Monday morning. After thoroughly interviewing residents of the home and combing through the debris, investigators determined that the fire began on the stove and quickly spread throughout the home. The single wide [...]]]>

TUALATIN – TVF&R fire investigators believe a pan of bacon left cooking on a stove caused a devastating mobile home fire Monday morning. After thoroughly interviewing residents of the home and combing through the debris, investigators determined that the fire began on the stove and quickly spread throughout the home. The single wide mobile home is a total loss.

“The fire started after one of the residents left the house for a period of time while bacon was cooking on the stove,” says TVF&R Public Affairs Officer Brian Barker, “when she returned the kitchen was ablaze.”

The home did not have working smoke detectors or residential fire sprinklers.

“Two occupants of the home were forced to escape through a bedroom window because the smoke alarms weren’t working and didn’t warn them about the fire in the kitchen,” Barker says, “if this had happened at a different time of the day, the results could have been much more tragic. Our hearts go out to the family who lived in this home because they lost everything.”

A neighbor called 911 at 8:07 a.m. reporting a fire in the mobile home in the Willow Glenn Mobile Park at 9700 Tualatin Road in Tualatin. Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue’s Station 34 arrived minutes later to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the single wide mobile home. Firefighters noted that both the home and surrounding property was filled with a large amount of items that made entering the burning home extremely dangerous.

After being notified by an occupant that everyone had safely gotten out of the home, firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading to surrounding structures. Firefighters were able to successfully keep the flames from extending to surrounding outbuildings and mobile homes. Unfortunately, the mobile home was destroyed. The occupants do not have insurance.

Cooking fires are one of the most common causes of fires in TVF&R’s service area. To reduce your risk of a cooking fire:

• Never leave food unattended on the stovetop – turn off burners or set a timer if you leave the room for any reason.
• Heat cooking oil slowly and never leave it unattended.  Turn down the heat if it begins to smoke.
• Keep combustibles away from the stovetop and keep your cooking area clean.

If you experience a stovetop fire and the fire is large or appears to be growing, do not attempt to extinguish it.  Quickly leave your home and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor’s house. However, if the fire is still in the pan or oven and has not spread to nearby counters or cabinets, you may be able to extinguish it yourself through one of the following methods.

To Extinguish a Pan or Oven Fire:

• Put a Lid on It. The easiest way to extinguish a small pan fire is with a pan lid.  Turn off the burner and from the side carefully slide a pan lid over the pan.  The lid will “smother” the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat.  Do not move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and the pan is cool.  If you do not have a pan lid, you may also use a baking sheet or pizza pan.
• Baking Soda.  If the fire is still contained in the pan, you may use baking soda.  Sprinkle a generous amount in the palm of your hand and “toss” upon the fire.  If the fire is not extinguished after several attempts, use a fire extinguisher or leave your home and call 9-1-1
• Use a Fire Extinguisher.  Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small and has not spread outside the pan.  The discharge of a portable fire extinguisher only lasts between 8 and 10 seconds.
• Shut the door on oven or microwave fires and turn off the heat.

In support of National Fire Prevention Week, Governor John Kitzhaber has proclaimed October 9 – 15 Oregon Fire Prevention Week. The Governor and State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace encourage Oregonians to take the necessary steps to protect their families from fire by having working smoke alarms, practicing a home escape plan, and to consider [...]]]>

In support of National Fire Prevention Week, Governor John Kitzhaber has proclaimed October 9 – 15 Oregon Fire Prevention Week. The Governor and State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace encourage Oregonians to take the necessary steps to protect their families from fire by having working smoke alarms, practicing a home escape plan, and to consider installing home fire sprinklers.

The Office of State Fire Marshal and fire agencies statewide are teaming up in support of October’s national Fire Prevention Week campaign, Protect Your Family From Fire.

“Fire safety always begins at home, and Fire Prevention Week is a great time to start fire-safe habits,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace. “Last year, one out of every four structure fires was in a home with no smoke alarm or where a smoke alarm failed to operate. That’s why we continuously encourage residents to test and maintain their smoke alarms to be sure they are working properly. Families should also be sure to develop a home escape plan and practice it.”

In 2010 in Oregon, there were 2,733 fires in one- and two-family dwellings resulting in 16 deaths, 172 injuries, and more than $62 million in property loss.

Working smoke alarms provide an early warning, allowing you vital minutes to escape, increasing your chances of surviving a fire.

Additional fire safety tips:

*  To ensure maximum protection, install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

*  Replace smoke alarms 10 years old or older.

*  Hard-wired alarms (those wired directly into home electrical systems) should have battery back-ups.

*  Never disconnect or remove batteries from smoke alarms for other uses.

 *  If your smoke alarm sounds, immediately go outside and stay out. Meet at a safe place and call 9-1-1.

*  If you need assistance with smoke alarms, contact your local fire agency.

Following that decision, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue has also banned outdoor open burning within its jurisdiction, including areas served in Multnomah and Clackamas County.

With temperatures in the 80s and little rainfall, wildland fire season has arrived in the Northwest. TVF&R has identified more than 12,000 tax lots in our service area that are at risk from wildfire. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home.

Create Survivable Space

“Survivable Space” is a [...]]]>

With temperatures in the 80s and little rainfall, wildland fire season has arrived in the Northwest. TVF&R has identified more than 12,000 tax lots in our service area that are at risk from wildfire. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home.

Create Survivable Space

“Survivable Space” is a safety zone around a home that may help it survive a wildfire. The recommended minimum space is 30 feet around the home, while homes on a slope should have at least 100 feet.

You can create Survivable Space by:

• Planting low-growing, fire-resistant plants (groundcover, perennials, and annuals) near your home.
• Planting individual shrubs and hardwood trees (less flammable than evergreen, fir, or pine trees) at least 10 feet from your home.
• Mowing and watering lawns and other green belts regularly.
• Removing brush, dry grass, and leaves from underneath decks and crawlspaces.
• Keeping your landscaping well pruned and watered.
• Storing firewood and other combustibles at least 100 feet from your home.

Access

• The road or driveway to your home should be clear of all debris, dense vegetation, and low-hanging branches. (Minimum clearance is 20 feet wide by 15 feet high.)
• Turn-out areas are needed if the road or driveway to your home is not large enough for two-way traffic or
• your home is located at the end of a long driveway or dead-end road.
• The driveway to your home should be designed without sharp curves or steep grades.
• If crossing a bridge is necessary to access your home, it should support 50,000 lbs.

How Fire Safe is Your Roof?

During a wildfire, thousands of firebrands (burning embers lifted high into the air) are produced and—depending on wind speed and size of materials—can be carried more than a mile ahead of the fire. Firebrands are one of the major causes of homes lost to wildfire. To safeguard your roof against firebrands:

• Keep your gutters and rooftop clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris.
• Cut back tree limbs that hang over your roof.
• Consider replacing wood shakes or shingles with non-combustible or fire-resistant materials.

IF you have questions or concerns about your property, please call 503-649-8577 to speak with one of our experts.

Click here to see TVF&R’s wildfire hazard map.

Click here to see more suggestions for protecting your home.

Following that decision, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will also ban all outdoor open burning within its jurisdiction, including areas served in Multnomah and Clackamas County, effective 1:00 [...]]]> The Washington County Fire Defense Board, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry, has enacted a burn ban within Washington County, effective Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Following that decision, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will also ban all outdoor open burning within its jurisdiction, including areas served in Multnomah and Clackamas County, effective 1:00 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2011.

The Burn Ban includes the following situations:

1. Backyard burning
2. Agricultural burning
3. Land clearing or slash burning (not associated with Oregon Department of Forestry jurisdiction)

The Burn Ban does not include the following situations:

1. Recreational burning (i.e., cooking fires, backyard pits).  Individuals intending to burn in this manner should use caution and common sense.
2. Ceremonial type fires with a permit issued by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. 

Individuals found to be in violation of these requirements during the burn ban, may be held liable for the cost of extinguishment and for any property damage resulting from an illegal fire.  The burn ban will remain in effect until cooler temperatures minimize the fire danger.

Dry summer weather combined with fire, brings increased danger to you and your home. The most effective fire prevention device yet invented is a fire-safe attitude. Each year, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responds to hundreds of summertime fires. We recommend you protect yourself and your home by taking preventative measures.

Careless [...]]]>

Dry summer weather combined with fire, brings increased danger to you and your home. The most effective fire prevention device yet invented is a fire-safe attitude. Each year, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responds to hundreds of summertime fires. We recommend you protect yourself and your home by taking preventative measures.

Careless Smoking

As hot temperatures dry out flower beds and lawns, it only takes one cigarette to start a fire. A discarded cigarette can smolder in barkdust, shrubs or grass, eventually starting a fire that can spread to a fence or home. When smoking, discard cigarettes in a metal container or ashtray.

Barbecue Safety

Use charcoal lighter sparingly and with caution. Never squirt “just a little more” on a fire that’s already lit. Always discard of used briquettes in a metal can, far away from combustibles or, if possible, wait 2-3 days before removing them from the barbecue. Check the fittings on a propane barbecue at every change of the propane bottle. Click here for more safety tips.

Children Playing With Fire Material

This year, TVF&R has responded to several serious incidents where children were burned playing with fire. Each year TVF&R responds to over a 100 fires started by children playing with matches or lighters. Parents should supervise their children and always keep matches and lighters up out-of-reach. In addition, children should be taught that matches and lighters must only be used by adults.

Unattended Backyard Burning

Individuals that are allowed to burn debris should supervise their burn piles and keep them small enough that they will extinguish prior to nightfall. (A burn pile should never be left burning overnight.) A hose or other water supply should also be kept nearby in case of emergency.

For further information on summertime fires, contact Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue at 649-8577 or CLICK HERE.  Have a Fire Safe Summer!

This month, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue is partnering with a number of agencies in the region to help you Take 5 to Survive. Our region is susceptible to serious natural disasters, including earthquakes. Here’s an easy, 5 minute project that can help you and your family survive after an earthquake: [...]]]>

This month, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue is partnering with a number of agencies in the region to help you Take 5 to Survive. Our region is susceptible to serious natural disasters, including earthquakes. Here’s an easy, 5 minute project that can help you and your family survive after an earthquake:

If you find it difficult to set aside time to prepare for emergencies, you’re not alone. Public surveys list “lack of time” as the primary reason people cite for not taking steps to prepare themselves and their families for a major emergency. Rather than viewing emergency preparedness as an insurmountable task, consider what else you could accomplish in just 5 minutes!

TVF&R is proud to partner with the Washington County Office of Consolidated Emergency Management, the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency, Washington County and the cities of Tigard, Beaverton and Hillsboro to present Take 5 to Survive. Visit Take5toSurvive.com to find a series of easy 5 minute projects that will help you and your family prepare for a disaster.

For more in-depth information and projects, you can also visit TVF&R’s Emergency Preparedness page.