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charlottefdnc
02 December 2009 @ 05:23 pm
House Fires Displace 3 Families Kills Family Pet


Charlotte Firefighters were busy Tuesday battling three residential structure fires with a common characteristic. The first call for service came in just after 9:30 am when firefighters were dispatched to a house on fire at 4826 Baywood Court in northeast Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #34 arrived and reported smoke pouring from this 2-story home. (27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 17 minutes. The fire caused an estimated $35,000 in damage and left the family displaced. The fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking unattended. Firefighters were able to rescue the family dog and no injuries were reported.

While firefighters were preparing to go back to their stations firefighters were called at 10:35 am to service for a second reported house at 11429 Antebellum Drive in southwest Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #26 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke showing from a 1-story home. (27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in just 18 minutes. This fire also began in the kitchen and the cause was determined to be food left cooking unattended. There were no injuries to report, but significant damage to this home left another family displaced.

After a short break in action, at 4:37 pm firefighters responded to a report of another house fire at 11935 Painted Tree Lane located off Carmel Road in south Charlotte. A Battalion Chief and firefighters from nearby Station #24 quickly arrived and reported heavy smoke and flames showing from this 2-story home. (27) Firefighters needed 38 minutes to control this fire in 38 minutes. Despite resuscitation efforts by firefighters the family dog perished as a result of smoke inhalation. The damage to this home was extensive and is estimated at over $100,000. This was the third fire of the day which began in the kitchen; left yet another family displaced, and caused by… you guessed it… food left cooking unattended.

Your Charlotte Fire Department would like to offer the community-at-large these cooking safety tips and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

• Avoid distractions when cooking
• Avoid cooking when you’re sleepy
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs
 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc
29 November 2009 @ 11:50 am


On Friday, November 27th at 1:50 pm, 14 companies from the Charlotte Fire Department including (5) Engine Companies, (1) Ladder Company, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Hazardous Materials Response Company, (1) Urban Search and Rescue Company, (1) Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Company, and (3) Battalion Chiefs were called to service for a traffic collision with multiple passengers trapped at the intersection of Billy Graham Parkway and West Boulevard. The collision involved a City of Charlotte sanitation truck used to collect yard waste, which had overturned and struck a 4-door SUV trapping the occupants. Firefighters from nearby Station 17 were first to arrive and reported four occupants trapped in the passenger vehicle. Teams of firefighters were able to quickly free two of the four passengers trapped using various rescue tools and equipment, but continued to work feverishly for over an hour to free the other occupants. Despite their efforts one of the passengers of the SUV died on the scene. The other three occupants of the passenger vehicle were taken to an area hospital with significant injuries. The driver and one of the workers of the sanitation truck were transported to an area hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs
 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc
Charlotte Fire Officials Reminds the Community of the Dangers Associated With Turkey Fryers

As preparations for the holiday season get underway the Charlotte Fire Department would like to remind the community at large of the dangers associated with the use of deep fryer turkey cookers. The use of these unique cooking devices presents a significant risk of starting a fire and causing burn injuries. Underwriters Laboratories considers turkey fryers to be dangerous to use presenting numerous safety hazards to consumers.

Concerns involving turkey fryer devices include:

• When a turkey is placed in the hot oil, it may spill onto the burner, creating a fire.
• The units can tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby.
• Gallons of oil heated in excess of 350 degrees can quickly ignite if something
goes wrong, igniting house, decks, garages, vegetation.

Safety tips to prevent turkey fryer injuries:

• Follow manufacturer instructions for operation and follow safety recommendations.
• Never leave the turkey frying unattended.
• Create a safe zone and keep children and pets away from cooking area.
• Cook outside on a level area away from structures and combustibles.
• Use non combustible cooking mitts or gloves when handling cooking hardware.

The Charlotte Fire Department would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

For more information on turkey fryer safety go to:
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Fire/Fire+and+Life+Safety/Turkey+Fryer+Safety+.htm


Mark Basnight | Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs
 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc

With the change of the season upon us and cooler weather forecasted, many of us will use fireplaces and wood stoves as either a primary or supplemental heating source in our homes. Many fires involving chimneys and wood burning stoves can be attributed to the improper installation, maintenance, or use of the heating source. Unfortunately, too many people are unaware of the fire risks involved when using these heating sources. Today, the Charlotte Fire Department continues to respond to residential fires caused by faulty chimneys or wood stoves. Over the past two years, there have been 56 fires in Charlotte involving chimneys or wood stoves resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and numerous people displaced from their homes. The Charlotte Fire Department encourages you to practice the following safety tips when using your fireplace or wood stove:

  • Have your fireplace, wood stove and chimney cleaned and inspected annually for creosote build-up and cracks in mortar or chimney flues
  • Keep the hearth area clear of decorations, debris and combustible materials
  • Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
  • Do not exceed the fuel capacity of your fireplace or wood stove
  • Never burn cardboard, paper, trash, charcoal or debris in your fireplace or wood stove
  • Never leave any burning fire unattended
  • Place hot ashes in a separate metal container outside your home, away from decks, landscape materials and other combustibles, and soak them with water

If you have a fire in your house, Get Out And Stay Out! Call the fire department from a safe location and never go back inside.

For more information on fireplace & wood stove safety go to: http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Fire/Fire+and+Life+Safety/Use+Your+Fireplace+and+Wood+Stove+Safely.htm


Mark Basnight | Captain

Charlotte Fire Department | Office of Public Affairs

 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc
30 October 2009 @ 05:14 pm

The Charlotte Fire Department Reminds the Community to

‘CHANGE YOUR CLOCK, REPLACE YOUR BATTERY’

 

Did you know that households with non-working Smoke Alarms now outnumber those with no Smoke Alarms?

(Charlotte, NC) The Charlotte Fire Department is urging people to check their Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm batteries when they move their clocks back Sunday, November 1st and replace batteries to ensure that these alarms will be in good working condition for the busy holiday season and winter months. A working Smoke Alarm, the development of a home escape plan, and yearly home fire drills, more than doubles your chances of surviving the event of a fire in your home.

This is the time to protect your family from the tragedy of fire and CO poisoning by putting new batteries in your alarms this weekend when the time changes! The Charlotte Fire Department encourages you to replace your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm batteries this weekend when the time changes!  

 

For additional information go to: 

http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Fire/Fire+and+Life+Safety/Change+Your+Clock+Change+Your+Battery.htm

 

 

Mark Basnight | Captain

Charlotte Fire Department | Office of Public Affairs

228 E. 9th Street | Charlotte NC 28202

704.432.2068 office | 704.580.0012 pager | 704.507.6415 cell

www.CharlotteFire.orgwww.MarkBasnightCFDPIO.blogspot.com/

his message is subject to Public Records Laws and may be disclosed to third parties.

 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc
30 October 2009 @ 05:12 pm

The Charlotte Fire Department Reminds Parents, Drivers, and Children To ‘Be Safe, Be Seen This Halloween’

 

(Charlotte, NC)  Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for children under 14 while participating in Halloween and Fall Festival activities. Children trick-or-treating in the dark are more difficult for drivers to see and the excitement of the holiday can be distracting to both drivers and children, which is why children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween as any other night of the year.

 

Parents, caregivers, and drivers should adhere to the following safety tips:

 

·         Be sure to look in both directions before crossing streets.

·         Make use of sidewalks or paths.

·         Kids should carry glow sticks or flashlights and wear reflective items in an effort  

 to be more visible.

  • Drive slower in residential areas and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • Remember that costumes can limit children’s visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

 

Although pedestrian safety is a main concern on Halloween, parents should also be aware of additional hazards children face.

  • Treats.  Kids should only eat treats in original, unopened wrappers.
  • Glow Sticks.  If they break, the contents can irritate the skin or cause illness.

 

For additional information on Halloween Safety tips go to:  http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Fire/Fire+and+Life+Safety/Halloween+Safety+Tips.htm

 

Mark Basnight | Captain

Charlotte Fire Department | Office of Public Affairs

228 E. 9th Street | Charlotte NC 28202

704.432.2068 office | 704.580.0012 pager | 704.507.6415 cell

www.CharlotteFire.org |  www.MarkBasnightCFDPIO.blogspot.com/

 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc
12 October 2009 @ 12:03 pm

Dear Friend of the CFD,

Periodically we share a digest of *non-incident* related articles from the
Charlotte Fire Department News & Information blog.

                      National Fire Prevention Week October 4 - 10, 2009 
           
                                   "Stay Fire Smart, Don't Get Burned"

National Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada, beginning on the first Sunday in October and ending the following Saturday, which is also designated Fire Service Recognition Day. In the United States, the observance was begun with a proclamation signed in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. The Fire Prevention Week commemorates theGreat Chicago Fire of 1871. When President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week on October 4 - October 101925, he noted that in the previous year some 15,000 lives were lost to fire in the United States. Calling the loss "startling", Coolidge's proclamation stated: "This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented... It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth" (Wikipedia, 2009).

Over the last several years the Charlotte Fire Department and most cities around the country continue to respond to residential fires involving `food left cooking on the stove unattended'. Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the City of Charlotte. Nearly all cooking equipment fires start with the ignition of food, other cooking materials (e.g., grease, cooking oil), or other items normally found or installed in a kitchen (e.g., cabinets, wall coverings, paper or plastic bags, curtains) (NFPA, 2009). In the city of Charlotte, there were 943 fires related to cooking. These fires also accounted for (5) fatalities, (42) injuries, and resulted in over 8.5 million dollars in monetary loss.

The Charlotte Fire Department has engaged in a fire prevention initiative to educate and inform the community at large of the dangers and devastating effects of cooking fires. Firefighters along with Fire & Life Safety Educators will be installing and checking smoke alarms, speaking with members of the community, and distributing fire prevention literature from September 21st thru October 10th in an effort to prevent fires in the kitchen.

Your Charlotte Fire Department would like to remind you to:

*Avoid distractions when cooking.

*Don't cook when you're sleepy.

*Stay in the Kitchen when cooking.

*Make sure you have a working smoke alarm. 

 
The Charlotte Fire Department will be involved in a variety of fire safety awareness programs for the family. For more information on local Fire Prevention Week activities go to:http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Fire/Fire+and+Life+Safety/Fire+Prevention+Week+2009.htm
 

 
Submitted by: Mark Basnight
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs
 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc

Incident #10-0037285 

RE: Structure fire/ house @ 800 East 17th Street   #-5 

On Monday September 28th, 2009 at 11:36 am (8) Companies from the Charlotte Fire Department including (4) engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, and (2) Battalion Chiefs were dispatched to a report of a house on fire at 800 East 17th Street just off North McDowell Street.  Firefighters from nearby Fire Station 1 arrived quickly at 11:40 am and reported heavy smoke showing from a 1-story single-family dwelling. Firefighters engaged in an aggressive fire attack by deploying (2) 1 ¾ hoselines through the front door. While engaged in this firefight, firefighters encountered dense black smoke and high heat conditions.  Teams of firefighters searched the home for occupants while others climbed ground ladders to get to the roof where they cut a hole to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape. The firefighter's search of the house yielded negative results, but firefighters treated three occupants who self-evacuated, one of which was transported to an area hospital. Firefighters were able knockdown the bulk of the fire quickly, but not before the fire caused extensive damage estimated at $35,000. Twenty-seven (27) were needed to bring the fire under control in 24 minutes and (3) families were displaced as a result of the fire.  Fire Investigators determined the fire began in a rear bedroom and was caused by a juvenile playing with matches.

Fire officials would like to remind parents and caregivers to:

·      Keep matches and lighters out of a child's reach – locked in cabinets are the best    storage locations

·      Teach children to treat matches and lighters as they would a gun – if you find one, tell a grown-up

·      Matches and lighters are great tools, for adults; not toys for kids!

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc

Incident #10-0030398

RE: Structure Fire/ 2nd Alarm Apartment Fire, 4921 Central Ave  

Incident Synopsis  

On September 12th at , (11) units from the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a reported apartment on fire at 4921 Central Ave. Firefighters from nearby station 15 and 23 arrived quickly at 4:27 am and reported heavy smoke coming from the 2-story apartment building. Firefighters were able to use water form a nearby fire hydrant to supply hoselines they deployed to fight this fire which caused extensive damage to at least two apartment units. A 2nd alarm was transmitted at 4:28 am bringing additional personnel and equipment to the scene. It took forty-eight (48) firefighters just thirty-five (35) minutes to bring this fire under control, but not before the fire caused extensive damage estimated at $150,000. Firefighters and Police were able to safely evacuate over a dozen occupants out of harm’s way. The American Red Cross responded to provide assistance for the two families who were displaced as a result of this fire. No injuries were reported and the investigation continues into the cause of the fire.

Rob Brisley | Captain

Charlotte Fire Department

Office of Public Affairs


 

 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc

Incident #10-0029815

On Thursday evening September 10, 2009 (16) units from the Charlotte Fire
Department including (7) Engine Companies, (2) Ladder Companies, (1) Heavy
Rescue Company, (4) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators responded to
reports of a building fire at the National Welders Corporation, 5429 Old Dowd
Road in west Charlotte. Initial CFD companies were dispatched at 9:34 pm; while
en route, Fire Communications advised fire companies that they were upgrading
the call to a working fire based on the information they were receiving.
Shortly thereafter, Fire Communications advised responding units that there was
a tractor-trailer tanker on fire.

Firefighters from nearby station 17 were first to arrive at 9:38 pm and
reported a large fire blowing out of the top of a 3000-gallon Hydrogen
compressed gas trailer, and established Command. Upon further recon, it was
determined that there were 5 tractor-trailer compressed gas trailers at the
filling station, all parked beside one another. Starting from the left end, it
was trailer #2 that was involved in fire. Firefighter's quickly deployed
hoselines supplied by a nearby fire hydrant to cool the adjacent tankers while
the Haz-Mat crews made their way to the rear of the involved trailer and
controlled the fire by closing the 10 valves located at the rear. (31)
Firefighters were needed to bring this incident under control in 19 minutes.
Fire Investigators said that the fire was caused by a mechanical failure and was
ruled accidental. There were no injuries reported.

Submitted by:
Mark Basnight
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

 
 
 
 
charlottefdnc

Incident #10-0028734

On Tuesday September 8th, 2009, (17) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (7) Engines, (2) Ladders, (1) Heavy Rescue, (3) Battalion Chiefs, (1) Deputy Chief, and (3) Fire Investigators responded to a reported structure fire at 6812 Rea Croft Drive in south Charlotte. First alarm companies were dispatched at 1:03 pm: Firefighters from nearby station 24 were first to arrive at 1:09 pm and reported heavy fire and smoke showing from the `B' division (left side) of an approximately 3000 – 4000 square foot 2-Story home. Firefighters found the homeowner who was attempting to extinguish the blaze with a garden hose with burns to his upper extremities and face. In addition to being burned, firefighters and EMS personnel (Medic) treated the homeowner for smoke inhalation; he was later transported to Carolinas Medical Center. Firefighters used water from a nearby fire hydrant to supply hoselines they deployed to fight this fire which started in the garage and extended to the living space above. Teams of firefighters searched the home while other firefighters used an aerial device to get to the roof where they cut holes using power saws to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape. A 2nd second alarm was transmitted at 1:15 pm bringing additional personnel to the scene. Firefighters worked hard to extinguish this persistent fire which was entrenched in the garage and attic space using hoselines, hooks, and other firefighter specific tools. (45) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 59 minutes, but not before the fire caused extensive damage estimated at $250,000. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to insure the fire was completely extinguished. Fire Investigators determined the fire was accidental and caused by a soldering iron left unattended. A family of 4 was displaced.

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

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