Putting Out Fires

I have always wondered how a fire extinguisher worked and if necessary, would I have the strength to operate it.

I got my opportunity! Since I work at the newspaper, I asked the Fire Chief that often comes in, if they ever had training classes. He was excited to send a Lt. that works with children and groups to teach fire prevention. So yesterday, they brought the firetruck to the newspaper and taught us about fire extinguishers. I loved it!!! And I got to practice with one with chemicals and one with water! So, here's the article that will be published in the Harrison Daily Times about fire extinguishers!

Times staff trained in fighting fires
By DONNA BRAYMER
Times Staff- donnab@harrisondaily.com

“Pull and drop the pin. Grab the hose, and aim at the base of the fire. With a sweeping motion squeeze the handle in short bursts and aim at the base of the fire.”

Those directions were repeated many times as Lt. Clint Nichols and firefighter Preston Phillips instructed the Times staff on how to use a fire extinguisher.Many staff members admitted they had never used an extinguisher but had always wondered how it operated and were curious if they would be able to use it in an emergency situation.

Business Manager Carol Lawson carries an extinguisher in her car after helplessly witnessing a man’s furniture catch on fire in the back of his pick up from a stray cigarette butt. “Now I keep one in the car, but I’ve never had to use it.”

Another staff member was curious as to the hand strength it required to operate the handle and did not know for sure how to “pull the pin.” She continued, “I know I can do this now, if I have to.”

Nichols explained the basic mechanics of a fire extinguisher. “The most common are ‘ABC’ kinds of fire.”The ‘A’ works on trash, wood and paper. ‘B’ works on grease and liquids. ‘C’ is for electrical equipment and a ‘D’ extinguisher works on combustible metals.The most common combination to keep in a home, office or vehicle is the ‘ABC’ type.

A spokesperson from Harrison Fire Extinguisher said federal guidelines state any extinguisher made in 1984 or earlier needs to be thrown away. They also have a program to routinely check extinguishers.Some experts suggest getting a new one at least every 10 years. A small gauge on most brands and shows when it is losing charge and needs to be replaced.

There are various sizes of personal extinguishers now available to consumers. It is also a good idea to write the date of purchase on the extinguisher. The small one the Times staff used costs about $15 at hardware and discount stores.

Nichols reminded the group, “That is a small price to pay for your safety.”

Nichols and his team enjoy teaching fire prevention and safety to all ages of groups, schools and businesses. He has plastic fire helmets, stickers and brochures to distribute and the hands-on experience is valuable information for listeners.“Fire can double in size every minute. The Middle School students are amazed when we show them a video of a house fire and how quickly it can get out of hand.”

With most home furnishings made of synthetic materials, “rescue yourself” is the best way to survive a home or office fire. When carpet fibers, upholstery and other products catch on fire they produce cyanide gas which is deadly.

“We recommend you keep an extinguisher in a convenient place, but not right next to area where a fire might occur. If it is located close to the stove, you might not be able to get to it.”Nichols suggested if a small fire breaks out, one person grab the fire extinguisher and the other call 9-1-1.

Extinguishers have a limited amount of powder and need to be abandoned if the fire spreads too quickly. “Aim for the base of the fire. Don’t chase the flames.”

Because an extinguisher can exert force and spread a grease fire, it is suggested to keep a pizza pan, or lid handy when cooking on top the stove to extinguish a flame. If a fire breaks out in the oven, or toaster oven, the best plan is to keep the door shut, and unplug the electrical appliance if possible.

The Harrison Fire Department has a plan in place to “blitz a fire,” Nichols explained. “When we get a call for a fire, the first truck arrives on the scene within three minutes or less, assesses the situation and begins fighting the fire.“The second truck connects to the closest fire hydrant and supplies additional water. The third truck brings extra man power and sometimes cuts a hole in the roof to allow some of the smoke and heat to escape, aiding firefighters inside the structure.”

In a house fire, smoke and fire can easily raise the temperature to 1,000 degrees.In a business or home setting, it is important to know where the extinguishers are located. Pull the pin and drop it, so you have a hand available to grab the hose and aim at the base of the fire. After the pin is removed, the other hand can begin squeezing the handle in short bursts to release the chemicals on the fire.

In a home or business, having a meeting place outside of the structure and far enough away from the fire is a very wise idea. Then firefighters know if someone could still be in the building. A new thermal imagery device is now available to the Fire Department and makes it much easier to spot a person inside a burning structure.

Homeowners need to know for sure if their home is located in the city limits or in the county. Firefighters respond to calls within the city limits for free.If a residence or business is outside the city limits, it is required by state law to register with a rural fire department. A small yearly fee to the rural fire department will avoid an excessive expensive if called to respond to a fire.

Nichols said to call the fire department on the non-emergency line at 741-6384 for any questions or clarifications.

He also informed the group about free smoke detectors. “We have a program in place that allows us to give away smoke detectors.”

Bottom line. Have smoke detectors in place with charged batteries. Know where a fire extinguisher is located and how to use it properly. Remember the fire department’s key phrase “rescue yourself.”

To ask an non-emergency question to the fire department call 741-741-6384 and report a fire or report any emergency always dial 9-1-1.



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