Fire department advises safety after wash of blazes strike Plains

SANDERS COUNTY – Since the start of the new year, the Plains area has seen five structure fires, an unprecedented number according to Marlin Cooper of the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District.

Cooper said it was unusual to get five house fires over the course of a full year, let alone within a two-week period. He noted chimney fires were common, especially during winter, but structure fires happened much less often.

“It’s very unusual,” he said.

The fire departments have offered some recommendations for how residents can prevent fires in their homes or on structures. One of the fires started because the residents put ashes from the fireplace on their back porch; they contained enough live embers to reignite the fire, once the air hit them.

Cooper advised people take ashes out to be scattered in the yard; if they are in a can, set it out in the yard and take care of it the next day. 

It is also recommended people check their smoke alarms on a regular basis. Cooper recalled most of the fires since the new year were fairly benign, with only one having any injuries and no fatalities. Having early warning, though, exponentially increases the odds of getting out of the fire safely and preventing serious damage.

Cooper also recommended keeping fireplace and wood stove flues clean. One of the main causes of chimney fires is from the flu being clogged with soot and ash; the fire catches in the buildup and starts burning the structure around the chimney. 

Cooper also said people should not use electric heaters for drying clothes. The heater will start and stop based on its sensor’s reading of the temperature; once the cloth is dry, though, the cloth can get hot enough to combust if it stays near a heat source or an open flame. The burning cloth can then spread the fire to other things.

“You’ll think it’s fine, but they come on when you’re not there,” Cooper said. “Be real cautious of it, because it will start fires.”

However, fire is unpredictable. Cooper feels it has a mind of its own once it is going; he noted it was not uncommon to go years without major fire activity, then suddenly have a bunch with one right after another.

Cooper also commended the cooperation between the fire departments and ambulance when responding to fires. He noted they always respond to each other’s calls with mutual aid and the ambulance is always on scene to provide medical care for anyone injured by the fire.

“They go with un in case a firefighter gets hurt and that is a great benefit to us,” he said.