Local fire departments prepare for winter emergencies
Firefighters from eight local departments gathered at the Taylorstown Volunteer Fire Comapany Oct. 16 for a winter training, taught by an instructor from the Butler County Fire Academy.
Chimneys, flues or fuel burners accounted for 77% of residential building heating fires between 2017 and 2019, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, resulting in 165 deaths and an annual average of $367 million in property loss. In preparation for winter emergency calls, the 33 attending firefighters learned about chimney constructions, signs of chimney fires and ways to quickly put out those fires. Firefighters also received operational guides for handling heat source-related fires.
“Chimney fires can burn explosively and present unique challenges for firefighters,” Herb Crouse, Lieutenant for Taylorstown Volunteer Fire Company, said in a news release. “While the high temperatures of these fires can cause damage to the chimney itself, they can also reach combustible parts of the house around them.”
Chimney fires are often caused by a creosote buildup. Local fire departments recommend residents have their chimneys inspected and cleaned annually, and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working. If you have questions about fire safety, Crouse recommends reaching out to your local fire department.