Fire Fighters Urge Caution for Independence Day

Fire Fighters Urge Caution for Independence Day

Bradley Dattilio

SBFD Senior Fire Fighter/Paramedic

Fire Prevention Education Coordinator

Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. With warm weather and family events, this can be a fun time of year with great memories. The thrill of fireworks can also bring pain, causing thousands of burns and eye injuries each year. On average, 200 people are treated in emergency rooms every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.

In Vermont All Fireworks (not including Sparklers and other novelty smoke devices) are illegal except for permitted, supervised public fireworks displays.

South Burlington Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office only issues fireworks permits to individuals licensed through the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Sparklers less than 14 inches long with no more than 20 grams of pyrotechnic mixture, and novelty sparkling items like snakes, party poppers, glow worms, smoke devices, string poppers, snappers, or drop pops with no more than 0.25 grains of explosive mixture, that are in compliance with United States Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, are legal for sale and use in Vermont. However, even sparklers and smoke devices can be harmful if not used properly. 

Before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals. Take extra precautions this Fourth of July and your holiday will be a blast!

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths by working with state and local organizations to promote fireworks safety in your community.

Fireworks are dangerous and unpredictable, especially in the hands of amateurs.

•          Kids should never play with or ignite fireworks. If you give kids sparklers, keep them outside and away from the face, clothing and hair.

·       Sparklers can reach 1,800 °F  – hot enough to melt gold.

•     Although local retailers may sell fireworks products, it is important to be aware of the laws specific to the use of fireworks, and their inherent danger.

•     Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby.

•     Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.

•     Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear eye protection and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket – the friction could set them off.

•     Steer clear of others – fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. 

•     Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.

•     Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them in a trash can.

For more information regarding fireworks use in the City of South Burlington, please contact Station #1 at (802)846-4110.

Don't Let a Grill Fire Ruin Your Summer

June and July Are Peak Months for Grilling Accidents

Be Mindful of Safety

Senior Fire Fighter/Paramedic Bradley Dattilio

Fire Prevention Education Coordinator- SBFD

            

            Everyone loves a barbecue, it’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. Gas & charcoal BBQ cooking grills have become an essential part of our lifestyle.  As we begin the summer months here in Vermont, backyard chefs are dusting off their grills, eager to spring into the long-awaited barbecue season. Unfortunately, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. 

According the the National Fire Protection Agency, gas grills were involved in an annual average of 7,200 home fires between 2007-2011, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were responsible for an annual average of 1,400 home fires.  Cooking is, and has long been, the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries.  Thermal burns account for nearly half of the injuries involving grills.

            Follow these simple tips to make your barbecuing experience safer for you and your neighbor:

• Don’t leave your grilling/cooking area unattended.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill area.  Remove flammable materials from around the grill.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• Grills should be placed a minimum of 10 ft away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting.
• Keep your grill clean by regularly removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and trays below.
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.  NOTE:  A light soap and water solution applied to the hose is a great way to check for leaks.  If you detect a leak, turn the gas tank and grill off.  If the leak stops, have your grill serviced by a professional before using again.  If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

Charcoal grill safety tips to consider:

•   Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
•  Charcoal & gas grills are sources of carbon monoxide (CO).  This toxic, odorless, colorless gas can rapidly overwhelm you; never use in an enclosed space.
•  Charcoal briquettes should be stored in a dry area.  Damp or wet charcoal is sensitive to spontaneous heating.
•  If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid.  Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to the flames.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container with a lid.

            Below is the requirement from the Vermont Building and Life Safety Code which is enforced in the City of South Burlington.

"For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used or kindled on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure." - NFPA 10.11.6.1

Cliff Rescue Triggers Multi-Agency Response

South Burlington Fire Department

575 Dorset St.

South Burlington, VT  05403

846-4134

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 27, 2014

At 13:40 hrs., South Burlington fire Department received a 911 call from an unidentified male requesting help for a friend who had fallen off a cliff while walking along the Winooski River behind Berard Dr.  Firefighters from South Burlington Fire and VTANG were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, Firefighters went on to the railroad bridge to be better visualize the areas along the river’s North and South banks.  Firefighters were able to make contact with two males on the north side of the river.  They stated that they had called for help, as one of the pair had slipped and fallen approximately 30 feet into the river, and sustained numerous injuries.  The uninjured male had climbed down to his injured friend and pulled him out of the river on to a small ledge.

As the patient was actually situated close to the Colchester/Winooski town line, both agencies were notified of the rescue. Colchester Technical Rescue was contacted to provide water rescue over watch for the patient and rescuers.

 Members of South Burlington Fire Department (SBFD) and Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) Fire/Rescue Special Operations teams set up redundant high angle rescue systems that allowed several South Burlington firefighters to repel down to the patient.  There they found a 22 y.o. male, who had sustained multiple injuries from his fall, but was conscious and oriented.

The condition of the cliff’s friable rock face and the small ledge at water’s edge were very precarious.  Firefighters determined that the safest evacuation route for the patient would be over water. Colchester Technical Rescue’s Zodiac inflatable boat retrieved and transported the patient to the Berard Drive GMP boat access. The patient was transported to Fletcher Allen Health Care (FAHC) by Burlington Rescue-1.

Saint Michael’s Fire/Rescue and Colchester Rescue provided logistical support at the scene, and Williston Fire Department covered all other emergencies in the City while rescue operations were on going.  The incident was completed at 15:51 hrs.

 In all, 25 firefighters from six agencies work together, seamlessly to successfully complete this rescue. 

Agencies involved:  South Burlington Fire Department, Vermont Air National Guard Fire/Rescue, Burlington Fire Department, Colchester Technical Rescue, Colchester Rescue, and St. Michael’s Fire/Rescue.

  For further Information contact: Deputy Chief Terence Francis   802-363-4656           

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