Fall and the Bellaire Fire Department

Fall conjures up the thought of red leaves piling up in the yard, smoke coming from a chimney and a family’s gathering. This is the Currier and Ives setting that we dreamed of as children and a memory that carries through to adulthood. While the Fire Department wishes all a peaceful and relaxing Fall and Holiday Season, we also know of the tragedy that strikes during this time of year.

Bellaire has an ordinance about open burning (a fire made with materials not specifically sold for combustion and burned in a device not intended for open flame). Many homeowners have used Bar-B Que pits, grills, fire pits and a chiminea to eliminate leaves and this can lead to disastrous results. Leaves have a much lighter ash and larger surface are, making a small torch that can be carried aloft by convection, landing a distance and starting another fire. If you use an outdoor burning device, make sure it is isolated from other combustibles; the products of smoke don’t get in your home or the neighbors; the fire is constantly attended with a spark arrestor screen in place and the wood is intended for such a device. If you use a wood burning, indoor fireplace, make sure to have a chimney sweep check it out each season before use. Failure to do so could lead to a chimney fire.

Fall is also the time to have your furnace checked by professionals. Our moisture laden air, combined with the high temperatures in the heat exchange unit of the furnace, lead to a rapid degrading of the metal in heat exchangers. This can lead to small cracks or pits in the metal, and carbon monoxide being released into the home. Installation of a Carbon Monoxide detector can be lifesaving.

Since the end of Fall is the Winter Equinox or Dec. 21, we can talk about Thanksgiving. This family gathering holiday is food driven, which causes cooking and Bellaire Fire is Happy about Thanksgiving! Cooking, especially for large numbers require more cook surfaces to be utilized than normal. Please keep the area around the cook top free of combustibles, like a hot mitten, or food preparation boxes. Also keep young helpers three feet from the cooking area; keep handles of pots and pans pointed away from the floor area just in case a young helper sneaks in to assist. Keep a fire extinguisher in an area where it can be quickly retrieved if needed. If you have guests staying for the holiday, consider sharing your fire escape plan with them, ensuring that all can get out safely should a fire start in your home.

Most importantly is to enjoy your time and relax as much as you can. Fall doesn’t last long; make the most of it.