Data from the United States reveals the importance of awareness about this threat to safety on the road:

• More people die in vehicle fires than in apartment fires each year in the United States where nearly 1 out of 5 fires involve motor vehicles.
• U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 278,000 vehicle fires in the United States during 2006. These fires caused an estimated 490 civilian deaths and 1,200 civilian injuries.
• Of those fires, 75 percent were caused by bad maintenance, mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions. Collisions or overturns caused only 3% of these fires but 57% of the associated deaths.
• Older teens and young adults are age groups at highest risk of highway vehicle fire death.
• One-third of non-fatal vehicle fire injuries occurred when civilians attempted to fight the fire themselves.

Nature of the threat:
While explosions from car fires are rare, the true danger is the toxic fumes. Motor vehicles are made of many synthetic materials that emit harmful and deadly gases when they burn. A main by-product of fires is a lethal concentration of carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless gas.
Fire can cause fatal or depilating burn injuries. A vehicle fire can generate heat upwards of 1,500 F. Flames in vehicles can often shoot out distances of 10 feet or more. Parts of the vehicle can burst because of heat, shooting debris great distances.  Bumper and hatchback door unit, two-piece tire rims, magnesium wheels, drive shafts, grease seals, axle, and engine parts, all can become lethal shrapnel. Fires may also cause air bags to deploy.
Hazardous materials such as battery acid can cause injury even without burning.
Cause of Vehicle Fires
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the US reports that about one fifth of all fires reported are motor vehicle fires, and the majority of vehicle fires are not related to crashes. These fires do not seem to attract much attention or investigation, because they do not usually result in injury or property claims beyond the vehicle replacement cost.
Vehicle fires usually progress slowly in the early stages, allowing occupants time to escape injury. Injury or fatalities usually occur in cases where an occupant is asleep, disabled, intoxicated, or too young to escape.
Most vehicle fires start in the engine compartment. A motor vehicle contains many flammable materials, including flammable liquids like gasoline and oil as well as solid combustibles such as upholstery. Fuel leaks from ruptured fuel lines also can rapidly ignite.
Leakage of fuel, motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, or even coolant can lead to engine fires, and the leakage of a flammable or combustible liquid in an engine compartment results from some kind of failure. The failure may be a result of normal wear and tear, failure of a mechanic to make repairs safely, design failure which leads to rupture or abrasion of hoses or manufacturing defects in hoses, gaskets or fluid connections.
When a brand new vehicle (or one which has had very recent repairs) burns, failure of the manufacturer (or a mechanic) to safely tighten all fluid connections is the most likely cause.
Car batteries pose a fairly unique hazard - hydrogen gas evolved in the electrolysis reaction ignites readily in fire conditions and can result in an explosive dispersion of battery acid.
About 15 percent of motor vehicle fires originate in the passenger compartment. The main causes of these are electrical short circuits and cigarettes.
Preventing Vehicle Fires
Vehicle maintenance and inspection is crucial to preventing vehicle fires. The following suggestion might prevent vehicle fires:

• Have your vehicles inspected at least annually by a trained, professional technician.
• Check for any malfunctioning parts and hanging electrical wirings. Do not leave them hanging. 
• Include a check of the fuel system in your regular maintenance schedule. Electrical and fuel system or problems are the major causes of car fires.
• Watch for fluid leaks under vehicles, cracked or blistered hoses, or wiring that is loose, has exposed metal or has cracked insulation. 
• Have vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible if exhaust or emission control problems are suspected.
• An early indication of a problem is a fuse that blows more than once. The source of the triggered fuse could be either a faulty component or a wiring problem. 
• Check for oil leaks and always use a funnel when adding oil. Oil spilled on a hot exhaust manifold can cause a fire.
• If a filling station attendant adds oil, double check that the cap is on securely. This sounds obvious, but better to check than end up with oil all over your engine compartment at best, or an engine fire at worst.
• Clean the vehicle regularly - Do not allow your trash to settle in the vehicle.
• Avoid throwing cigarette butts anywhere
• When driving - Be alert to changes in the way your vehicle sounds when running, or to a visible plume of exhaust coming from the tailpipe. A louder than usual exhaust tone, smoke coming from the tailpipe or a backfiring exhaust could mean problems or damage to the high-temperature exhaust and emission control system on the vehicle. 
• Observe your gauge frequently - Check if the temperature is rising.

 
Advice when Vehicle is on Fire
In the automotive world, smoke does not necessarily mean fire. Depending on the age of the vehicle, it could be steam from the radiator, often caused by a broken fan belt or over-heated engine. The simple fact is if your vehicle is smoking or putting off odors, something's gone wrong. A burning car is a death trap. Smoke accumulates quickly within the sealed doors and windows and rising heat and the fire itself make a time bomb out of the gas tank. Escape from a burning car is a challenge that requires fast thinking and even faster acting.
Here are safety suggestions to follow when your vehicle is smoking/ on fire:

• Stay as calm as you can. The worst possible thing that you can do is panic. Panic will cause you to waste precious seconds and make mistakes that could end up being tragic. 
• If the vehicle is moving, signal and move to the side of the road. 
• Fire feeds off oxygen and even slow forward motion will force air into the engine compartment, basically stoking the fire.
• Pulling to the side makes it possible for everyone to get out of the vehicle safely. 
• Turn off the ignition to shut off the electric current and stop the flow of gasoline. 
• Put the vehicle in park or set the emergency brake; you don't want the vehicle to move after your leave it. 
• Make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle, but do not waste time and increase your risk by removing personal belongings. 
• Move at least 100 feet away. Keep traffic in mind and keep everyone together. There is not only danger from the fire, but also from other vehicles moving in the area. 
• Keep onlookers and others away.
• Do not go back into a burning vehicle
• more  ]  

The Copperopolis Fire Protection District Board of Directors has declared a vehicle surplus that will be sold “as is” to the highest bidder above the minimum price of $3,500 U.S. Dollars following a sealed bid process.
Vehicle Description: Fire Engine, 1971 International Loadstar 1700 series, 4X4, Winch, Mid-ship & Auxiliary pump with misc. parts (CDF Model 5).
Location: C.F.P.D. St#1, 370 Main St., Copperopolis, CA 95228
Inspection: Pre-arranged by calling (209) 785-2393 & request Fleet Maint.M-F, 8-5.
Bid Process: Interested parties shall submit sealed bids with bidder’s contact info. Via hand delivery or regular mail addressed to the District at 370 Main St. /P.O. Box 131 Copperopolis, CA 95228 Attn: “Sealed Bid 235”. Received bids will be opened at the regular Board of Director’s meeting at 370 Main St. Copperopolis, CA on January 14, 2010 and awarded to the highest bidder above the minimum price. The approved payment shall be made by cashier’s check payable to the Copperopolis Fire Protection District. The license plates will be removed and appropriate D.M.V. documentation completed. The successful bidder shall be responsible to remove the vehicle from site within five business days following notification of the successful bid.

As most of you know wildland fires are a big part of life in the foothills of Northern California, but it does not have to turn to tragedy. Creating a defensible space around your home is of the upmost importance. The proper landscaping and trimming can make all the difference between having a wonderful summer in the sun, or a tragic summer of loss.  
Now, while it is cool; is the time to get ready for fire season. Trimming trees, clearing brush, and spraying weeds is hard work and is best done in the later part of winter before trees start budding. 
 Click on the news headline for guidelines provided by Cal-Fire for defensible space which, will help protect your home.

Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 500 lives and sends another 15,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
Understanding the Risk
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.
What Actions Do I Take if My Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off?
What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.
If no one is feeling ill:
1.   Silence the alarm.
2.   Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).
3.   Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
4.   Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.
If illness is a factor:
1.   Evacuate all occupants immediately.
2.   Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
3.   Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
4.   Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
5.   Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.
Protect Yourself and Your Family from CO Poisoning

• Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Make sure the alarm has been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.
• Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.
• Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
• Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.
• When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.
Why Should My Home Have Smoke Alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
What Types of Smoke Alarms Are Available?
There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types:  ionization and photoelectric.
Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs.
Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.
Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.
In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.
Okay, Where Do I Put Them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Where Would I Get Smoke Alarms?
Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in our community, call Copperopolis Fire at (209)785-2393 and we will provide you with some suggestions.
Are Smoke Alarms Hard to Install?
If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical system, you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements.  For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed.  For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions because there are differences between the various brands.  If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help.
Helpful Tip
Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day.
If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it.
How Do I Keep My Smoke Alarm Working?
If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
1.   Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2.   In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
3.   In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
What if the Alarm Goes Off While I’m Cooking?
Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking.  Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a “hush” button that silences nuisance alarms.
How Long will my Smoke Alarm Last?
Most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard-wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. It’s important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.
The U.S. Fire Administration would like to remind you of some important fire safety and prevention information.

• Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.
• Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.
• Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

Contact Copperopolis Fire at (209)785-2393 if you need help or have questions about fire safety in your home.

 

Adverse Weather Driving Challenges
 
Heavy rain, snow, ice, fog, smoke and wind create concerns for all motorists. Regardless of the type of adverse weather condition, hazards encountered are generally the same: reduced visibility, reduced traction, increased stopping distances, increased traffic congestion, and uncertainty over how other motorists will behave. The strategies safety professionals recommend for negotiating these hazards safely are also similar: reduce speed, increase following distance, turn and brake carefully on slippery roads, turn on your lights, look far ahead for emerging hazards, and during severe adverse conditions, park in a safe place and wait until conditions improve.
 
Following Distance
 
Under ideal road and weather conditions, the recommended “following distance” for large commercial vehicles is approximately six to eight seconds. For smaller vehicles, it is less. According to the National Safety Council, to calculate the recommended distance, drivers should include one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length, plus add one additional second if traveling faster than 40 mph. For example, if a 20-foot vehicle is traveling 60 mph, the recommended following distance is three seconds. Two seconds (two 10-foot lengths) plus one second (because the vehicle is traveling more than 40 mph) equals three seconds. Once the recommended following distance is calculated, you need to pick a reference point on the road that the vehicle in front of you has just passed (power pole, parked car, etc.). Count the seconds until you get there (one thousand one, one thousand two, etc.). If you reach the reference point prior to the recommended time, increase your following distance and count again. During adverse weather conditions increase your following distance by one or more seconds, depending on the severity of the conditions.
 
Vehicle Condition 
 
Driving during adverse weather can be demanding for both the driver and the vehicle. It is important to ensure that your vehicle is ready for all types of weather. A number of items can affect your ability to manage adverse weather and should be inspected before and during your trip, including tires, exhaust system, lights and reflectors, antifreeze, brakes, windshield wipers and washer fluid, fuel tank level, mirrors, tire chains (where allowed by law), heating and defrosting system, and personal gear and supplies.
 
Make sure you know what to expect during your trip. Listen to the latest weather reports to stay informed about adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip to allow for any unexpected delays. In the case of severe adverse weather, consider changing your route to avoid the worst weather or postponing your trip until conditions improve. Have access to a cell phone, or CB radio, in the event you become stranded.
 
Adverse Weather
 
Safety professionals offer a number of recommendations for managing the unique hazards associated with various adverse weather conditions.
 
Rain
 
Rain is the most common adverse weather condition. Despite this, drivers often overlook the dangers of driving in rain. The hazards associated with rain include: slippery roads, wet brakes, reduced visibility and traffic congestion.
Compensating for these hazards by reducing your speed and increasing your following distance is essential.
 
Watch for pooling of water on the road. Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride above the road surface on a thin layer of water. Speed, amount of water on the roadway, tire tread depth, tire air pressure, and road surface characteristics are all factors that influence whether a vehicle is at risk of hydroplaning. It is possible for vehicles to hydroplane at speeds as low as 30 mph. Watch for other motorists who are driving smaller, lighter vehicles that may be more likely to lose control of their vehicles. Turn on your lights to help other motorists see your vehicle.
 
Snow and Ice
 
Snow and ice are common weather conditions in many areas of our county. When freezing temperatures are expected along your route, be prepared for snow and ice. Road conditions can vary considerably depending on the quantity of snow and other characteristics. When driving on snow and ice, carefully consider what speed is appropriate for the prevailing conditions. Accelerate slowly and look far ahead for potential hazards.
 
In some areas snow chains may be required. Before traveling into these areas make sure you have the required chains and that they are in proper working condition.
 
In areas where snow and ice are uncommon, be especially cautious of motorists who may not have experience driving under these conditions. Allow extra time in your schedule in case there are delays. Remember, some areas of the county may not have adequate equipment to keep roads clear of snow and ice.
 
Ice and freezing rain present the most hazardous conditions, with glare ice, perhaps, being the most dangerous condition. Stopping distance can increase dramatically on ice and the potential for losing control of your vehicle is high. The risk of being involved in an accident as a result of other motorists losing control of their vehicles is also high.
 
Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

 
 
Ice Facts:
 
·         Wet roads can become icy whenever temperatures fall below freezing.
·         Melting snow and ice can refreeze at night when temperatures drop below freezing.
·         Ice can form in shaded areas, including under overpasses, at times when roads are otherwise free of ice.
·         Expect ice to form more quickly on bridges and over-passes as they cool from being exposed underneath, as well as at the surface.
·         “Black ice” can form on roads due to vehicle exhaust moisture which drivers may not expect.
·         Accumulations of ice on mirrors, antennas, and road signs are indications that ice is forming on the roadway.
·         A lack of water spray from other vehicles is also an indication that ice may be forming.
 
Fog and Smoke
 
Fog and smoke can present serious and unexpected hazards, sometimes greatly reducing visibility in just seconds. Many serious car and truck pile-ups have occurred as a result of these hazards. Watch for fog to accumulate in low-lying areas. The potential hazards of fog and smoke include reduced visibility, headlight glare, sudden traffic congestion and vehicles stopped on the roadway. When approaching fog or smoke, slow down to ensure there is enough space to stop safely if you encounter slowed or stopped traffic. Use your low-beam headlights.
 
Wind
 
Strong winds can create an extreme hazard for high-profile vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, bus...  [  more  ]  

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, Individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
 
 
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
 
Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. 
 
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. 
 
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service. 
 
Holiday Lights
 
Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. 
 
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
 
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended
 
Holiday Decorations
 
Use Only Nonflamm able Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
 
Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
 
Artificial Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
  
Candle Care
 
Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
   
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches. Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Copperopolis Fire, B-SHIFT; alone with Cal-Fire had a vehicle extrication training the other day. The training was held at Copper Fire Station #1.
 
“Training like this helps it become second nature for us” said Engineer Sean Hamilton. “When we arrive on an incident everything flows like it should, it make for a much safer environment for us and the members of the community we are hired or volunteer to help”.
 
The training lasted several hours and covered mutable areas of vehicle extrication. When it was all over the firefighter cut three cars to pieces, and gained a lot of valuable experience.  
 
Some of the tools the firefighters worked with were the “Rescue 42 Struts”. The Rescue 42 Struts were purchased by the Copperopolis Fire Fighters Association and are a very valuable tool for the District. The money the Association receives comes from the community; throw the Melodrama, Bingo, and T-shirt sales. We would like to thank the community for supporting all of our events.

More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.

Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice the following fire safety steps to keep those home fires safely burning. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!

Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.

Safely Burn Fuels

• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
• Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
• When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.

Protect the Outside of Your Home

• Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
• Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.

Protect the Inside of Your Home

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long life smoke alarms.
• Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.
• Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.

http://static.hpba.org/fileadmin/factsheets/product/FS_FireplaceSafety.pdf

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/fswy13.pdf

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/heating/fireplace.shtm

Copper Fire responded to a medical call on Bow Drive. Responding were MEDIC ENGINE 231, MEDIC ENGINE 238 and CAK FIRE ENGINE 4462.