Warwick Fire Department’s weekly report

WARWICK — The following is the Warwick Fire Department’s Call Report for the week ending March 18, provided by 2nd Assistant Chief Mike Contaxis:
The WFD has responded to 85 calls for service to date as of Sunday, March 18, evening, including mutual aid calls to Florida Fire District and Vernon, N.J., Fire District for structural related fire emergencies.
• On March 11 the WFD Engine Company #3 and Goodwill Hook & Ladder held a joint operational drill at Station #4.
• On March 14 the WFD held its monthly Department Extrication Drill at Specht’s Garage. (See related story and photos about the drill on page 28.)
• On March 17 the Warwick Fire Department Color Guard led by firefighter Kevin Columba attended the Pearl River St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in Rockland County. Thanks to the Parade Committee for the invite and the parade-goers for all of their support.
WFD fire prevention reportYour family’s lives and yours depends on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Please follow Safety tips on line at NFPA.ORG or by following The Warwick Fire Department on Facebook.
• In the laundry room
The proper dryer duct should vent directly outdoors — never to a room inside the house, as the air discharge can contain a combination of combustible gases.
Avoid plastic duct work, which is more easily ignited or melted; opt for a hard metal duct (with as few bends as possible) from the dryer to the exterior of your home. You’ll breathe more easily when you load your laundry.
Keep the duct free of lint to help reduce the chance of fire spreading from the dryer to the vent. Clean the lint trap after every use. A professional should also help you periodically dismantle the dryer to clean between the dryer drum and the heat element.
Install a smoke detector nearby.
• By hearth and candlelight
Never leave fire unattended. Candles may be small, and the flames they produce may be even smaller, but it takes just a few breaths for an upturned candle to create an inferno.
Use a smart surface. Always place candles on a non-flammable surface, and keep them away from paper, curtains, and other items that could be easily ignited.
Use a screen in front of the hearth—make sure it’s large and heavy enough to encompass the entire opening and to stop any stray logs from rolling out of the fireplace.
Perform regular check-ups. Chimneys and wood stoves require annual (and thorough) cleaning, and monthly inspection in case of obstructions or damage.
Never burn paper, trash, or green wood; apart from being highly flammable, scraps of burning paper or trash may actually drift up through the chimney or pipe and land on—and light up—your roof.
Extinguish the fire once you want to move away from it and cool the ashes. Ensure that the ashes are then harmlessly sealed away in a metal container outside the home.
• Volunteers
Firefighters are needed. Members of all ages are needed to join the WFD. Do you have what it takes and you are 16 years of age or older?
Stop in to see us or contact us on Facebook or email our firefighters at warwickfire150@gmail.com.