A Sacramento fire engine has the capability to release almost 500 gallons of water onto a structure in just a matter of minutes. As soon as the dispatchers receive reports of a potential house fire, a swift response is initiated, deploying four engines, two fire trucks, two chiefs, and an ambulance to the location.
While they are always prepared, numerous firefighters would rather stay cozy in the firehouse than head out on calls. Nonetheless, the chilly conditions outdoors might lead to increased tasks ahead.
“We see an uptick in calls for service due to HVAC systems… heaters getting kicked on. These heaters have been sitting dormant all summer, so once they do get kicked on, they have a little bit of dust on them, and it causes some type of burning scent,” said Sacramento Fire Captain and Public Information Officer Justin Sylvia.
Unusual odors might represent the most favorable scenario. Emergency responders warn of potential escalation.
“We also get a lot of calls for outside heaters that are being brought inside the home, and what that does is not only pose a fire hazard but it also poses an inhalation hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Sylvia. “What we see with space heaters is them being in close proximity to something flammable so that constant heat on there will warm something up and then cause a fire.”
Regrettably, firefighters in Northern California have encountered comparable incidents this season. On November 10, firefighters in Amador County reported that a propane tank connected to a heater was ejecting flames reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet. The situation was successfully contained.
Just days later, a dire situation unfolded: an RV ignited near Lake Comanche on November 15. Authorities report that a portable electric heater was the source of the incident. One individual sustained second-degree burns.
“We want to make sure that when we are using those space heaters, there’s a lot of clearance around that,” Sylvia said.
A tragic incident occurred in Sacramento County last week, where a woman from Folsom lost her life due to a fire in her residence, which is thought to be associated with her fireplace. Just a few days prior, neighbors came to the aid of an elderly couple when a fire erupted in their residence. They were transported to the hospital in a serious state.
Firefighters warn that various factors, such as festive decorations, could contribute to fire hazards this season.
“These (Christmas) trees were cut several months ago and stored in a freezer, so they’re already dry to begin with. So we want to keep them as moist as we can just to limit that fire exposure,” Sylvia said. “With your Christmas lights… make sure you are checking those wires for any frayed wiring or anything that could potentially cause a spark or cause a fire… LED is the way to go.”
A bit of care and attention today could prevent the need for large fire engines near your property this season.
“Once a call comes in, we’d like to see us fully dressed within one minute,” Sylvia said. “We’re always at the ready.”
