Winter Fire Safety

Monday, January 21, 2013  Since we are projected to see the first real dose of winter in our area in the upcoming weeks, we would like to give you some information on winter fire safety in your home.  The following information is from the US Fire Administration and FEMA.  Taking some of these simple steps may save your property or even your life.  Annually, winter residential fire cause and average of 945 deaths, 3825 injuries and $1,708,000,000 in property damage. One and two family residential dwellings account for 67%of all winter residential building fires Cooking is the leading cause of winter residential fires The majority of all winter residential fires occure betwee 5 and 8 PM, and collectively the highest amount of fires occur in January, February and March.  Portable Heaters Put at least three feet of empty space between the heater and everything else. Vacuum and clean the dust and lint from all heaters. If the cord gets hot, frayed or cracked, have the heater serviced. Never use extension cords with portable electric heaters. Turn off portable heaters when leaving or sleeping. An adult should always be present when anyone is using a space heater around children. Make sure your portable electric heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off function. Woodstove and Fireplace Safety Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace. Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that burns. To prevent flue fires, burn dry, well-seasoned wood. Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass. If children are present, use a special child-guard screen. The most important thing you can do is have working smoke detectors in your home and practice a fire safety plan with your family.  If you have a need for smoke detectors or just want someone to come check them for you, feel free to call the firehouse and someone will be glad to assist.

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WEBSITE CHANGES

Tuesday, January 15, 2013  Our website is due to be redesigned soon.  We are looking for some input on what you would like to see different or what would make the site easier to use or more helpful.  Please send us your input via email to Asst Chief Scott Duhamell - sduhamell@verizon.net, Chief Chris Powell - galenafirechief@gmail.com, EMS Chief George Bartholomew - galenaemschief@gmail.com.     Thanks again for your support.

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2013 Event Dates are Finalized!!

Saturday, January 12, 2013   The dates for the Ham and Oyster Dinners, Wing Dinners, Fish Dinners, and Breakfasts have been published.  We have attached the flyers in "Word" format, so feel free to print and share with your friends.  (click on the picture of the flyer below this article)

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Another Cecil County Box

Thursday, December 27, 2012   Just after 1300 hours, we were dispatched along with Millington, and Hacks Point to assist Cecilton with a working structure fire on Budds Landing Rd.  Engine 3 (with 4) and Tanker 3 (with 2) each made the response.  As Engine 3 crossed into Cecil County, a large column of black smoke was visible and Deputy 1/Dixon arrived with fire through the roof of a large 1 story house.  Engine 3 arrived as the second-in engine and picked up the 5 inch supply line laid by Rescue 1.  The crew manned an attack line from Rescue 1 and began to attack the fire from the Alpha side.  As structural conditions became unsafe, the ladder pipe from Truck 1 was placed into service.  Units operated for about 4 hours.  Deputy Chief Rodney was OIC of Galena units.  Thanks to Crumpton for the transfer.  Photos by Nevin Steffy 

Engine Crew - Alpha Side	Alpha Side
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Busy Friday Night

Friday, December 21, 2012  At 2303 hours, we were dispatched for the Engine and Tanker to assist Cecilton with a house fire on New Cut Rd.  Engine 3 (with 4) and Tanker 3 (with 2) made the response. Rescue 1 arrived with fire in the walls as a result of a faulty fireplace  Engine 3's crew was assigned to assist with checking for extension on the first floor and overhaul.  Units worked for about 2 hours. Asst. Chief Duhamell was OIC of Galena Units  Just after returning, the Engine (with 4) and Tanker (with 3) made the response to assist Sudlersville with a large outside fire.  Engine 3 picked up the supply line to Quint 6 before operations were reduced to handlines, and Tanker 3 shuttled several loads of water.   Units worked for about 4 hours.  Captain Piasecki was OIC of Galena Units

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Holiday Safety

Wednesday, December 12, 2012  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that there is an estimated annual average of 210 home structure fires that begin with Christmas trees.   Based on data from 2002 through 2005, these fires caused an average of 24 civilian deaths, 27 civilian injuries, and $13.3 million in direct property damage per year [1].
Properly maintaining a cut Christmas tree is important to retaining a high moisture content in the needles of the tree to limit accidental ignition and prevent rapid flame spread.  A tree which has dry needles can readily ignite with a flaming source and generate heat release rates that are capable of causing flashover in residential scale rooms. 
 
Fires involving holiday lights or other decorative lighting with line voltage 
Holiday lights and other decorative lighting with line voltage were involved in an estimated average of 160 home structure fires per year in this same period. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths, 13 civilian injuries, and $9.0 million in direct property damage per year. Almost half (45%) occurred in December and 12% were in January. Seventeen percent of these fires began with Christmas trees. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in two-thirds (69%) of the fires involving holiday or decorative lights.
Falls related to holiday decorating
In a study of fall-related injuries during the holiday season, it is estimated that an annual average of roughly 5,800 fall injuries related to holiday decorating were treated at hospital emergency rooms between November 1 and January 31 in 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003. Sixty-two percent of those injured were between 20 and 49 years of age, compared to 43% of the population in this age group. With 43% of the injuries resulting from falls from ladders and 13% caused by falls from the roof, it appears that the majority of these falls occurred during outdoor decorating. Falls from furniture, typically inside the structure, accounted for 11% of the injuries. Some falls occurred when people tripped over or slipped on tree skirts or other decorations.

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Election of Officers

Thursday, December 6, 2012  The members of the Galena Volunteer Fire Company held the annual election of officers after the regular Company meeting on December 6, 2012.  President Rick Koch returns to office along with Vice President Jack Duhamell, Secretary Ray Long and Treasurer Ethel Duhamell.  Fire Chief Chris Powell and EMS Chief George Bartholomew ran unopposed and will return in 2013.  The incoming Directors for 2013 include Jeff Dwyer, Jeff Haley, Scott Duhamell, Barry Treftz and Bert Piasecki.  President Koch asked all members to review the posted list of committees and consider signing up.  All the newly elected officers assume their posts at 1200 hours on December 31st.

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Check Your Smoke Detectors

Friday, November 2, 2012 

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MVC and Tanker Assist

Friday, October 19, 2012  On the morning of 10-19-2012, we were dispatched to assist on the the 40-8 Rescue Box.  Rescue Pumper 3 made the response with 7 and was the first unit to arrive.  The crew investigated a single vehicle off the roadway, which was found to be a PD incident only.  Asst. Chief S. Duhamell was the OIC

Just after returning to the station, We were dispatched to assist the Volunteer Hose Co. of MIddletown with the Tanker.  Chief Bailey (NCCD 27) was on scene with fire showing from a residential structure.  Tanker 3 responded with 2 (Lt. P. Berlen) and operated for a short time before returning.

Photos from www.ofc424.com

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Evening MVC

Tuesday, July 31, 2012   Just before 1800 hours, we were dispatched for the MVC involving an overturned tractor trailer on Rt 299 at Rt 290. Rescue Pumper 3 was the first unit to arrive and located an tractor trailer on its side with its cargo (Rum) on the roadway.  The truck had broken off a utility pole causing power wires to hang across the roadway.  The driver refused treatment from PM 1-1 and EMS 3-1 and the crews from Rescue Pumper 3 and Engine 3 mitigated an oil spill and small fuel leak.  Units cleared in about 30 minutes and fire police assisted MSP with traffic control.  Asst. Chief S. Duhamell had the Rt 299 Command

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