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Christmas Trees

What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles 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 and, 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.

Preparedness starts with YOU! Everyone should:

1. Have an emergency supply kit.
2. Make a family escape plan.
3. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your community and how your family will respond.

Each person’s needs and abilities are unique but every individual can take important steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies – including fire emergencies – and put plans in place.

Prepare for a Fire Emergency

In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames. By preparing for a fire emergency, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.
• Test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms every 8-10 years or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.
• Plan your escape from fire. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room.
• Practice fire escape plans several times a year. Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
• Purchase only collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Check that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
• Make sure everyone in your family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

US Fire Administration

Each year MDA raises money for research and services to combat over 43 neuromuscular diseases affecting millions each year. Services include free clinics, assistance with wheelchair purchase and repair, support groups and a week long summer camp for kids ages 6 –21! All of this is made possible through private donations and events such as the Wenatchee Fill The Boot. The dollars raised through local events such as Fill The Boot helps those in your community who are living with these relentless diseases.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Firefighters attending joint training. (Cary Ulrich Photo)

For several months the three valley fire departments have been participating in joint training. July was no different for Chelan County Fire District #1, Douglas County Fire District # 2 and Wenatchee Fire Department. Career and volunteer staff met at Walla Walla Park for Water Rescue Training. During the week of July 18th- 21st over seventy members participated in the training which included still and rapid water rescue techniques.

Assistant Chief Cecil McKinney, CCFD#1 and Captain Bruce Hosfeld, WFD conducted the trainings for the career firefighters during their assigned duty shifts and for volunteers on Tuesday evening.

Rapid water rescue techniques were explained and demonstrated by Assistant Chief McKinney. He explained the importance of the use of a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) while attempting a rescue from the shore. One should always be worn when you are ten feet or closer to the water. Rescuers do not need to become victims. Several tools to assist the rescuer included the rope bag and rescue pole.. Tossing a rope bag and pulling a victim to shore was demonstrated. Standing on a bridge and using a fire hose held over the side to catch a victim as he floats under the bridge was demonstrated.

Captain Hosfeld explained how to pinpoint the last location a victim was seen in the water. He advised that the Rescue Swimmer program was started at Wenatchee Fire about ten years ago after several drownings and near drownings in the Columbia River. The swimmers work in pairs and search a grid pattern to locate the victim. They use a paddle board attached to a rope with a spotter on the shore . They rely on information given to a command officer on shore by a witness to start searching in the vicinity the victim was last seen.

McKinney advised that CCFD and DCFD do not have rescue swimmers but the training will enable their departments to assist the WFD rescue swimmers in locating victims. The Use of the other rescue techniques will prove valuable if swimmers are not available or the water is fast moving.

I want to thank each and every person who has supported and encouraged our family during this very difficult time.

The loss of a loved one is always heartbreaking, but hearing from many people how my husband Garet touched their lives as a firefighter and as a person has helped my family get through this.

I would like to recognize the members of Chelan County Fire District 1 and other supporting agencies, the community, my family, and our friends for all they have done to honor Garet.

Again, please accept my heartfelt thanks.

Sincerely,

Allyson Rasmussen

Thank you again for your outstanding support and acts of kindness while we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Battalion Chief Garet Rasmussen.

On Saturday, June 18, at 1:00 p.m. at the Town Toyota Center we will hold the memorial for our fallen brother. The ceremony will include a large procession of emergency vehicles. This procession will interrupt travel for many motorists as it moves through town, and we apologize and appreciate your consideration for any inconvenience this may cause.

We hope you understand this procession is a demonstration of our respect and honor of Garet, and our support of Garet’s family.

Mike Burnett
Chief
Chelan County Fire District 1