News Alert for: fire suppression

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Q: Are space heaters safe to use in the cubicle at work? How often do space heaters cause fires?

A: Statistics that the Seattle Fire Department submits to the National Fire Protection Association do not specify the number of fires caused by space heaters. But they can be dangerous, fire officials said.

The following information is from Edna Merrick of the department’s Public Education Unit:

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. Two out of three reported home-heating fires and associated deaths and injuries involved portable and fixed space heaters and related equipment, such as fireplaces and chimneys.

Although portable heaters are often a convenient source of heat both at home and work, portable heaters can also be a serious fire hazard if used carelessly.

Portable heating devices warm up rapidly, and like baseboard heaters, they can easily ignite any flammable item left nearby.

Common sense can prevent a portable heater fire. Any time a flammable object comes in contact with a heater, a fire could result. As a rule, all portable heaters are placed at least 3 feet from bedding furniture, and other flammable materials.

Portable heaters should always be plugged directly in the wall, not into an extension cord. Always ensure that portable heaters are turned off when you leave the room or before going to bed.

When shopping for a portable heater, choose a model with temperature control, an automatic shut-off device, and a seal of approval from an independent testing laboratory (such as Underwriters Laboratories), indicating that the portable heater has met basic safety standards.

For more information, click here.

Resource: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattle911/archives/159970.asp

Extinguisher RatingsFire extinguishers are rated by the type of fire they can put out. Class A extinguishers can put out fires from “ordinary combustibles” such as wood, plastic or paper. Class B can put out burning liquids such as gasoline or grease. Class C can put out electrical fires. Extinguishers marked A, B and C can put out all types. Class D extinguishers, designed to put out burning metal, are rare. Check the letters and pictures on your extinguisher to find out what it can handle.

Water is the most familiar extinguishing material, and it is one of the most effective. But it can be dangerous in the wrong situation. A water extinguisher can put out things like burning wood, paper or cardboard, but it does not work well on electrical fires or fires involving inflammable liquids. In an electrical fire, the water may conduct the current, which can electrocute you. Water will only spread out an inflammable liquid, which will most likely make the fire worse.

One popular extinguisher material is pure carbon dioxide. In a carbon dioxide extinguisher, the carbon dioxide is kept in pressurized liquid form in the cylinder. When the container is opened, the carbon dioxide expands to form a gas in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide gas is heavier than oxygen, so it displaces the oxygen surrounding the burning fuel. This sort of fire extinguisher is common in restaurants because it won’t contaminate the cooking equipment or food.

The most popular extinguisher material is dry chemical foam or powder, typically made of sodium bicarbonate (normal baking soda), potassium bicarbonate (nearly identical to baking soda), or monoammonium phosphate. Baking soda starts to decompose at only 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius), and when it decomposes, it releases carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide, along with the insulation of the foam, works to smother the fire.

Most fire extinguishers contain a fairly small amount of fire-suppressant material — you can use it all up in a matter of seconds. For this reason, extinguishers are only effective on relatively small, contained fires. To put out a larger fire, you need much bigger equipment — a fire engine, for example — and the professionals who know how to use it. But for the dangerous flames that can pop up in your house, a fire extinguisher is an invaluable lifesaver.

Resource:  How Stuff Works - Fire Extinguishers