Issue No. 43                                                                         December 2015

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. Keep any sources of ignition away from your Christmas tree, which can be highly flammable. Even a small spark near your tree can quickly turn into a large fire very quickly (check out this video).

Picking the Tree
  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the Tree
  • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2" from the base of the trunk.
  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
  •  Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit
  • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the Tree
  •  Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
  •  Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of strands to connect.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree
  •  Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas

Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

(Source: NFPA)


If you have little ones who want to have a chat with Santa, please visit us on Saturday, December 12th between 10 am and 2 pm at the Historic Belmont Firehouse (900 SE 35th at Belmont).
 
We will be offering fire safety education and the kids can have their picture taken with the big guy.
 
A $5 charitable donation to the Friends of Portland Fire & Rescue is appreciated.


There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

Be Warm and Safe This Winter
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
  • Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  • Test smoke alarms monthly.


(Source: NFPA)
PF&R Attends GirlFest!

Portland Fire & Rescue interacted with hundreds of kids at GirlFest! last month, the biggest Girl Scout celebration of the year (open to boys too!). The event was hosted at the Portland Expo Center and was geared towards girls in grades K-12. 
Help Us Celebrate
101 Years of Toy & Joy Makers
 


101 years ago, a little boy brought a broken wagon into a Portland fire station and asked a firefighter to fix it so he could give it to his brother. A tradition was born.
 
Toy & Joy is Portland Fire & Rescue's affiliated non-profit that delivers toys to Portland children in need.
 
Help Us Continue This Tradition 
 
When you are out shopping for your own children, you can help by picking out an extra toy for Toy & Joy to pass on to kids in need. Or if you have toys that are in good condition, simply drop them off at any Portland Fire & Rescue Station during the month of December. Cash donations  also welcome for the purchase toys at wholesale prices.
PF&R in the News
About PF&R

Portland's fire service history began in the spring of 1851, with the founding of the Pioneer Engine Company, the same year the City of Portland was officially incorporated. No more than a bucket brigade, it was a volunteer force of 37 fire fighters wearing red shirts with a single hand pump.
  
Today, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is the largest fire and emergency services provider in the State of Oregon with 725 employees and serves a population of 610,000. In 2014, PF&R responded to 74,143 emergency incidents.
  
Portland Fire & Rescue
55 SW Ash St
Portland, Oregon 97204
503-823-3700
  
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