1 Killed When Garbage Truck Overturns

On Friday, November 27th at 1:50 pm, 14 companies from the Charlotte Fire Department including (5) Engine Companies, (1) Ladder Company, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Hazardous Materials Response Company, (1) Urban Search and Rescue Company, (1) Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Company, and (3) Battalion Chiefs were called to service for a traffic collision with multiple passengers trapped at the intersection of Billy Graham Parkway and West Boulevard. The collision involved a City of Charlotte sanitation truck used to collect yard waste, which had overturned and struck a 4-door SUV trapping the occupants. Firefighters from nearby Station 17 were first to arrive and reported four occupants trapped in the passenger vehicle. Teams of firefighters were able to quickly free two of the four passengers trapped using various rescue tools and equipment, but continued to work feverishly for over an hour to free the other occupants. Despite their efforts one of the passengers of the SUV died on the scene. The other three occupants of the passenger vehicle were taken to an area hospital with significant injuries. The driver and one of the workers of the sanitation truck were transported to an area hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Mark Basnight | Captain

Charlotte Fire Department

Office of Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Officials Remind the Community of the Dangers Associated with Turkey Fryers

As preparations for the holiday season get underway the Charlotte Fire Department would like to remind the community at large of the dangers associated with the use of deep fryer turkey cookers. The use of these unique cooking devices presents a significant risk of starting a fire and causing burn injuries. Underwriters Laboratories considers turkey fryers to be dangerous to use presenting numerous safety hazards to consumers.

Concerns involving turkey fryer devices include:

• When a turkey is placed in the hot oil, it may spill onto the burner, creating a fire.
• The units can tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby.
• Gallons of oil heated in excess of 350 degrees can quickly ignite if something goes wrong, igniting house, decks, garages, vegetation.

Safety tips to prevent turkey fryer injuries:

• Follow manufacturer instructions for operation and follow safety recommendations.
• Never leave the turkey frying unattended.
• Create a safe zone and keep children and pets away from cooking area.
• Cook outside on a level area away from structures and combustibles.
• Use non combustible cooking mitts or gloves when handling cooking hardware.

The Charlotte Fire Department would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

For more information on turkey fryer safety go to:

http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Fire/Fire+and+Life+Safety/Turkey+Fryer+Safety+.htm

Mark Basnight | Charlotte Fire Department

Office of Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Officials Urge You To Keep Warm, But Stay Safe When Using Your Fireplace and Wood Stove

With the change of the season upon us and cooler weather forecasted, many of us will use fireplaces and wood stoves as either a primary or supplemental heating source in our home. Many fires involving chimneys and wood burning stoves can be attributed to the improper installation, maintenance or use of the heating source. Unfortunately, too many people are unaware of the fire risks involved when using these heating sources. Today, the Charlotte Fire Department continues to respond to residential fires caused by faulty chimneys or wood stoves. Over the past two years, there have been 56 fires in Charlotte involving chimneys or wood stoves resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and numerous people displaced from their homes. The Charlotte Fire Department encourages you to practice the following safety tips when using your fireplace or wood stove: Have your fireplace, wood stove and chimney cleaned and inspected annually for creosote build-up and cracks in mortar or chimney flues Keep the hearth area clear of decorations, debris and combustible materials Never use flammable liquids to start a fire Do not exceed the fuel capacity of your fireplace or wood stove Never burn cardboard, paper, trash, charcoal or debris in your fireplace or wood stove Never leave any burning fire unattended Place hot ashes in a separate metal container outside your home, away from decks, landscape materials and other combustibles, and soak them with water If you have a fire in your house, Get Out And Stay Out! Call the fire department from a safe location and never go back inside.

Mark Basnight | Captain

Charlotte Fire Department | Office of Public Affairs