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

CFD hosts World FloodFighters Conference

From October 4th through the 9th the Charlotte Fire Department hosted over 30 firefighters and dignitaries from the United Kingdom during the week long World FloodFighters Conference. Exercises were conducted at the US Whitewater Center, Lake James in Burke County, and with the North Carolina Army National Guard in Salisbury, NC. This collaboration took place after members of the United Kingdom Fire Service approached the CFD and North Carolina Emergency Management Division in 2005 for assistance with developing a flood management and response program. The Charlotte Fire department has been recognized internationally for their swift-water rescue operations.

Rob Brisley
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs