Tag: fire

News Release: Shop fire at Susan B. English School in Seldovia

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District News Release
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

News ReleaseKPBSD logo for media release
Susan B. English School shop fire

Soldotna, November 26, 2014—An early morning fire on Monday, November 24, 2014, at the Susan B. English school shop appears to have been caused by spontaneous combustion due to rags in a garbage can. There were no injuries, and the fire was an accident.
Current situation, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, consists of water, smoke, and soot damage, and unknown as of yet, structural damage. Currently the building is being stabilized, and the focus is on restoring heat.
There is NO ACCESS to the building at this time. The only exception is Kenai Peninsula Borough maintenance department or authorized personnel.
During the week of December 1, structural assessment and analysis, capital projects, planning and operations, and insurers will begin damage assessment and the scope of repairs needed  including asbestos analysis.
No decisions about the future of the building are being made at this time, and financial estimates are not yet available
After all assessments are made, KPBSD will provide a subsequent community update.
KPBSD is very thankful to the city employee who saw flames and called the Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). Further thanks extend to the VFD who responded swiftly to fight the fire.
Questions:  contact  Julie Cisco, KPBSD director of planning and operations, 907-714-8820, JCisco@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
News Release: KPBSD_2014_11_26 Susan B. English fire

Six HOW-TO TIPS: Create a Defensible Space for Your Home

Funny River Fire by Pegge Erkeneff

Six HOW-TO TIPS: Create a Defensible Space for Your Home

Defensible space

Your Firewise home has a better chance of surviving a wildland fire.

Download one page PDF: Create Defensible Space Tip Sheet

Inspect the perimeter of all structures

  • Remove or mow vegetation and combustible materials from perimeters and under decks. Screen windows and openings. Remove Liquid Propane (LP) tanks from outdoor grills.

Treat vegetation between 30 to 100 feet from your home (increase distances downslope)

  • Thin needle-bearing trees to 15 feet between extending branches.
  • Prune tree branches up 6-8 feet from the ground.
  • Remove shrubs and mow grass under trees.
  • Remove dead vegetation.

Locate fuels and label fuel tanks, clear vegetation within a 10-foot perimeter of fuel storage. Relocate mobile tanks such as gasoline and LP to a safe zone if possible.

  • Wood piles should be at least 30 feet from any structure and have a clear 10-foot perimeter.
  • Junk piles are fire hazards. Move discarded items outside of the home’s 30 foot perimeter.

Wet vulnerable surfaces & make your water supply accessible

  • When you learn of an approaching fire, use your regular hose system to wet down the roof, decks and yard.
  • Have an alternative water supply available that does not require electricity. Water barrels that can be accessed by fire crews can be an asset for fire protection.

Provide Fast Access to Your Home

  • Maintain a 12-foot wide driveway with a turnaround.
  • Clear vegetation back away from driveway edges.
  • Maintain a 14 foot vertical clearance for the length of your driveway.
  • Clearly Identify Your Home; post your address number on your home.
  • Community road signs should be maintained to support emergency response; Post street and road names in your area.

Have a Safety Plan

  • Have a Home fire safety and an escape plan to help ensure your family’s safe exit in the event of a house fire.
  • Test fire alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Fire Extinguishers for proper function.
  • Stay alert and informed.

Find these tips and more at: http://forestry.alaska.gov/pdfs/firewise09.pdf

or http://www.firewise.net/

Download the one page PDF for a checklist: Defensible space Info   Thank you to the Kenai Peninsula Borough for providing these helpful tips.

Firewise