Never use water on a grease fire or attempt to carry a flaming pan. If attempts fail to extinguish a small fire within thirty seconds, evacuate the structure immediately and summon the fire department. In many fatal fires involving children, it is often the victim himself who starts the fire. Once education has been delivered, rules which prohibit the inappropriate use of fire must be established. The Hagerstown Fire Department offers a Youth Firesetting Intervention Program as part of a comprehensive variety of services designed to help our community stop this serious life safety problem.
Most fires result from a forgotten cigarette falling from an ashtray onto a sofa or bed.
Being under the influence of alcohol or other behavior altering substances, including prescription medications, can increase the risk of fire from lit tobacco products. If you choose to smoke, please utilize a safe area and remain alert at all times. Also, place used waste such as cigarette butts in a safe place such as the toilet or a used coffee can one quarter filled with water. Each heating season many fires occur when citizens fail to properly utilize portable adjunct heating appliances. All portable heating units are tagged with clear instructions that state the units must be kept at least three feet from all combustible items.