By Vicki Schmidt
A new year will soon be upon us, and there is no better resolution than to ensure a Fire Free ’23 for you and your family. Mark your calendars now.
January is one of the busiest months for home structure fires. Improper use of space heaters, failing to clean chimneys, and combustible materials too close to a heat source cause the most deaths, injuries and property loss. Keep fire alarms and detectors tested and make sure your family knows the escape plan.
February has the honor of having the least number of traffic accidents of any month. The reasons are many: the holidays, notorious for drunk and reckless driving, are over. Volatile winter storms in many regions keep travelers home, and long-distance travel is just not as popular in February. Firefighters still recommend if you are out and about, slow down, drive with attention, and keep your car free from ice and snow.
March is the beginning of spring wildfire season in Maine. Any time there is no snow or moisture, and vegetation is dormant, wildfires can easily spread. But in contrast, some of the best fires in March in Maine are those that boil maple sap into prized maple syrup. Sunday March 12 is when Daylight Saving Time begins, and a good time to check smoke alarms and CO detectors.
April is the start of green up and getting outside to clean up. Maine has an online burn permit system and information on proper brush pile and wood debris burning. Just remember, the permit is only valid when the daily fire danger rating is low or moderate. For information visit the maine.gov Maine Forest Service page, or chat with your local fire chief.
May 8 is a very special day for pets, Federal Emergency Management Agency Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. The day raises awareness on disaster preparedness for animals and how care for them in a crisis. In Maine, County Animal Response Teams are active and on call to assist when pets are involved in home fires, vehicle accidents and other emergencies.
June means grilling season is starting. Never use a grill or smoker in an enclosed space, not only is it an extreme fire hazard, but it also exposes you and your family to harmful and toxic gases. Keep your grill clean and place it well away from anything combustible, like vinyl siding, fences and furniture.
July is the height of fireworks season. The best way to protect your family is to not use consumer fireworks. Leave the fireworks to professionals and support community laser, drone, and low-noise firework shows, which reduce injury, death, and fires and dramatically help to protect veterans, pets, livestock, wildlife, and other living things from fireworks’ noise, toxic chemicals and blinding lights.
August’s hot and humid weather means heat stroke or exhaustion, a sure way to invite a 911. While the official Dog Days of Summer 2023 are July 3 to August 11, chill out a few weeks longer. Stay hydrated, in shady cooler areas and limit strenuous activity to early morning and late evening.
September’s cooler nights mean outdoor socializing and fire pits. Your town may require a permit for campfires, but the state does not require one for small recreational fires on your own property in organized towns. If you plan a campfire in unorganized areas, contact the Maine Forest Service for guidance. Always pay attention to the weather, as wind and a changing fire danger level can quickly make a small campfire a large wildland fire.
October is dedicated to fire safety, with Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 8-14. Gather up the family and enjoy your local fire department’s activities. The Maine Federation of Firefighters hosts a Memorial Service on Oct. 7 to honor firefighters who died in the previous 12 months. It will be at 9:30 a.m. at the firefighter’s memorial on State Street in Augusta. The public is always welcome.
November means the end of Daylight Saving Time on Nov. 5, and it’s time again to check smoke alarms and CO detectors. With the arrival of a new heating season, make sure your furnace and chimney is clean and generators are functioning properly.
December is the return of winter weather and driving hazards. Make sure your vehicle has good and properly inflated tires, and as always, slow down and stay attentive while driving. And let’s not forget to keep those Christmas trees well-watered. The holiday fire season will once again soon be upon us!
— Vicki Schmidt is a Maine state fire instructor and volunteers with the Buckfield Fire Department, as well as several regional and state fire training organizations.
