Copper Basin Structure Fires: More than Usual?
Photo courtesy of Gakona Volunteer Fire Department.
Michelle McAfee - CRR Staff
If you paused and wondered about all the structure fires in our area this past year, you are not alone. We were curious to know if this was normal or if there were more than usual in the Copper River Basin in 2022.
Gakona Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Severs said there are usually three to five structure fires per year in the entire Copper River Basin. Those fires typically occur in the early fall or winter and are connected to wood stove chimneys. But already this summer, there were multiple structure fires, and Severs said the numbers trended higher than they would like.
Fire Department investigations revealed the fires started at different times and in different ways, suggesting no commonality between the structure fires this summer. Severs said he didn’t really know why more homes were catching fire this summer than usual, but he mentioned drier temperatures and simple mistakes could have contributed to the uptick.
Severs said it is very important to make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house on all levels and make sure those smoke detectors work properly. If you need a chimney cleaning brush or a smoke detector, contact your local fire department. Some fire departments give out smoke detectors and can loan brushes for sweeping chimneys.
“When it comes to fall, winter, and late spring, a lot of our structure fires are chimney fires. People haven’t cleaned their chimneys, so during the winter months, that is our primary cause of fires,” said Severs, who recommends cleaning your wood stove chimney as often as needed and certainly before starting the season’s first fire in your wood stove.
Another possible source of trouble with structure fires is hanging clothes to dry near wood stoves and heaters. Severs said, “You get people that dry gloves and jackets around a stove. They need to keep that stuff away from it and not hang things directly above or in front of it in case it falls on the wood stove or heater.” He also recommends not smoking in bed because of the risk of cigarette ashes falling into the bed and catching the mattress on fire.
Homeowners can go a step further with prevention by getting their electrical systems checked out, especially in older homes. And renters should not be shy in asking the landlord when the wood stove chimney was last cleaned or when the furnace was last serviced to ensure there is no soot buildup in the flue. Whether renting or owning, make sure smoke detectors are operating correctly and are on every floor of the home.
Fire Chief Severs said the Copper Basin had done well with early notification through the 911 system. “It takes volunteers time to get to the station and get the apparatus and trucks to the fire. The quicker people notify 911, and they dispatch us out, the sooner we can save lives or some of the structures. That early notification has taken place relatively quickly out here,” said Severs.
Another thing to think about as we head into winter is to keep driveways plowed and clear so fire trucks can access your home if you have a fire. Severs added, “Make sure any low-hanging trees are trimmed back. If we can’t get a fire engine into the driveway, we’re not going to be any good at putting out your structure fire.”
Making time to do a few seasonal tasks each year may help prevent a structure fire.
• Trim the branches.
• Plow the driveway.
• Sweep the chimney or clean the furnace.
• Don’t smoke in bed.
• Be careful drying clothes around the wood stove.
• Inspect the electrical system.
If something does go awry, call 911 as quickly as you can. Here’s to a safe and cozy winter!