Lincoln observing fire prevention throughout the month of October

Tips to protect property and lives

Lincoln leaves and leaf burning

Area businesses help with fire prevention measures

[October 24, 2008]  In the aftermath of two homes being destroyed by fire in Elkhart, a message about fire safety and prevention carries a bit more weight today. At this week's Lincoln City Council meeting, fire Chief Kent Hulett shared important information that could spare property or even someone's life.

Hulett said that while National Fire Prevention Week was the first week of October, "our focus in Lincoln is fire prevention month in October." He added, "We do fire prevention year-round, but our focus this month is fire prevention in the homes."

This month the fire inspectors have been going to all the schools, targeting kids pre-K through third grade. The month began with a fire safety breakfast at the fire station, where firefighters served kids breakfast, provided tours of the station and equipment, and also taught about fire safety, Hulett said.

A few weeks ago the fire department worked with Together for Lincoln volunteers to provide 81 homes in Lincoln with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and batteries.

The Lincoln Fire Department urges everyone to have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm installed in every home, apartment and mobile home in Lincoln.

The last two structure fires in Lincoln involved homes that did not have working smoke alarms. Of the last nine smoke alarms that were checked in homes, only one was a working smoke alarm with a battery installed. "That tells me we have a problem," he said.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives. Few injuries or deaths have occurred in homes with properly installed and working smoke alarms. Early detection of fire from smoke alarms also reduces property damage and improves life safety for firefighters as well as occupants.

Hulett added another example. Firefighters who went on a medical call for an elderly woman put in a smoke alarm at her residence. Three months later it alerted the woman to a small kitchen fire in the early morning hours. She claimed it saved her life, the chief said. But, not only that, it kept the fire small, which reduced the damage and protected the firefighter, he said.

The Lincoln Fire Department will install smoke alarms and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for residents of Lincoln who do not have alarms or need assistance installing alarms. Senior citizens and people in need have priority to receive this free service.

Firefighters will check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on a routine basis during emergency calls in homes, with the owner's or occupant's permission. Anyone needing assistance installing alarms or checking batteries should call the non-emergency number at the Lincoln Fire Department, 735-4020, to schedule a visit.

Illinois state law requires a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm installed within 15 feet of every sleeping area in the home, and a smoke alarm installed on every level of the home, including basements. It is important that batteries be changed every six months; change the batteries when you change your clocks. The Lincoln Fire Department recommends a monthly test of every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in the home and occasional cleaning of the units with a vacuum cleaner hose. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

Fall leaves: burning or collection

The fire chief reminds Lincoln residents that leaf burning is permitted only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These hours are now in effect through March 31.

He added that leaf burning is not only a fire hazard that can lead to structure fires, but it is a health threat for some citizens with breathing problems, such as asthma.

The fire chief encourages residents to use common sense; don't burn if it is a windy day; and follow the city regulations on burning:

Summary of burn regulations:

• Fires must be at least 50 feet from any structure.

• An operable water hose of sufficient size must be present.

• No burning in containers or on city asphalt streets.

• Outdoor fires are not to be left unattended.

• Fires must be completely put out by 5 p.m.

Recreational fires are still permissible with prearranged notification of the fire department. Those fires must be out by 11 p.m.

Alderman Verl Prather pointed out that even when following regulations, a person may be asked to put a fire out if there is a complaint about the smoke aggravating a health problem.

Lincoln residents wishing to request permission for a wiener roast or to complain about smoke from a fire should call 217-735-4020.

For more details see Title 5, Chapter 3, Section 4 (5-3-4) of city code:
http://sterling.webiness.com/codebook/
index.php?book_id=408&Itemid=81

Residents do have another option rather than burning. They can take their leaves and landscape wastes to the city landfill. The landfill will be extending the days open to every day, Tuesday through Sunday, beginning next Thursday, Oct. 30, through Dec. 2. Hours will be from 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. The landfill will be closed on Mondays.

Tracy Jackson, Lincoln street superintendent, said that the city will once again pick up leaves that have been collected in biodegradable bags. (Lincoln's leaf pickup program scheduled)

Jackson asked citizens to not sweep leaves out to the streets to burn. "That often catches the street sweepers on fire," he said.

Generous donations received for fire prevention

The fire chief thanked Integrity Data for a $2,700 grant. "This grant is going to be used for software that will enhance our training and fire inspection program," Hulett said. The employees of Integrity Data voted to award the city this grant. The city of Lincoln was one of only four in this area to receive the grant.

The Lincoln Fire Department also thanks the following organizations that made the important life safety program possible:

• Lincoln City Firefighters Local 3092 -- purchasing batteries for smoke detectors found needing replacement batteries

• Ace Hardware of Lincoln -- providing batteries at cost

• Wal-Mart of Lincoln -- $1,000 grant

• Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal -- training and "Remembering When" program that targets assisting senior citizens

• Springfield Fire Department

For more information, contact the fire chief or any on-duty fire inspector at 735-4020.

Lincoln Fire Department's motto: "To provide our customers with the most advanced fire and rescue service with the highest trained professionals and to deliver that service to our customers with loyalty and compassion."

[Lincoln Fire Department news release and ]

Past related article

• City briefs
  Engineer presents new ALMH road plans
  Wal-Mart corporate donation and Together for Lincoln workers aid fire safety