As the wildfires that destroyed thousands of structures and took at least 29 lives have been extinguished in California, it has sparked several conversations around the nation. Named “The Palisades Fire”, it erupted the morning of January 7th, in Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood east of Malibu as a brush fire. The fire grew to span 23,707 acres before being contained on January 10th.
I spoke with retired Fire Lieutenant and Milwaukee Survive Alive House Director Julian Gladney about the common types of fires in Milwaukee and proper ways to safely put them out.
“The common types of fires in Milwaukee are house fires because of the construction of the houses. The houses built in the 1930s and 1940s, were built without fire stops. Fire stops were built between the studs in the wall which prevented the fires from spreading upwards as fires do. Car fires are also common. A lot of people would steal cars and then set them on fire so there wasn’t evidence. Electric cars would also set on fire spontaneously due to their technology,” said Gladney.
Gladney further explained, “Depending on the size of the fire like a kitchen fire, the first thing you’ll want to try to do is smother the fire with flour or a towel. If it’s something large like a house fire, you’ll have to leave the house and dial 911 right away. A lot of houses should have a fire extinguisher in the garage and kitchen.”
In our local community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we are fortunate to not have experienced wildfires however they do happen in Wisconsin. Spring is the most critical fire season in Wisconsin according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Our fire department is ready in case a wildfire arises. 98% of all wildfires in Wisconsin are caused by people with debris being the number one cause. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists campfires, fireworks, wood heat devices, arson, power lines, railroads, and smoking as other potential causes of wildfires.
I also spoke with recently retired Firefighter Tyron Hooks about the safest way to evacuate a place during a fire.
“The safest way to evacuate a place during a fire is to follow a fire evacuation plan, which should be posted and practiced before there’s an actual fire. Most fires can be prevented with good fire safety practice. A properly rated fire extinguisher is the most effective way to put out fires,” said Hooks.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shared that 25% of all campus fire fatalities follow a party. Candles, cooking, electrical safety, and smoking are also common causes of fires on college campuses.
I asked Trenee Cooper from the public safety team for Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) what MATC’s procedures are to keep everybody safe in case of a fire.
“In case of a fire though we have procedures such as having a fire extinguisher, pulling the nearest fire alarm if no alarm has been activated, and having an alternative exit. You can call 414-297-6200 if you notice fire or smoke. Calling 911 is a great option as well.”
Fire safety is important and should be learned sooner than later if your or somebody you know needs help dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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