Burning Questions: Fire Prevention & Safety

Social media has us watching real-time updates of structure fires in the North Country – but am I just noticing them now or are they happening more often? Or is it both? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the number of fires, fire related deaths and money lost due to fires in the U.S. have all increased more than 10% in the past 10 years. The U.S. has already seen 1,403 home fire fatalities just this year. Do you have a plan if you woke up to a fire in your home in? Now in my house, it has been made very clear – I am on my own, my wife will be saving the dogs before me. But that hardly makes us prepared. How will we get out of each room? Where will we meet? This fire safety month, we sat down with Clinton County Emergency Services Director Eric Day. Eric has more than 30 years of experience preventing and fighting fires in the North Country.

Eric, it seems like we have had more major structure fires in the past few years than usual. Is that true or are they just more widely publicized now?

If we look at historical data, the number of structural fires has actually decreased over the past 20 years. In 2003, Clinton County recorded 262 building fires, while in 2023, that number dropped to 117. Despite this downward trend, I believe social media significantly amplifies the visibility of these incidents, reaching a larger audience in a much shorter timeframe. This gives the illusion that the number of fires is increasing.

Social media has significantly influenced the sharing of events at both national and local levels. When it comes to structural fires, many different agencies, media outlets, and even residents are sharing updates in real time on social media. It comes from fire departments detailing their response efforts, community members engaging in discussions, or those directly affected—such as owners or residents—sharing their personal stories. Traditional news outlets also leverage social media to provide real-time updates, followed by more conventional reporting through radio, TV, or print media. It’s increasingly common for family and friends of fire victims to use crowdfunding posts on social media to raise awareness and financial support for those impacted by severe incidents.

Are we seeing any trends in what is causing these fires?

The Office of Emergency Services investigates approximately 50 to 60 fires each year, with some cases remaining classified as "undetermined" simply because we are unable to narrow down multiple potential causes to a single factor. That said, causes for many incidents are determined. Common issues include overloaded electrical circuits, power strips, and multi-port extension cords, as well as improper disposal of smoking materials (cigarette butts). Older, overloaded electrical wiring also poses significant risks. Recently, there has been growing concern regarding malfunctions in lithium-ion batteries and/or their chargers, which are commonly found in devices like cell phones, scooters/e-bikes, and all sorts of power tools. Additionally, grease fires from kitchen stoves and uncleaned dryer vents continue to be common causes.

The first thing I think of when I think of fire safety and prevention are smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. How many do I need and where should they be?

Smoke detectors are required in every residence whether you own or rent. The number you need is dictated by the NYS Building Code and it varies on the size of your home.  Essentially, you should have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your house, including the basement and attic if the space is readily accessible. On floors where there are bedrooms, a detector should be installed inside each bedroom as well as one or more outside the bedrooms in the hallway area connecting the bedrooms. A detector in an attached garage is also a good idea.

I will break down an example. Let’s say you have a two story home with 3 bedrooms on the 2^nd floor, a basement, no accessible attic space but there is an attached garage. You would need a minimum of 7 detectors:

• One in each bedroom (3)
• One in the 2nd floor hallway
• One in the first floor living area
• One in the basement
• One in the garage

What other fire safety and prevention strategies am I forgetting about?

We talked about how many smoke detectors are needed, don’t forget that they should be tested monthly and that batteries should be replaced annually or whenever the low-battery warning chirps. Detectors have a date code and should also be replaced every 10 years as they become less effective after 10 years of use.

Other things to remember:

• Space heaters can be very dangerous. Make sure they are at least 3 feet from anything that can catch fire and that you turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Clean your clothes dryer lint filter and dryer vent piping. Dryer vents can become clogged with lint and start fires.
• Limit the use of power strips and lead cords. Never place a lead cord under a carpet or throw rug. Never plug appliances into lead cords or power strips. We often see space heaters or air conditioners plugged into power strips and they simply are not designed for this type of electrical load.
• BBQ grills – please keep your gas grill, charcoal bbq, blackstone grill and any other type of portable outdoor cooking device at least 10 feet from the house or any other flammable materials. Never leave them unattended. Make sure that gas devices are shut-off and charcoal bbq or outdoor cooking fires are fully extinguished before leaving them.
• Fireworks are dangerous and can start structure fires. We have had homes in the County become involved in fire due to improper use of fireworks. Most fireworks that launch upwards into the air are illegal in NYS. But even NYS legal fireworks can be dangerous and all should be left to the professionals.

What should I include in my fire escape plan?

A well prepared fire escape plan for your home can save lives and should include the following simple items:

• Review of exits and escape route (two for each room)
• A plan and way to escape from 2^nd floor bedroom windows (consider escape ladders)
• A designated meeting point (mail box, neighbor’s house, tree in yard)
• Review of emergency contacts – 9-1-1, Family and Friends

Top 3 things to remember.

1. Get Out, Stay Out. Going back into a home that is actively involved in fire is very dangerous and often doesn’t end well.
2. If you find yourself in a fire situation stay low, below the smoke and heat and get out any way you can….it may not be through the door you normally use.
3. Don’t try and fight a fire in your house…get to safety!!!! Residential furnishings and belongings today are very flammable and, when burning, create large amounts of heat and deadly smoke and fumes.