The DeWitt Fire Department will open its doors to area residents, so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community, as part of a statewide program called RecruitNY. Over the last several years, it has been very tough for many fire departments throughout New York State to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Like most fire departments, the DeWitt Fire Department  needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.

On Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 between 10 am and 4 pm, we will open our doors at 4500 East Genesee Street and join in an initiative with fire departments all across the state at their respective firehouses for a unified  recruitment drive, as part of National Volunteer Week 2012. Not only will RecruitNY be an opportunity to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, it will also raise public awareness about the need for volunteers. The hope is that a collaborative effort among fire departments statewide will turn the declining number of volunteer firefighters around.

 Throughout the day, we will conduct tours of the station and fire apparatus, and present an orientation program. The fire department will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire department.

Wednesday afternoon crews from Dewitt and East Syracuse were called to a MVC with injuries on Erie Blvd. 2 patients were cut from one  vehicle and a third patient was extricated from the other. There was significant damage to the vehicles and all three patients escaped with minor injuries.

At 03:20 hours crews were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on I-481 near Jamesville Rd. Engine Co. 8 arrived to find a single vehicle rolled over approx 20 feet off of the road. Crews found 3 patients, 2 of which were ejected and 1 unconscious, on the side of the road. Engine Co. 8 packaged all the patients and turned care over to Rural/Metro Medical Services for transport to the hospital. The Engine remained on the scene for several hours to assist the Town of DeWitt Police with lighting the scene during there investigation.

At 21:22 hours, Engine Co. 8 was dispatched along with Manlius, Fayetteville, and Cazenovia crews to a reported residential fire on Elmbrook Dr in the village of Manlius. First arriving chief reported a working fire in the back of the structure. The crew from Engine Co. 8 established their own water supply and stretched a line and commenced fire suppression. Truck Co. 3 was special called into the incident as command requested further resources. Companies were back in service in under 2 1/2 hours. Manlius Car 1 had the "Elmbrook Command"

At 08:38 hours, Engine Co. 8 and Truck Co. 3 were dispatched to Jamesville on a reported fire at Drumlins Country Club at 800 Nottingham Rd. Engine Co. 8 and Truck Co. 3, both staffed with a combination of career and volunteer staff, were the first units to arrive. Crews found a cigarette receptacle that had burned and caught the siding of the country club on fire. Maintenance staff had put the fire out with a fire extinguisher prior to the arrival of fire units. Companies checked for extension and overhaul. As companies were picking up, DeWitt was dispatched along with Fayetteville Engine 7 and Manlius Truck 2 to a reported fire at the Bank of America at 400 Nottingham Rd. Crews arrived to find a smoke condition in the building. Upon investigation to was found to be that the furnace was the source of the problem. The crew from Truck 3 ventilated to building. DeWitt Car 1 had the command

DEC: State Ban on Residential Brush Burning Begins March 16 during High
Fire-Risk Season


All residential brush burning is prohibited in smaller communities during
the state's historically high fire-risk period from March 16 through May 14,
state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe
Martens reminded New Yorkers today.


"This time of year has the most risk of fires and the risk is even greater
this year due to the extremely mild winter we've seen across the state,"
Commissioner Martens said. "Since the open burning regulation passed in
2009, there have been fewer fires reported in New York state. In an effort
to protect the health and safety of our children, families and our natural
environment, we remind residents that brush burning is banned statewide
beginning this week."


In 2009, New York toughened restrictions on open burning to reduce harmful
air pollutants and help prevent wildfires. While the burn ban regulation
allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a
populations of less than 20,000, it prohibits open burning in all
communities during early spring when the bulk of New York's wildfires
typically occur. The state regulation prohibits the burning of garbage at
all times and in all places.


Several factors enable wildfires to start easily and spread quickly at this
time, including the lack of green vegetation, abundance of available fuels
such as dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures and wind.


Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York state.
Data from DEC's Forest Protection Division shows that debris burning
accounted for about 36 percent of wildfires in the state between 1985 and
2009, which is more than twice the next most-cited cause. In addition, from
2000 to 2009 New York's fire departments responded to an average of 2,300
wildfires each year from March 16 to May 14. That represents about 46
percent of all wildfires for the year.


Fire department data for 2010 and 2011 indicated a 26 percent reduction in
wildfires during the burn ban period for those years when compared to the
previous 10 years (2000-2009). In addition, 86 percent of all communities
across the state had a reduction of wildfires compared with the previous
five years.


Some towns are designated "fire towns" primarily in and around the
Adirondack Park and Catskill Park. Under the Environmental Conservation Law,
open burning is prohibited in these municipalities without a written permit
from DEC. Open burning is prohibited at any time in these municipalities. To
find out whether a town is a designated "Fire Town"
and/or to obtain a permit, parties should contact a DEC regional office.
For a directory of the DEC Regional Offices, visit the DEC website.


Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal
and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first
offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC
(1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.


A list of questions and answers on the open burning regulation is available
on DEC's website or by calling the DEC dispatch center at (518) 408-5850.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/80920.html

Since constructing our new fire station the DeWitt Fire District has been working towards developing a student bunk-in-program for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel attending classes at Onondaga Community College and other local institutions. For several years, this type of program has been a huge success in numerous Onondaga County fire departments. By providing young men and women an excellent opportunity to supplement their studies with essential on-the-job training and experience they can begin their career development during college.

In addition to training and experience, accommodations at the station are provided to the students. The DeWitt fire station is conveniently located near Erie Boulevard East as well as Interstates 481 and 690, providing easy access to downtown and a large retail area. Students answer emergency alarms and participate in training, station duties and community events along with our career and volunteer staff. Any students preparing for studies at local educational programs that may be interested should contact us for more information at info@dewittfire.org or stop by the station.

 Every second weekend in March, we turn our clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time. This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. The peak time for fire deaths in the home are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. Smoke detector is a simple, inexpensive and effective way to reduce fire deaths in the home. Young children and senior citizens are most at risk and a properly functioning some detector can give them the extra seconds to get out safely.

 Remember to change your batteries when you change your clocks!
 
Fore more information visit this website: www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/smoke_alarms.shtm

New York's "New" Move Over Law: Drivers MUST use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red and/or white emergency lights, or a hazard vehicle that displays amber warning lights. - On all roads and highways, drivers MUST reduce speed for emergency vehicles. - On parkways, interstates, and other controlled access highways with multiple lanes, drivers MUST move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle, UNLESS traffic or other hazard exist to prevent doing so safely. - This applies to Fire, Police, EMS, Tow Services and Maintenance vehicles. GIVE US ROOM TO WORK! Move over, and slow down....It's the law!

At 1453 hours units were alerted to a motor vehicle crash on E. Genesee St in front of Wegmans. Engine 8, staffed with 4, arrived to find the 2 vehicle crash at E. Genesee St and Cleveland Blvd. Engine 8 assumed a blocking position and the crew evaluated 3 patients, stabilized 2 vehicles and checked for hazards. One patient with minor injuries was transported by Rural/Metro Medical Services.

Units were dispatched to Lyndon Road in the area of Cedar Bay after arriving DeWitt Police units found a two-car crash requiring extrication.  Engine-8 handled extrication and packaged one, Rescue-7 was assisted with packaging two by Fayetteville Engine-7. 

Celebrate the holiday season safely, and get the New Year off to a good start! During the holiday season, the use of fireplaces, candles and Christmas garlands increases considerably the risks of fire. The DeWitt Fire District wishes to remind you a few basic safety rules.


Christmas decorations should not be an open invitation to fire! At home, decorate safely!

• Make sure that your decorations and lights bear a certification seal.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to the interior or exterior use of the equipment.
• Do not overload the power system.
• If you decorate a natural Christmas tree, be extra cautious!
• Never let a tree lit unattended.

In private dwellings: never omit keeping your Christmas tree hydrated, and keep a watch on your decorations! If you decorate a natural Christmas tree, you must take certain precautionary measures:

• Chose a freshly cut tree. If the needles fall off easily, look for another one.
• Cut the base of the trunk tapered, then place the tree in a recipient full of water.
• Do not let your tree lit and unattended. In other words, turn off the chaser lights when you go to bed and before you go out.
• Avoid overloading the power system.
• Another advice that shouldn’t be ignored: never buy and decorate your tree several weeks in advance. Not only by the time the holidays come in full swing, will the tree have seen better days, but it will also become a serious potential fire hazard! If you opt for an artificial tree made of metallic material, do not decorate it with any electrical light sets!

Heating systems: beware of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning! We recommend having your direct-fired heating system verified by a qualified contractor.

Whatever the type of fuel used (wood, pellets, anthracite [stone coal], fuel oil, natural gas or propane), a good over-fire draft and a full combustion venting is necessary for your heating system to operate correctly.

Beware of CO! Carbon monoxide (CO), which can be given off by a heating system, is an odourless gas that is potentially deadly!

The installation of a carbon monoxide detector is recommended to detect the presence of this gas. An investment of only a few dollars… that can save lives!

Chimney sweeping A chimney should be cleaned at least yearly. Have you done it this year?

Elimination of ashes When you remove the ashes from a fireplace or a solid fuel-fired equipment, store these outside of the house, away from all combustible surface (walls made of vinyl or wood, wooden patio, garden house, etc.).

Thanksgiving doesn't just bring turkey and family time. Reports of burns, kitchen fires and other holiday-related emergencies often increase. Simple precautions can ensure firefighters won't need to join your holiday celebration.  We share with you some important safety tips:

•Turn pan handles in when you're cooking something on the stove.

•Don't wear loose clothing. If you must, pull up your sleeves or wear gloves.

•Be sure to clean out your oven before and after cooking. Drippings can catch fire.

•Don't keep flammable items such as hot pads or plastic tools close to the oven.

•Stay in the kitchen whenever something is cooking. If you must bake a pie while you're eating Thanksgiving dinner, check on it often throughout your meal.

•Keep a fire extinguisher within reach when you're cooking.

•If you choose to fry your turkey, do it outside. Set up your supplies in the middle of your backyard rather than right next to your home.

•Establish a safe zone around your oven or fryer. Tell children they need to stay outside of your cooking area.

•Be sure to turn off your oven when you're finished cooking.

Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires.
During the four-year-period of 2003-2007, NFPA estimates that decorations were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 1,240 reported home structure fires per year. These fires caused an estimated average of seven civilian deaths, 53 civilian injuries and $20 million in direct property damage per year.
Flame Resistant Costumes: When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
Costume Designs: Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.

• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.
• To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes . Mother' s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
• Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
• Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.

Pedestrian Safety: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.
Choosing Safe Houses: Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

• Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.
• People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited.

As always, use caution when placing candles in or around displays or jack-o-lanterns. For additional Halloween information visit:
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/public%20education/halloweensafetytips.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

October 9-15 is National Fire Prevention Week.  While fire safety is a year-round endeavor, this particular week in October is an annual event which brings school children into the fire station and firefighters into the schools to reinforce those fire safety habits.

The history of National Fire Prevention Week has it roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 8, 1871. This tragic conflagration killed some 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The origin of the fire has generated speculation since its occurrence, with the fact and fiction becoming blurred over the years. One popular legend has it that Mrs O'Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting the O'Leary barn on fire and starting the spectacular blaze. How ever the massive fire began, it swiftly took its toll, burning more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. The city of Chicago quickly rebuilt, however, and within a couple of years residents began celebrating their successful restoration to memorialize the anniversary of the fire with festivities.

Intending to observe the fire's anniversary with a more serious commemoration, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA), the oldest membership section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decided that the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. 

When President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week, October 4 - 10 1925, he noted that in the previous year some 15,000 lives were lost to fire in the United States. Calling the loss "startling", President Coolidge's proclamation stated, "This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented... It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth". 

NFPA continues today to make National Fire Prevention Week a priority and counts on the participation and efforts of tens of thousands of fire and safety professionals, emergency volunteers, and other individuals working to reduce the risk of fire and the toll it takes on our society.  

Please stop by the fire station any time with questions about fire prevention and safety.   Also visit the following websites for more information:  US Fire Administration for Kids (www.usfa.dhs.gov/kids)  National Fire Protection Organization (www.firepreventionweek.org)   Sparky the Fire Dog Family Fun Site (www.sparky.org)