Media Releases

FIRE SAFETY FOR THANKSGIVING

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For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.


Keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.


Top safety tips

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay three feet away.

  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.

  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

  • Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.

  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button. 


Thanksgiving fire facts


  • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked second and third, with both having nearly twice the daily average. 

  • Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.

  • Cooking causes half (53%) of all reported home fires and nearly two of every five (38%) home fire injuries, and it is a leading cause of home fire deaths (18%).

  • On Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires were reported to U.S fire departments in 2021, reflecting a 297 percent increase over the daily average.


Source: NFPA Research

Happy Thanksgiving from Sheridan Fire-Rescue!!!






CHIMNEY FIRE-STORY, WYOMING 

On October 29, 2023, Sheridan Fire-Rescue (SFR) was dispatched to 8 Cottage Grove, Story, WY, for a reported chimney fire at 14:22. SFR Engine 2 (E-2), Story Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD), Sheridan County Sheriff Office (SCSO) deputies, and Wyoming Regional EMS (WREMS) all responded to the scene.

SVFD units arrived on scene and provided an update of the conditions, finding smoke coming from the eaves near the chimney and inside along the ceiling. The homeowner advised that smoke started to build inside the residence and they called 9-1-1. 

E-2 arrived on scene and assisted SVFD with locating the cause of the smoke and heat. Fire crews utilized the thermal image camera to determine there was excessive heat behind the block wall where the chimney of the wood stove was located. The soffit and fascia were removed along the exterior of the chimney to check for fire extension. Fire crews utilized forcible entry tools to systematically remove the mantel block, piece by piece, to gain an opening into the wall where they found burned through studs and smoldering wall material. The water can was used to cool the burning materials to extinguish the fire.  
A larger opening was made in the wall to determine the extent, as well as confirm there were no additional areas of smoldering material, heat, or smoke.  SCSO and WREMS were on scene to assist with occupant needs and responder safety.

SFR would like to remind everyone that with the temperatures changing and the need for heating homes, please have your fireplace or wood/coal stove chimney inspected, maintained, and cleaned so that it functions properly during the winter months. This action can help you avoid having your local fire department arrive at your house. Check the date and operation of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. SFR has smoke alarms available for those individuals that need them by calling 672-6126.

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MEDIA RELEASE
2023 NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Beginning October 8-14, 2023, the Sheridan Fire-Rescue Department will join communities across the Country in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.  This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign is "Cooking safety starts with YOU.  Pay attention to fire prevention."  The theme works to educate everyone about the important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.  Practicing fire prevention, having working smoke detectors, and developing a fire escape plan will greatly increase your family's chances of escaping a home fire.

During Fire Prevention Week, Sheridan Fire-Rescue will host tours of the fire station for the local elementary schools.  The students visiting the fire station will have the opportunity to see the fire engines, ambulances, equipment, protective gear, and where the firefighters live while they are working their 24-hour shift.

On October 14th, 2023, Sheridan Fire-Rescue will host an open house at 212 East Works Street.  The event will run from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.  Sheridan Firefighters will be offering tours of the fire station, smoke detector and fire safety information, and the junior firefighter combat challenge course.  Please plan on visiting your local fire station and firefighters.

For questions or to request further information, please call the Sheridan Fire-Rescue Department at (307) 674-7244.


Sheridan Fire-Rescue Fire Prevention Week Open House Notice


Sheridan Fire-Rescue would like to remind everyone about the importance of working smoke alarms.  Please see the attached video:  https://youtu.be/vjT-wxP-1nE



Follow us on Instagram!! 
   @SheridanFireRescue

Sheridan Fire Rescue now has an Instagram account. To get more frequent updates on what our Firefighters are up to, search Sheridan Fire Rescue on Instagram and follow. 


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ATTENTION PUBLIC/TRAVELERS:  TRAFFIC CONES

If you encounter orange traffic cones placed in the roadway blocking one or both lanes, please do NOT drive through or around the cones unless directed by authorized personnel! We utilize these items to create safe work zones for our crews while they are operating on or near the roadway. There were several people that disregarded these cones Friday afternoon at Broadway and East 3rd Street while Police, Fire, and EMS were working a motor vehicle accident.

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