All must use proper care when using candles, as “Each candle fire that is prevented in Santa Paula is an opportunity to prevent painful injury and costly property damage.... ‘Use Candles with Care: When You Go Out, Blow Out!’ is an important message for all citizens of Santa Paula,” said Luna.“It is something we should bear in mind,” noted Chief Skeels. “Over the years, we’ve had many structure fires in Santa Paula caused by candles left unattended. Though some force of nature,” candles have fallen over or otherwise come into contact with combustible materials and caused both injury and property damage. “I hope everyone will be very, very careful to blow out the ceremonial candle” when they leave the room, and make sure that candles are far from accidentally making contact with combustible materials.Chief Skeels noted that one SPFD engine had spent more than four days assigned on mutual aid to the Topanga Fire. “I want to remind the audience and members of the public to be very, very careful.... We’ve had very high east winds and low humidity. We just don’t want to have any brush fires at all at in this time. Please, please check your properties; make sure you have weed abatement done and defensible clearance around your house,” urged Chief Skeels.
Fire Prevention Week brings warnings
October 14, 2005
Santa Paula City Council
With dry Santa Ana winds, recent brush fires and two blazes that heavily damaged city residences, Fire Prevention Week meant more than ever when the City Council presented Fire Chief Paul Skeels with a proclamation noting the annual recognition.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWith dry Santa Ana winds, recent brush fires and two blazes that heavily damaged city residences, Fire Prevention Week meant more than ever when the City Council presented Fire Chief Paul Skeels with a proclamation noting the annual recognition. Councilman Ray Luna, a retired firefighter, presented the proclamation to Chief Skeels at the October 3 meeting.The theme of the October 9-15 Fire Prevention Week is “Use Candles with Care: When You Go Out, Blow Out!” Luna noted that, while the city is committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors, fire remains a serious public safety concern locally and nationally.Homes are where people are at the greatest risk of fire, and the National Fire Protection Association has documented a significant increase in home candle fires, “even as most other causes of home fires have steadily declined,” said Luna. Santa Paula’s first responders are “dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home injuries through prevention and protection education,” and residents are responsive to such efforts.
