As the fire burns it creates smoke that is inhaled by the sleeper who might expire before the fire even reaches them.Another cause for the drop in house fires is the rising use of smoke alarms and fire sprinklers, said Asst. Chief Araiza.“Automatic fire sprinkler systems are more widely accepted,” and in Santa Paula required by ordinance in all new structures.“The City Council in years past had the foresight to mandate sprinkler systems in all new construction,” noted Chief Skeels.The SPFD has an active school visitation program that educates kids in fire prevention and safety, especially those in kindergarten.The department also visits all area schools on an annual basis before school starts back up after summer vacation.“As days and nights get colder, be careful what you do with candles,” lit for a sense of warmth and ambiance, said Chief Skeels. “Candles should never be left unattended,” as they might fall over and placed “away from any and all flammable materials. And, as people start turning on their wall and floor heaters, they have to make sure the heating unit is working properly and has nothing obstructing it.”
Santa Paula Fire Department: Fire Prevention should be a year-round effort
October 29, 2003
Santa Paula News
Although a special week is put aside annually to recognize fire prevention, such efforts should be ongoing year-round, according to Santa Paula Fire Chief Paul Skeels and Asst. Fire Chief Rick Araiza.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAlthough a special week is put aside annually to recognize fire prevention, such efforts should be ongoing year-round, according to Santa Paula Fire Chief Paul Skeels and Asst. Fire Chief Rick Araiza.“When Fire Strikes, Get Out-Stay Out” was the theme of the 2003 Fire Prevention Week recognized in October, designed to “draw attention to potential dangers and unsafe practices“ that could cause a fire, said Chief Skeels.“In Santa Paula the frequency of serious house fires seem to be declining, a lot that due to fire prevention efforts,” including education and public awareness campaigns.Chief Skeels noted that the decline in house fires has been concurrent with the decline of cigarette smoking.“Smoking and drinking were glamorized in the 1930s and 1940s, but they aren’t as much now, especially the smoking,” that has – and can – lead to serious fires.Drinking and smoking is especially risky: “People – whether intoxicated or not – can fall asleep with a lit cigarette, drop it,” and start a fire.
