Call Us
at (863) 965-5522
Cold Weather Fire Safety
As the weather dips into the lower temperatures, households will be breaking out space heaters, utilizing fireplaces, and building outdoor bonfires to stay warm. Please make sure to practice fire safety and be cautious when using any source of heat in and around the house. Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S. homes. Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 52,050 fires involving heating equipment each year in 2012-2016, accounting for 15% of all reported home fires during this time.
Space Heaters
Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet (one metre) away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Never use your oven to heat your home and be sure to test smoke alarms at least once a month.
Fireplaces
Have your fireplace and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
Bonfires
When setting up a bonfire, choose an area that is away from any buildings or combustible materials (at least 12 feet). Avoid burning on windy, dry days as it is easier for open burning to spread out of control when it is windy and dry. Start your fire using smaller twigs, brush, or crumpled paper; Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids. Watch children while the fire is burning and do not let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire. Never leave an open fire unattended and always have a hose, bucket of water, extinguisher, or shovel and dirt/sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure to put it completely out before leaving the site.
Fire Safety
About
The Auburndale Fire Department is a full service public safety division in charge of responding to medical emergencies, preventing fires, fighting fires, and promoting fire safety. The Department was originally established as a volunteer department in 1915 and has evolved to where it is today. The administration includes Fire Chief Brian Bradway, Deputy Chief David Cash, Fire Marshal Scott Finley and Training Safety Officer Bo Naecker.
Fire Safety
Being aware of the causes of a fire and preparing for the event of one is important to securing your life, your family, and your property. That’s why our firefighters are involved in the community and actively seek opportunities to engage with the public. The Auburndale Fire Department hopes to stop fires before they have a chance to start by educating the public, helping to distribute smoke alarms, and increasing awareness.
Fire Prevention Week
Each year, we invite local schools and organizations to visit our Auburndale Fire Department. During their visit, young students and adults get to meet our firefighters and learn about fire safety. We plan tours of our facilities, demonstrations of effective fire safety practices, and hands-on experiences such as escaping a house fire in our tiny home simulation.
Fire Inspections
The Department has a dedicated fire inspector, who visits and inspects buildings and other structures to search for fire hazards and to ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. The fire inspector also tests and inspects fire protection and fire extinguishing equipment to ensure that it works.
Upcoming Events
