If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (570) 759-0966

To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. You may want to try one of the following alternatives:

Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

Fireplace Safety- Mistakes to Avoid This Holiday Season

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Fireplace and Christmas tree Our commitment to helping you create a safe and secure home extends beyond our restoration services.

Stockings are hung, tree is lit, a Christmas movie is playing, cookies are being eaten- a fire in the fireplace is the last piece to tie this holiday scene together. However, when safety isn’t prioritized, this scene could quickly take a dark turn. Here are four components to your fireplace and mistakes to avoid with them-

  1. Firewood- Oak, ash, birch, hard maple, beech, hickory, pecan, dogwood, apple, and almond are all varieties of hardwoods that are acceptable for burning in your home. Any log that is covered with vines could be poison ivy- if that’s the case, the poison would release a dangerous irritant oil into the smoke. Green or unseasoned wood should also be avoided- as it can release harmful particles. Lastly, moldy or rotten wood simply will not release as much heat and therefore should be avoided too.
  2. The ashes- It’s recommended to leave a one-inch bed of ashes on the floor of a wood-burning fireplace but anything more than that needs to go. As it begins to build up, remove the excess ash regularly. To safely remove ashes, use a metal shovel and bucket. Make sure the ashes are fully cooled before throwing them away. Ashes can be thrown in the trash, added to an outdoor compost pile, or even repurposed. Some people use fireplace ashes in their gardens, make homemade cleaning remedies, or even polish silverware or fine jewelry.
  3. The flue-The component of your fireplace that protects your home from possible combustion from heat transfer is the flue. Although durable, the flue needs to be inspected regularly. Cracks and tears can allow unwanted drafts and moisture into your home and result in a steady drip down the chimney. A damaged flue can also allow creosote, a dangerous byproduct that comes from burning wood, to affect the masonry around your chimney and increase your risk of a chimney fire. An annual sweep should eliminate these hazards but regular inspections from the homeowner as an extra caution is advised.
  4. Fireplace doors-The most serious issue with fireplace doors is thermal shock breakage, which happens when there’s a major temperature difference across your doors’ surface. To avoid this, build your fires gradually and never pour cold water on hot ashes. In terms of the doors themselves, tempered glass, and ceramic glass help to promote hotter flames and prevent heat loss. Before closing, confirm your doors are specially designed to be shut with a fire burning, otherwise, the glass may shatter. Additionally, install a spark screen to protect your home from embers and sparks.

Remember a little precaution goes a long way! So as you gather around the warmth of your fireplace this holiday season, revisit this SERVPRO® checklist to make sure you’re not unintentionally inviting hazards to your home. From choosing the right firewood to maintaining your chimney flue, each component plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

After a Fire Do's and Dont's

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Pennypack/Bustleton will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 
  • Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

    Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

    Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call us today.

Electronic Cleanup

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire as they are prone to overheating upon startup. Another danger is that smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. There are even different types of smoke residues that can cause different levels of damage. Because of this we urge you again, not to attempt to turn these electronics on or clean them at home. A SERVPRO Franchise will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  • Television sets
  • DVD players
  • Computers
  • And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document Drying

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including sentimental photographs, wills, passports, marriage certificates, and other types of identification, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can save a great deal and help minimize any additional damage. We recognize that in some cases these documents can be difficult to replace or sometimes even irreplaceable, these are important to you which makes them important to us. Learn more about our document restoration services on our website.

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:

  1. Air Drying
  2. Dehumidification
  3. Freezer Drying
  4. Vacuum Freeze Drying
  5. Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Restoration

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals specialize in restoring contents that have been damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Cooking Safety

1/8/2022 (Permalink)

“Cooking with Caution”

Be on Alert. Do not cook if you are sleepy or have consumed any alcohol. This can potentially create dangerous situations. Do not use the stovetop or stove if you are under the influence.

Be sure to stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. Always turn off the stove if you have to leave the kitchen, no matter how quick you may be.

If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in your home while it is cooking, or use a timer so you do not forget about it.

Be sure your kitchen is free of clutter and no loose items are near the stove. This reduces the chance of anything catching on fire.

If you have a small grease/ cooking fire and decide to fight the fire…

On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan to covered until it is completely cool.

If the fire is inside the oven, shut the oven off and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…

Just leave the house! When leaving be sure to close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the house.

Content by: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week/Safety-Tip-Sheets

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties was called out for a chimney fire.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (570)-759-0966

Fire Damage?

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties (570)759-0966

When a fire starts inside your home, it is never a pleasant experience. Fires not only threaten the safety of you and your family, but can also be costly to repair. The heat, flames, and smoke produced by a fire can cause extensive damage to your home. 
 
Whether the fire is small or large, the best choice would be to have the professionals come in and assess the situation. SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties is IICRC certified and have experience with different types of fire scenarios. 
 
Both the heat and smoke created by a blaze causes several types of damage to your home. Flames can burn content and building materials inside the home. Smoke spreads throughout the structure leaving behind soot and foul odors. Our professional technicians at SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties are taught how to mitigate fire damage by putting each case into a category based on the severity of the damage. 
 
In fire damage situations, there are three main types of severity. Putting each damage scenario into a certain level of severity helps our specialists know what types of methods to use when mitigating the problem. The three levels are minor, medium and major fire damage. 
  
No matter how severe the damage is in your home after a fire, hiring professionals can always get you the best results. SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties are available 24/7 at 570-759-0966. 

Grilling Safety Tips

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Always use caution when using a grill!

Nearly 8,900 home fires are started by grilling accidents each year.

Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. To keep you and your family safe while grilling, follow these general guidelines.

General grilling tips:

  •  Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.

Propane grills:

Before you use your grill:

  •  Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
  • Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
    • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
    • Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
    • If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
  • If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  • If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

  • As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
  • If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  • If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal grills:

  •  There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
  • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Call SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties for your restoration needs (570)759-0966

Fire Damage Process

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (570)759-0966

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Fire Damage Process

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties, available 24/7!

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (570)759-0966

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Large Residential Fire Loss

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO on-site cleaning of a chimney fire!

SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Co. was called to provide cleanup for a chimney fire at a residential property. There are no normal or standard fire situations, but picturing a “chimney fire”, usually there is wall damage and soot and smoke residue throughout the property. This fire was different: the entire rear wall of the main area of the house was burned away, as well as most of the original wood rafters and plywood sheathing of the roof. This home had a metal roof installed not long ago and contained the fire within the roof area. The fire companies knocked the fire down in very quick order and even managed to cover many of the owner’s antiques and belongings. SERVPRO reviewed the loss and determined the entire structure would need to be gutted to the wood studs in all occupied areas. The roof area had blown-in insulation, which after getting saturated, ended up on the floor areas along with the drywall ceiling, which was also saturated. Much of the contents in the living areas had virtually no soot. Two 30 yd and one 40 yd dumpsters later, the home is ready for a contractor to remove the metal roof, install new rafters and roofing and install drywall for the customer.

Christmas Season

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Christmas Tree Safety!

It’s that time of season again! Christmas trees are being placed into residences and some businesses. Candles are being lit more often at this time of year. With the Christmas season, many avoidable home fires will occur across the country, damaging and destroying homes. There are several very timely tips to keep in mind:

  1. Keep trees watered.
  2. Use only UL approved and labeled electrical lights.
  3. Use only UL approved extension cords and outlet strips.
  4. Keep all flammable items well away for candles.
  5. Do not let tree lights on and candles lit when not at home and at bedtime.
  6. Never overload your electrical circuits.
  7. Use GFCI whenever possible.
  8. Use space heaters with care, keep away from combustible items.
  9. Smoke detectors are a must, they will save your life!
  10. Water your Christmas tree every day! A dry tree can catch on fire easily.

Fire Damage - What Can You Do?

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

The first, and most important thing you can do after experiencing a fire is to call us at SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties - our professional crews are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, to beat the clock in attempting to salvage your home and property.  But while you wait for us to arrive, you can take these precautions to help mitigate the damage:

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
  • Coat chrome faucets, trim, and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
  • Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.
  • Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
  • Do not clean any electrical equipment.
  • Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Summer Relaxation

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

With the weather finally changing for the better here in Northeast PA, more people are gathering around a fire pit/bonfire for their relaxation. During this time, it is of prime importance to consider where you will be building your fire. It is imperative that you follow the necessary fire safety tips to prevent fire damage.

Some of those tips include:

Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.

Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.

Avoid starting a bonfire if it is windy because a strong breeze could blow sparks onto nearby people or surfaces.

Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke.

Don’t use lighter fluid or gasoline to get the fire going as it could get out of control. Don't burn tires, aerosols, fireworks, or anything containing paint or foam to avoid toxic fumes which could explode and cause injury.

Use a lighter and crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks to start the fire, then add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning.

Wear non-flammable clothing and hard-soled shoes when starting, sitting near, or extinguishing the fire.

Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.

Keep the proper fire extinguishing equipment, or at least a water hose, handy in case there is an emergency. You could also fill a bucket with sand, which can be used instead of water to help extinguish a fire.

As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in an specially designated ash storage metal can.

We at SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties are dedicated to having the fastest 24-Hour Emergency Service response to any fire damage that unexpectedly happens in our area. Immediate action is crucial to limiting the damage, and we have the trained and experienced team and specialized equipment that are necessary for the prompt activities and later for restoring a home or business.

Have You Been Affected By Fire?

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

This is a picture of a tarped roof.

Have You Been Affected By Fire?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 374,000 U.S. homes catch fire annually. The cumulative cost for these fires is almost 8 billion annually. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and injuries. Most people know of someone that has
been affected by a fire. We all see the effects on property with boarded up and tarped buildings. The effects on the people that have sustained a home fire. The physical stress is enormous as is the emotional stress of losing your material possessions and possibly family or pets. Financial liabilities can ruin the family if insurance does not adequately cover the loss or if there is no insurance. Even if you rent a property, it is recommended that you have renters insurance to cover your contents.

Smoke Pressurized in Walls

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Some types of smoke or soot cleanup can be less intrusive than others. When the smoke or soot is caused by slow burning, lower heat fires, the cleanup may be on surfaces only. For hotter burning fires, the air pressure increases on the
wall and ceiling surfaces, forcing smoke into the spaces inside the wall and ceiling cavities. This can be evident around electrical outlet or light switch covers. Failure to remove the walls and ceiling surfaces and any insulation in the cavities will leave the odor to become a large problem later in the restoration process. This adds immensely to the cost of the remediation and restoration.

Call SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties for all your cleaning needs, 24/7 at 570-759-0966

Spring Clean Up

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

With the temperatures getting warmer outside, people are cleaning up their yards from the winter months. We urge people to use extreme caution with burning brush or other debris. Brush fires can start quickly and also can catch a house on fire, just as quick!

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Clean your garage of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire.
  • Use outdoor barbecue grills with caution. Place them in a safe area away from building, windows, heating/air conditioning units or places with high/dead vegetation.
  • Check your propane barbecue grill hose for leaks and cracks; never store propane indoors.
  • Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house.
  • Never use gasoline to start the fire, and don't add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started.

Chimney Safety

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

As we approach the winter season, the simple pleasures of gathering around the fireplace become more and more common. To ensure the safety of yourself and family members, be sure to follow these crucial steps before deciding to light a fire.

Have your fireplace professionally cleaned – According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should have your chimney swept at least once a year by a professional cleaning service. This type of service entails cleaning inside and outside the chimney.

  1. Always cap your chimney – Placing a cap on your chimney prevents outside debris, rain, and even vermin from entering your fireplace.
  2. Burn seasoned wood – Not all wood is safe for your fireplace. If you have any questions about what wood to choose, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America website.
  3. Place a small amount of wood in the fire – A small amount of wood generates less smoke. Less smoke is not only beneficial to your own health, but it also means less damage to your chimney.
  4. Place the wood on a metal grate – This allows the air to circulate around the logs.
  5. Use a guard – Placing a guard on both sides of your fireplace can prevent any sparks from flying out and potentially harming yourself or any appliances that are nearby.
  6. Put out the fire safely – After the fire dies down, be sure to bury the logs at the bottom of the fireplace and pour sand on it to ensure that it is out.

Types of Chimney Fires

  • Free Burning: Extremely loud blaze with visible flames and smoke coming out of the chimney top.
  • Slow Burning: Much quieter than a free burning fire. This type of chimney fire often goes unnoticed since they burn slower and at high temperatures. Slow burning fires are still extremely dangerous.

At SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties, safety is our #1 concern and we hope that you and your family are able to enjoy the splendors of a fireplace fire this winter season.  

Bonfire Safety..

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Fire safety is of prime importance if you are considering building a bonfire for your family and friends to gather around on a chilly night. It is imperative that you follow the necessary fire safety tips to prevent fire damage.

Some of those tips include:

Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.

Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.

Avoid starting a bonfire if it is windy because a strong breeze could blow sparks onto nearby people or surfaces.

Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke.

Don’t use lighter fluid or gasoline to get the fire going as it could get out of control. Don't burn tires, aerosols, fireworks, or anything containing paint or foam to avoid toxic fumes which could explode and cause injury.

Use a lighter and crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks to start the fire, then add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning.

Wear non-flammable clothing and hard-soled shoes when starting, sitting near, or extinguishing the fire.

Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.

Keep the proper fire extinguishing equipment, or at least a water hose, handy in case there is an emergency. You could also fill a bucket with sand, which can be used instead of water to help extinguish a fire.

As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in an specially designated ash storage metal can.

We at SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties are dedicated to having the fastest 24-Hour Emergency Service response to any fire damage that unexpectedly happens in our area. Immediate action is crucial to limiting the damage, and we have the trained and experienced team and specialized equipment that are necessary for the prompt activities and later for restoring a home or business.

Spontaneous Combustion Is Real

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

This garage sustained heavy fire damage due to rags being placed in a shop vac...

Popular projects like painting a room or refinishing a wood deck can transform the look of your home. Improper disposal of oily rags used on such projects also can transform the look of your home but in a very, very different way. You can safely clean paintbrushes with mineral spirits or paint thinner, but what about the rags and other materials that do not get cleaned but just get thrown away? How do you safely dispose of them?

If you just throw out the rags or leave them in a pile they may spontaneously ignite. That's not a joke.

Spontaneous Combustion Is Real

Simply put, spontaneous combustion is a fire starting without a match or spark. It's absolutely real and, unfortunately, not so uncommon. According to a 2011 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about 1,600 residences per year experience fires due to spontaneous combustion or chemical reaction. And the most common causes of these fires are oily rags.

How Oily Rags Start Fires

Products that contain certain oils dry, or cure, through a chemical reaction called oxidation. This process uses oxygen and creates its own heat. If that heat is contained, such as in a pile of oily rags, it can get hot enough to reach the ignition point of the host material; in this case, cotton or whatever the rag is made of. And that's all it takes. Oxidation occurs with or without light, wind, or external heat sources.

Piles of rags are prone to spontaneous combustion because the piles of fabric trap the heat and the fabric often has a relatively low ignition point (the temperature at which they ignite). By contrast, when you apply an oil stain to a deck or a piece of furniture, heat from the oxidizing oil is immediately dissipated into the air.

 

How to Store and Dispose of Oily Rags

The easiest and safest way to store and dispose of flammable oily rags is to use this method:

  • Place the rags in an empty metal container that has a tight metal lid, such as an old paint can.
  • Fill the container with water until the rags are submerged;
  • Seal the can tightly with its metal lid.
  • Take the container to your local hazardous waste disposal center or arrange a special pickup by your garbage pickup service. Many municipalities also host hazardous waste drop off/pickup days). Never pour oily water down a drain in or around your home.

Another option is to let the rags dry fully before disposing of them. The important thing here is to allow the oil product to cure fully so that the oxidation process is complete and no longer creating heat:

  • Lay out or hang the oily rags in a single layer in an outdoor area that is out of the sun and well-ventilated. Be sure to lay them on a noncombustible surface, such as bare soil or concrete; do not lay them on your recently oiled deck, for example.
  • Let the rags dry fully, for at least 2 days, but possibly longer, depending on the product.
  • Dispose of the dried rags as directed by your garbage pickup service or local hazardous waste disposal center.