MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- According to the United States Fire Administration, in 2009 the State of California had 5.5 fire-related deaths per million in the population.
Camp Pendleton residents have many resources to turn to in case of a fire emergency and can take preventive measures to remain safe during the summer. Fire prevention starts by being made aware of the hazards of common summer activities.
Often Camp Pendleton experiences unattended cooking fires, said Robert T. Johnson, the fire prevention chief of Camp Pendleton. These fires can occur in kitchens or barbeque pits because of inattention, or failure to take proper preventive measures.
People simply throwing hot charcoals into trashcans or dumpsters, instead of letting them cool first, can easily cause fires, said Johnson.
If people decide to pull out the barbeque pit this summer and grill foods, there are precautionary measures they can take to ensure the safety of themselves and the people around them. Barbeque pits should be placed 10 to 15 feet away from the side of the building. The area where the barbeque grill is placed should be a level surface so the grill will not be tipped over. Children and pets should be kept away the grill or cooking areas while equipment is in use or hot.
Wild land fires are another common type of fire aboard Camp Pendleton, and although they may be wild, there are still ways to prevent them from effecting homes.
“There are different safety zones while preventing wildfires from effecting your home,” said Johnson. “From the side of your house to about 30 feet [away], keep the area clear of all trash, debris, wooden logs or any type of combustible material. Next, ensure that from 30 to 150 feet that if you have large trees then you are advised to trim the canopy about 10 feet high.”
For more information on fire safety/ prevention visit the United States Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov. In case of emergency on-base call 760-725-3333 (from any cell phone) or 911 (from any landline).