Lewis County Sirens.com

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

A Centralia man’s quick thinking and aggressive action averted a disastrous fire and has earned him the praise of the fire department.

When Riverside Fire Authority was dispatched to a residential structure fire in an apartment building on the 1400 block of Harrison Avenue, they encountered light smoke from one of upper units. They also encountered an occupant who said the fire on the second-story balcony had been put out with a fire extinguisher.

Riverside Assistant Chief Rick Mack says he also found a situation that made it clear they narrowly avoided what could have been much worse if not for Gregory Gardner.

Gardner, who lives in the adjacent apartment in the four unit building, was home and heard the commotion next door, according to Mack.

Gardner went to his balcony door, smelled smoke, stepped out and saw the developing fire.

“He jumped into action retrieving the fire extinguisher from the cabinet atop the staircase between the units,” Mack stated. “He entered the affected apartment, went to the balcony, and extinguished the fire; and separated some the burning materials to prevent re-ignition.”

When Mack, who is also the department’s fire marshal, examined the area, he noted that above the fire origin area was a vinyl-covered soffit and above that, an attic space.

While all the units have sprinklers, none of the tenants have sprinklers on their balconies, nor are there sprinklers in the attic, according to Mack.

The damage was minimal, burning a box, a small table and some of the vinyl siding. It was accidental due to smoldering, discarded cigarettes in a combustible container, according to the fire department.

Mack says Gardner’s actions saved the building, kept four families in their homes and may very well have saved lives that day.

The story of the events of April 23 were submitted in a nomination letter by Mack, and last night resulted in the presentation of a meritorious service award to Gardner.

The honor was bestowed at the fire authority board meeting.

Public Information Officer Scott Weinert offers advice to any other citizens who might use fire extinguishers.

“Using a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire can save lives and property,” Weinert writes. “But you have to know exactly what to do.”

Before the Fire

• Only adults should use a fire extinguisher.
• Choose an extinguisher that will work on all types of fires. These are usually called “ABC” type extinguishers.
• Choose the largest extinguisher you can handle – bigger is better.
• Read all the directions. Know how to use an extinguisher. If possible, get training from your local fire department or workplace that will let you practice putting out a fire.
• Keep the instructions so you can review them from time to time.
• Mount the extinguisher near an exit door, out of reach of children.

Fighting a Small Fire

• Make sure everyone else is leaving the home.
• Ask someone to call the fire department from outside.
• If the fire is small and not spreading, quickly get your extinguisher.
• Start with your back to the exit, making sure the fire does not block your escape route.
• Stand six to eight feet away from the fire.

Then, remember the word PASS:

• PULL the pin out to unlock the operating lever.
• AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
• SQUEEZE the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Be prepared. It will come out with force.
• SWEEP from side to side, moving carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire, sweeping back and forth until all the flames are out.
• Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

Important: If the fire does not go out quickly, or if you feel at risk in any way, leave immediately and let the fire department handle it. Fighting a fire can be dangerous.

Only adults who know how and when to use an extinguisher should ever try to put out a fire, but children never should, according to Weinert.

 

Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter

This entry was posted on Friday, May 29th, 2015 at 8:42 pm and is filed under News briefs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.