Oregon State Fire Marshal highlights fire safety for October’s Fire Prevention Month

Fire safety focus for October

The Oregon State Fire Marshal, in collaboration with the Oregon fire service, has emphasized the importance of home fire safety during Fire Prevention Month, which occurs in October.

This year’s theme, “Celebrate Fire Safety,” encourages residents across Oregon to take action in reducing the risks of home fires.

According to data from 2023, Oregon experienced 2,518 home fires, resulting in $119.5 million in damages.

Cooking and home heating remain the top causes of these fires.

Notably, 417 of these incidents occurred in homes without smoke alarms, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple stated: “Oregon’s first responders are unwavering in their commitment to protecting our communities by reducing home fires and preventing the devastating injuries they cause.” The campaign urges Oregonians to implement life-saving fire prevention measures.

Key fire safety measures for Oregonians

To reduce the likelihood of home fires, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has shared several actionable steps.

• Residents are encouraged to install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of their homes, particularly inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Practicing safe cooking habits is also critical.
• Individuals should avoid leaving cooking unattended and have a lid or cookie sheet nearby in case of small flames.
• Additionally, ensuring that heating devices have at least three feet of clearance from flammable objects is essential.
• Space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet to reduce fire risks.
• The State Fire Marshal also encourages families to create and regularly practice home fire escape plans.
• It’s important that all family members know at least two ways to exit every room in the house.

Proclamation of Fire Prevention Month by Governor Tina Kotek

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month, further supporting efforts to enhance fire safety across the state.

This annual proclamation serves as a reminder to Oregon residents to remain vigilant about fire safety practices.

In light of the proclamation, the State Fire Marshal is emphasizing simple but effective fire prevention strategies that can save lives.

Among these strategies is the recommendation to use battery-operated candles as safer alternatives to traditional candles.

If real candles are used, individuals are urged to blow them out before leaving the room.

The combined efforts of state officials and fire services aim to increase awareness and reduce fire-related accidents across the state throughout October.

Commitment to fire safety and future prevention efforts

As Oregon observes Fire Prevention Month, the State Fire Marshal and fire service continue their dedication to minimizing home fires and related injuries.

This annual initiative reflects a statewide commitment to safeguarding homes and families from fire hazards.

Throughout the month, various events and educational programs will be held to reinforce fire safety awareness.

These efforts aim to equip residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent fires in their homes.

Residents are also encouraged to take part in community activities that focus on fire safety education.

Oregon State Fire Marshal highlights fire safety for October’s Fire Prevention Month: Summary

The Oregon State Fire Marshal, alongside the Oregon fire service, has highlighted the importance of home fire safety during October’s Fire Prevention Month.

The 2023 data showed 2,518 home fires in the state, causing $119.5 million in losses.

The primary causes were cooking and heating, with 417 fires occurring in homes without smoke alarms.

The theme, “Celebrate Fire Safety,” urges Oregonians to take steps like installing smoke alarms, practicing cooking safety, and creating escape plans.

Governor Tina Kotek officially proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month, furthering statewide fire safety efforts.