Manassas Park Firefighters Remind Residents of Fire Safety

On a cold January day with snow all around the region, most people aren't thinking of fire safety. But for Manassas Park Fire Department Chief John O'Neal, the subject is never far from his mind.

With more than 30 years experience, O'Neal has spent most of his life protecting the public against fires and spreading the word about preventative safety measures.

O'Neal said kitchen fires are not only one of the leading causes of house fires in Manassas Park, but nationally. Unattended cooking is usually the cause.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that unattended cooking results in two-thirds of all kitchen fires. While there are many things that can distract you, he said it's best to never turn your back on what's going on in the kitchen for too long.

“Typically the fire stays on the range,” he said, “But it has a high potential to spread.” He explained that the fire starts with the cooking food and can move to the cabinetry and burn through the kitchen and possibly throughout the house. Although it hasn't happened during his time in Manassas Park, he has seen the worst that can happen: Fatalities.

What can you do to prevent kitchen fires? O'Neal said aside from never leaving cooking food unattended, be sure to turn pot and pan handles towards the center of your range. Also be sure not to leave dish towels or pot holders close to the stove.  Never leave combustibles like alcohol or spray cans close to the stove.

Aside from kitchen fires, O'Neal said his department gets a lot of calls for electrical and mechanical fires. Usually there's a mechanical malfunction, he said. Or people overcrowd outlets and extension cords.

While it doesn't happen often in Manassas Park— probably one or two calls a year— O'Neal says it's a good idea to make sure your dryer ducts are clear. Doing this will prevent dryer fires.  You should clean the lint trap every time you use the machine and any lint or other debris around the drum and duct whenever it becomes visible, he said.

“It's easy to get complacent at home, but it's where an emergency can occur because it's where you spend the bulk of your time," he said.

He said that you should have safety measures in place to prevent fires as well as a plan of action if one should occur.

Here are a few tips he offered to prevent fires:

• Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once every six months.

• If you have any gas appliances in your home, invest in a carbon monoxide detector “Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless,” O'Neal explained. “The symptoms often mimic other diseases and ailments, so by the time someone gets to the victim it can be too late.”

• Make sure your detectors and the areas around them are free of dust and debris to ensure they work properly.

 In case your house does catch fire, O'Neal said your family should have at least two emergency exit plans and a meeting spot . “Once you get out, stay out,” he added. "Don't go back into the building for anything or anyone. Call the fire department and let the professionals do their job."