For immediate release
Contact: Lorraine Carli Public Affairs Office: +1-617-984-7275 publicaffairs@nfpa.org
NFPA urges extreme caution when using gel fuel
Stop, drop and roll may not extinguish clothing that catches fire
August 11, 2011 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to employ extreme caution when using gel fuel, a product typically used with fire pots, personal fireplaces, and some patio torches. Stop, drop and roll may not extinguish clothing that catches fire involving splattered or spilled gel fuel. A dry chemical extinguisher or baking soda is recommended to extinguish the fire.
“As with any product, manufacturer’s instructions should be followed, but NFPA is issuing a special alert because we are seeing a number of cases where people have been injured while using gel fuel and are seemingly unaware of the dangers associated with its use,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications.
NFPA Vice President Lorraine Carli discusses gel fuel safety.
Why is NFPA issuing this warning? | Download clip
What are the dangers of using gel fuel? | Download clip
Safety tips when using gel fuel | Download clip
Photos are available; contact publicaffairs@nfpa.org.
Recent news reports from across the country have highlighted several incidents where people have been injured while using gel fuel. A number of these injuries have occurred during the refueling process. NFPA warns the public that a flame may still be burning even when it is not visible, which is not uncommon with some gel fuel, and pouring fuel on any open flame is extremely unsafe. According to NFPA, it is also important to allow a gel fuel device to cool completely (30-45 minutes) before refueling because if the fuel comes into contact with the hot device it may splatter on clothing or skin, resulting in a burn injury.
“Anytime you are using devices that involve fire, it is critical to use caution and follow safety tips. This is proving to be especially important with gel fuel,” said Carli.
NFPA offers the following safety tips when using devices that gel fuel:
· Keep your face away from the device when refueling.
· If gel fuel is spilled on clothing, remove the clothing and launder it immediately.
· Never leave a lit fire pot, personal fireplace or patio torch unattended.
· Keep these devices at least one foot from anything that can burn.
· Place the fire pot or personal fireplace on a sturdy surface.
· Make sure patio torches are secure and not in the path of people or pets.
· Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.
· These devices will be hot during and after burning; do not touch or move.
· Be careful reaching over the device because clothing or hair could catch fire.
· Use only gel fuel to refuel. Never substitute another kind of fuel.
· Citronella gel fuel is intended for outdoor use only.
· Allow the device to cool for 30–45 minutes before refueling.
· Pouring gel fuel in a device that is not completely cool may result in a fire or injury.
· Store the gel fuel in its tightly sealed original container; away from heat sources and out of reach of children and pets.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA’s website at www.nfpa.org for more information.
FREE WEBINAR!
The NFPA public education department is conducting a FREE webinar featuring NFPA education staff sharing resources and strategies to help you have a successful Fire Prevention Week Campaign. Please forward this along to your province/territory fire departments to have them sign up.
Date: September 14, 2011 at 12 – 1 p.m.
Title: Getting to know Fire Prevention Week
Presenters: Judy Comoletti, Division Manager
Sharon Gamache, Director High-Risk Outreach
Amy LeBeau, Associate Project Manager
Follow the link below and sign up
http://www.nfpa.org/FPWwebinar
Date: September 14, 2011 at 12 – 1 p.m.
Title: Getting to know Fire Prevention Week
Presenters: Judy Comoletti, Division Manager
Sharon Gamache, Director High-Risk Outreach
Amy LeBeau, Associate Project Manager
Follow the link below and sign up
http://www.nfpa.org/FPWwebinar
Remembering When Conference
Remembering When™: A Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults Conference
December 4-6, 2011 Marriott Longwharf Hotel, Boston, MA
NFPA will select representatives from up to 40 communities to attend the Remembering When Conference, which will emphasize reaching older adults through home visits, to ensure that the program reaches the most vulnerable of older adults. We are asking fire departments to partner with an agency whose main outreach to older adults is through home visits. Such agencies may include visiting nurse associations, home health care agencies, church outreach groups, and other organizations.
For further details and to download an application form, please click on the link below:
http://www.nfpa.org/itemdetail.asp?categoryID=1833&itemID=51485&cookie%5Ftest=1
Applications must be received by August 15, 2011.
December 4-6, 2011 Marriott Longwharf Hotel, Boston, MA
NFPA will select representatives from up to 40 communities to attend the Remembering When Conference, which will emphasize reaching older adults through home visits, to ensure that the program reaches the most vulnerable of older adults. We are asking fire departments to partner with an agency whose main outreach to older adults is through home visits. Such agencies may include visiting nurse associations, home health care agencies, church outreach groups, and other organizations.
For further details and to download an application form, please click on the link below:
http://www.nfpa.org/itemdetail.asp?categoryID=1833&itemID=51485&cookie%5Ftest=1
Applications must be received by August 15, 2011.
|
| ||||
Competition for Scholarships to attend 2011 NFPA Conference
Visit www.nfpa.org
Please take the time to read the letter expalining the newest contest to win scholarship to attend this year's NFPA Conference in Boston.
Application is attached here.
Please take the time to read the letter expalining the newest contest to win scholarship to attend this year's NFPA Conference in Boston.
Application is attached here.
Here is a CBC News video with an interview of Saint John Fire Chief Robert Simonds, CAFC newly elected President, explaining the $3000.00 Federal non-refundable tax credit that the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs is trying to lobby government for. The video is very informative and explains clearly what it is all about. Stream the video to about 1:33 minutes into it to catch his interview.
THANK YOU. MERCI.
NEWS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK POST-LAUNCH 2010
Hello Everyone,
First of all, on behalf of the NBAFPO, OFM, and NBAFC, I’d like to express sincere thanks and congratulations to PERTH ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT for an excellent Official Fire Prevention Launch.
The time and effort spent on planning and promoting was very obvious, from the turn-out we had, which was a mixture of fire service and the general public, and everyone had a great time.
The Launch was a great success! Thank you Perth Andover members. Well done!
Special thanks go to Clairine Hamilton (OFM) and Lisa Harrity (CNB) for all the work they put into helping with the Launch. We all appreciate your efforts!
Congratulations to Bathurst Fire Department on their winning the Annual Provincial Fire Prevention Award! Their “Adopt a Firefighter” program has been well received. WE also thank their members for sharing their program details at the 2010 Annual NBAFPO Spring Seminar, and hope that many of you considering applying the program in your communities.
If anyone at the Launch took pictures that you are willing to share, please forward some to us, either to Maria, via this email or to our webmaster, Jody Pratt at wjcp@rogers.com so that we may post them on our NBAFPO website.
Remembering When Scholarship Competition: Three of our NB Fire Departments were recipients of the scholarship. Congratulations to Stanley Fire, St. Andrews Fire, and Hillsborough Fire.
Each have partnered with a Home Care Agency, and will be sending a team comprised of one Fire Department member and one Home Care member, to attend the training in Boston this November.
They will then implement the program in their communities, and the program will then be duplicated through the Education Committee of the NBAFPO, and taught to all interested Fire Departments.
Keep checking out our website for more details and news! www.nbafpo.org
We hope that many of you will share pictures and stories of your Fire Prevention events this year. We can all learn from each other.
Please continue to promote NBAFPO Membership, and Seminar attendance in your regions.
The next Seminar is April 7th to 10th, hosted by Fredericton Fire Department. Mark your calendars. You NEED to be there!
We wish you all a great, safe, and productive Fire Prevention Week. Let’s all set a goal to promote prevention and safety throughout the whole year!
Thanks again to Perth Andover!
Have a great, safe day!
Maria
506-734-2918
nbafpo@nb.aibn.com
www.nbafpo.org
First of all, on behalf of the NBAFPO, OFM, and NBAFC, I’d like to express sincere thanks and congratulations to PERTH ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT for an excellent Official Fire Prevention Launch.
The time and effort spent on planning and promoting was very obvious, from the turn-out we had, which was a mixture of fire service and the general public, and everyone had a great time.
The Launch was a great success! Thank you Perth Andover members. Well done!
Special thanks go to Clairine Hamilton (OFM) and Lisa Harrity (CNB) for all the work they put into helping with the Launch. We all appreciate your efforts!
Congratulations to Bathurst Fire Department on their winning the Annual Provincial Fire Prevention Award! Their “Adopt a Firefighter” program has been well received. WE also thank their members for sharing their program details at the 2010 Annual NBAFPO Spring Seminar, and hope that many of you considering applying the program in your communities.
If anyone at the Launch took pictures that you are willing to share, please forward some to us, either to Maria, via this email or to our webmaster, Jody Pratt at wjcp@rogers.com so that we may post them on our NBAFPO website.
Remembering When Scholarship Competition: Three of our NB Fire Departments were recipients of the scholarship. Congratulations to Stanley Fire, St. Andrews Fire, and Hillsborough Fire.
Each have partnered with a Home Care Agency, and will be sending a team comprised of one Fire Department member and one Home Care member, to attend the training in Boston this November.
They will then implement the program in their communities, and the program will then be duplicated through the Education Committee of the NBAFPO, and taught to all interested Fire Departments.
Keep checking out our website for more details and news! www.nbafpo.org
We hope that many of you will share pictures and stories of your Fire Prevention events this year. We can all learn from each other.
Please continue to promote NBAFPO Membership, and Seminar attendance in your regions.
The next Seminar is April 7th to 10th, hosted by Fredericton Fire Department. Mark your calendars. You NEED to be there!
We wish you all a great, safe, and productive Fire Prevention Week. Let’s all set a goal to promote prevention and safety throughout the whole year!
Thanks again to Perth Andover!
Have a great, safe day!
Maria
506-734-2918
nbafpo@nb.aibn.com
www.nbafpo.org
