Fire Safety in Public Places: The tragic late-January fire that killed 238 (as of this writing) people in Brazil is just the latest in a sad string of devastating nightclub blazes both here and abroad.

Though the most recent nightclub fires have occurred in South America and Russia, we are not immune here in the United States. In 1942, a fire in the Cocoanut Grove in Boston killed 492 people. Just 10 years ago, 100 died in The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I.

There are common factors in all of these awful incidents: ignition sources such as pyrotechnics, open flame (candles and/or solid fuel-fired cooking appliances) and cooking facilities; combustible furnishings, interior finishes and contents; no on-site fire protection (fire alarms or fire sprinkler systems); and exiting problems such as locked or blocked pathways and doors. When in the field on building inspections, we are always on the lookout for these items. But we can’t be everywhere. Here are some things you can look for to help keep yourself safe:

— The building’s main entrance should be wide enough to accommodate half of the occupants, and the doors should swing outward.

— What if you couldn’t reach the main entrance to escape? Locate the other exits. Make sure they’re not locked or blocked. If you find locked or blocked exits, report the problem to the facility’s management and leave immediately if the issue isn’t corrected.

— Is there adequate staff to assist with evacuation if necessary? If the facility feels overcrowded, it probably is too crowded for safety.

— Watch for possible sources of fire such as candles, smoking materials, pyrotechnics, etc. If you don’t feel safe, leave the building.

— Leave immediately if an alarm sounds or if you see signs of fire or smoke.  Do not panic, but do not delay.

If you have questions or concerns about your safety in public buildings, call us at 297-3619, or the Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office at 337-5777.

Scott Firefighter Stair Climb
As has been the case nearly every year since we lost one of our own members to leukemia in 1997, NKF&R will be well-represented at the March 11 Columbia Tower Climb. Seven of our firefighters will run the stairs in full combat gear to support the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To support our team, go to www.llswa.org.

— Contact Michele Laboda at laboda@nkfr.org.