December 2017 Published by the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal

Wrapping up our year of celebration T his final column of 2017 marks the close of a landmark year for the OSFM, our 100 th year. All year we have been highlighting significant milestones, events, and accomplishments of the OSFM and the Oregon fire service since our agency was established in 1917. This past century, we have seen amazing changes in fire prevention, protection, and response, as well as the development of new technologies, fire and building codes, and enforcement of fire safety regulations. However, throughout this time, what hasn’t changed is our mission to protect the people, property, and natural resources from fire and in more recent times, protect them from hazardous materials. Our agency began with just three deputy state fire marshals. As we grew, so did the Oregon fire service. Since the beginning, we have worked together on our common mission, developing partnerships and collaborating to amplify and enhance our effectiveness. Looking back through all of the monthly highlights we have had in each issue of the newsletter, it’s amazing to see just how far we have come. And we appreciate every fire agency who has taken time to celebrate our 100 th anniversary with us. Working together, the OSFM team has built significant relationships with the Oregon fire service, local communities, industries, and state and federal agencies that we depend on and who depend on us. It is those relationships and the history of collaboration that has seen us through the years. We’ve worked tirelessly side-by-side to keep our risk reduction programs in Oregon moving forward. This year we’ve enjoyed celebrating our past, but I’m even more excited about our future. We have been successful over the past 10 decades because even through rough patches and smooth times, we have always maintained a determination to work towards the greater good. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” I would add to that – Spending time to understand your past helps you to provide a strong foundation to move you into the future. So, in this season of thanks, I thank you for your support in recognizing the value of our agency, for supporting our efforts, and giving us confidence as we move into the next 100 years. We are prepared to tackle the challenges of change, to hold steadfast in our responsibility of maintaining our focus on the protection of Oregonians, and will never waver in our commitment to our partners in helping them achieve their mission and goals. Thanks for all you do!

Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker

New non-retail fueling law goes into effect in January 2018

T he Oregon legislature passed HB 2482 during the 2017 regular session and it was signed into law by Governor Kate Brown on June 6, 2017. The intent of HB 2482 is to provide more accessibility to gasoline for motorists in the more rural areas of the state. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2018. This bill is a continuation of HB 3011 passed by the legislature in 2015. In summary, House Bill 2482 does four things: Defines Eastern Oregon counties, Requires, under certain conditions, a person be available to dispense class one flammable liquids (gasoline) at retail stations where self-serve is allowed, Expands the hours of self-serve at retail stations in low population counties in Eastern Oregon and, Allows retail sales of class one flammable liquids (gasoline) at non-retail fueling facilities located in low population counties in Eastern Oregon. Eastern Oregon counties are defined as areas of the state that lie east of a line beginning at the intersection of the northern boundary of the state and the western boundary of Hood River County, and from there proceeding southerly along the western boundary of Hood River, Wasco, Jefferson, Deschutes, and Klamath counties to the southern boundary of the state. Low population counties are those with a population of 40,000 or less. Based on the provisions in the bill, no later than 90 days prior to beginning retail sales, operators of non-retail fueling facilities (cardlock) located in low population Eastern Oregon counties must notify the OSFM of their intent to allow retail sales of class one flammable liquids (gasoline) at their non-retail facilities. Furthermore, retail customers dispensing gasoline at these facilities are not subject to any of the requirements of the cardlock program. Retail service stations in low population, Eastern Oregon counties may allow self-serve of class one flammable liquids (gasoline) twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. However, if there is a retail space that provides goods or services other than those for maintaining, repairing, or cleaning a motor vehicle, someone must be available to dispense between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. For questions, contact Mark Johnston at 503-934-8214 or email at mark.johnston@state.or.us.

OLST celebrates 15 years

T his past October, the Oregon Life Safety Team celebrated its 15 th year with the purpose of coordinating and implementing consistent statewide fire prevention education. The team was created at the recommendation of the task force who created the publication, Life Safety 2000, A Model Plan for the State of Oregon to Reduce the Risk to Oregon Citizens from Fire and Related Emergencies . One of the key initiatives of the plan was to organize and coordinate fire prevention and education efforts.   Findings in the Life Safety 2000 report include: A review of available literature indicated that the countries experiencing the best fire statistics (least loss) simply put more effort into fire prevention education and building technology. The Oregon fire service could implement a unified statewide strategic fire prevention marketing plan with unified goals or objectives for individual groups or agencies to sponsor. Public statewide education campaigns could be expanded and designed at the state level and customized for local fire departments. Public education efforts are most effective when the fire service uses marketing practices to change specific attitudes and behaviors that cause fires. The most successful Oregon public education programs, campaigns, and initiatives occur when the state fire marshal provides technical assistance, resources, and model programs.

Pictured from left to right: Claire Mcgrew, Steve Candela, Joanne Hatch, Dave Gulledge, Sara Jasmin, Ginger Slavens, Tim Burr, Alfredo Mendez, David Burns, Ron Rouse, Amy Roach, Jim Kusz, Laura Houston, Stephanie Stafford, Lora Ratcliff, Bruce Montgomery, John Dunn, Tony Miller, and Barbara Nelson. Not pictured: Jeneanne Upton, Debbie McDermott, Anne-Marie Storms, Jim Patton, Richard Saalsaa, Sean Johnson, Amy Linder, Sean Barrett, Tony Miller, Samantha Metheny, Kari Shanklin, Devon Wells, Mitch Ward, Cindy Kettering, Sara Blair, Rich Leipfert, Cara Sloman, Curtis Peetz, Dan Ridenour, Kristin Babbs, Jeff Donahue, Curtis Ryun, David Sellers, and Rich Hoover.

The team is comprised of Oregon fire service and fire service association partners, state, federal, county, city, private, and partner association members , and works to coordinate and implement consistent statewide fire prevention and life safety education. Many of the members are long term, and our group camaraderie and passion for fire prevention fosters an environment for the successful implementation of fire prevention programs.   “Being a part of the OLST has been a great way to learn, network, and make a difference in keeping statewide messaging consistent across Oregon.” – Stayton Fire District Firefighter and OFSA representative Laura Houston   “The OLST produces high-quality educational materials that would be a challenge for many fire agencies to produce on their own.” – Retired TVF&R Firefighter Tim Birr   “It is an amazing group and coalition of talented individuals that have made a difference.” – North Lincoln Fire & Rescue Captain Jim Kusz   “As a fire investigator, the people I interview who survived a fire, heard something (smoke alarm, dog barking, neighbor yelling, etc). If our fire service mission is to save lives, the Oregon Life Safety Team’s smoke alarm campaign is our best tool we can use to accomplish the mission. I am proud to be a member of this fine organization because I truly believe the education we provide will save lives.” – McMinnville Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal Steve Candela   “I’m glad to be included in this great partnership in promoting and advocating fire safety and prevention measures to better educate and inform Oregon citizens to ensure their safety to live another day.” – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Investigator David C. Burns "The Oregon Life Safety Team is comprised of amazing fire and life safety professionals from all over the State of Oregon. We are all very passionate about public education and with that, the energy in the room can be infectious. We share resources, ideas, and most importantly, we create educational safety information and materials to use in our own respective communities - - - all with the goal of helping to create a safer community in which we live and play." - Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Public Education Chief Officer Joanne Hatch   If you would like to join the OLST, or for more information, contact Oregon Life Safety Team Chair , Stephanie Stafford at stephanie.stafford@state.or.us or 503-934-8219. You may also visit our OLST webpage .

Oregon smoke alarm law reminder

Oregon laws require all homes being sold or rented to have working smoke alarms. What types of smoke alarms are available? There are two types of smoke alarms: photoelectric and ionization. There are also dual-sensing ionization and photoelectric and combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms available. If ionization alarms are solely battery-operated, they shall be packaged with a 10-year battery and include a hush mechanism.   Are battery-operated or hardwired smoke alarms required? Smoke alarm power source (battery or hardwired) requirements are based on the applicable building codes at the time of construction or alteration. If battery only alarms were installed at the time of construction, they can be replaced with battery only alarms. If hardwired alarms were installed at the time of construction, they must be replaced with hardwired alarms.   When should smoke alarms be replaced? Replace smoke alarms when recommended by the manufacturer, when they fail to respond to operability tests, or 10 years from the date of manufacture.   Where should smoke alarms be installed? Smoke alarms should be installed: On each level of the home, including the basement. Where sleeping areas are located on an upper level, the smoke alarm shall be installed as close as practical to the center of the ceiling directly over the stairway.                         Outside sleeping areas, within the immediate vicinity of each bedroom or within 21 feet of the bedroom. Where sleeping areas are widely separated and/or where a single smoke alarm will not adequately service all sleeping areas, a smoke alarm shall be installed adjacent to each sleeping area. In each sleeping room as per the requirements of the applicable building codes at the time of construction. In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some local ordinances have additional requirements.   Smoke alarms in rentals – landlord and tenant responsibilities The landlord is responsible for installing properly functioning smoke alarms per the requirements above, maintaining them, providing written testing instructions, and providing working batteries at the beginning of tenancy. The tenant is responsible for testing the smoke alarms at least once every six months, replacing batteries as needed, notifying the landlord in writing of operating deficiencies, and is prohibited from removing or tampering with the alarms. Tenants should refer to the lease/rental agreement for specific instructions on battery replacement.   Contact your local building code department for specific requirements.

New online hazardous substance reporting to begin in 2018

I n January 2018, the OSFM Community Right to Know Program will transition to an online hazardous substance reporting tool called the Oregon Community Right to Know Hazardous Substance Manager (CHS Manager). This transition fulfills a commitment we made to our stakeholders and regulated community several years ago. This new online program will replace the Hazardous Substance Information System (HSIS) process. Sample screenshot of the schools and daycare facilities located within one mile of Intel in Hillsboro

CHS Manager will provide a highly efficient means for facilities to not only report their hazardous substances, but to upload safety data sheets, facility maps, and emergency plans. This information will be immediately accessible by 911 services, first responders, and health officials in the event of a hazardous substance emergency. It will also increase the availability of information for emergency planners and the public. How does this affect public safety agencies? CR2K will no longer be issuing the HSIS software through online downloads and CD distributions. Instead, emergency planners, hazmat teams, and first responders will be able to log into CHS Manager online to view hazardous substance information and conduct advanced searches using an abundance of available search criteria. An added benefit for LEPCs and fire departments is the option to receive instant email notifications when a facility within their jurisdiction files a new report, adds or removes a hazardous substance, or makes changes to substance storage information. They will also be able to see facilities that store hazardous substances on a map in relation to schools, hospitals, and childcare and nursing facilities. “Vulnerability zones” can also be created to show these “at risk institutions” and census data within a selected radius. If you have more questions, please visit our CHS Manager webpage or call our Hazardous Substance Information Hotline at 503-378-6835 or 800-454-6125; you may also contact our office through email at oregon.hazmatsurvey@state.or.us .

Hazmat by rail training, planning, and exercise summary for 2017

G overnor Kate Brown signed HB 3225 into law on July 20, 2015, directing the Office of State Fire Marshal to coordinate training, planning, and response coordination activities with a specific focus on oil or hazardous materials spills or releases that occur during rail transport. Since enacting HB 3225: Nearly 10,000 hours of hazmat by rail-focused training and outreach has been delivered in Oregon. Two railroad tank car derailment props have been installed. Eight firefighting foam trailers have been positioned regionally across Oregon. 13 benzene-specific gas detection devices have been deployed with OSFM hazmat teams. Eight local hazmat-by-rail emergency response plans have been funded; all are expected to be completed mid-year 2018. Training and Outreach In 2017, OSFM’s Hazmat Rail Program has continued its partnerships with the Oregon fire service training community, regional hazmat emergency response teams, and Union Pacific and BNSF railroads, coordinating the delivery of both hazmat emergency response and Incident Command System (ICS) training courses. Identified in the improvement plan resulting from the Mosier Crude Oil Train Derailment After-Action-Report, these courses have been offered free to local, state, federal, and tribal agency personnel and provide the basic framework for a safe, effective, and efficient response to a hazmat by rail incident. Number of agencies participating in training - 149 Personal trained - 334 Total personnel hours - 4,568 Numerous disciplines from all over Oregon (and beyond) attended these courses – from local firefighters and hazmat team members, to city and county emergency managers, to policy makers and elected officials. Given this diverse group’s attendance, they will collectively have a better understanding in preparing for and responding to hazmat-by-rail incidents as a unified front.

Tank Car Specialist Training in Eugene, OR., March 2017

Delivery of outreach training at workshops and symposiums to raise awareness of hazmat by rail incidents was identified as a priority for OSFM. Community discussions in 2017 included: Bend City Club Oregon LEPC/SERC Conference Oregon Emergency Preparedness Workshop Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Disaster Resilience Symposium Portland Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) meetings Western States Petroleum Association Conference Resource Coordination Through collaboration with Union Pacific and BNSF railroads, the OSFM took delivery of two retired railroad tank cars. These tank cars were placed at regional training facilities with Eugene Springfield Fire Department and the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. They were placed on their sides to simulate a derailment scenario. These will be used as training props for both hazmat and firefighting personnel. This gives them the ability to get hands-on training and apply specialized techniques for leak mitigation and firefighting applications. Additional training locations have been identified and the OSFM is expecting to take delivery of several more props over the next few months. In 2017, the Hazmat Rail Program purchased and deployed Photoionization Detectors (PIDs) with benzene detection capability for all 13 OSFM Regional Hazmat Emergency Response Teams. These atmospheric monitors deliver accurate measurements in areas where benzene – a crude oil byproduct – or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be present. This allows hazmat technicians to evaluate the level of personal protective equipment needed for all responders at a scene, along with the capability to monitor levels within the communities near the incident. These gas monitors, along with the eight firefighting foam trailers and other hazmat detection equipment, are uploaded into the Western Response Resource List (WRRL) ( http://www.wrrl.us/ ). The OSFM actively participates in the utilization of this online database system that catalogs, tracks, and identifies equipment and contact information for oil spill planners and responders to use in preparing for or responding to an incident.

Tank Car Specialist Training at Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, March 2017

Local Emergency Plan Development In 2017, the OSFM Hazmat Rail Program funded the development of eight Hazmat-by-Rail Emergency Response Plans for local emergency planning committees (LEPCs) and local emergency management planning districts across the state. These plans focus on the most common hazardous commodities transported by rail through their respective areas. The plans will contain many elements including, but not limited to: plume models, evacuation routes, initial first responder checklists, equipment cache locations, and much more. The plans are being developed with input from local, state, federal, and tribal agencies and integrated with existing plans to provide for a more fluid and coordinated response. Exercising Plans OSFM Hazmat Rail Program Coordinator Chad Hawkins notes, “Using a simulated response scenario, tabletop exercises are designed to test emergency response plans, reveal operational gaps, identify training needs, and recommend updates to plans.” Hawkins has participated in several exercises, involved in both their planning and facilitation. Notable tabletop exercises in 2017: Hazmat-by-rail tabletop discussion hosted by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management in which excellent conversations took place regarding evacuation route planning. FEMA Virtual Tabletop Exercise (VTTX) in Hood River hosted by Hood River County Emergency Management staff and stakeholders. This hazmat derailment scenario simulated evacuation and shelter-in-place of over 1,000 residents and visitors in downtown Hood River. In 2018, Hawkins is poised to facilitate eight tabletop exercises designed to test local hazmat-by-rail emergency response plans. Additionally, the OSFM is hoping to obtain grant funds to conduct a large, full-scale exercise involving numerous stakeholders in the fall of 2018. For questions or more information, contact Chad Hawkins at 503-934-8212 or email at chad.hawkins@state.or.us.

Early opening for the 2018-19 HMEP grant cycle begins December 1, 2017

T he FY 2018-19 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant application period is now open until Wednesday, February 28, 2018. The recipients of the current HMEP Grant Cycle (FY 2017-18) have just begun their grant projects, but preparations for the FY 2018-2019 HMEP Grant Cycle (for projects completed between October 1 st , 2018 and September 30, 2019) are starting now! See the link below to apply!   FY 2018-19 HMEP Sub-Recipient Application Kit   The application deadline is 5:00 PM Wednesday, February 28, 2018. If you need more information regarding the application process, please contact Terry Wolfe at 503-934-8245 or terry.wolfe@state.or.us .   To learn more about the HMEP Grant Program, guidance on eligible planning and training expenditures, and other grant specifics, visit our HMEP grant webpage .

Code Corner

by Deputy State Fire Marshal David Mills

Tiny houses W ith the passing of Oregon House Bill (HB) 2737, the director of Department of Consumer and Business Services is required to adopt construction standards for what has been identified as “small homes” or “tiny houses” in Oregon. Establishing construction standards for these small-scale homes can be challenging even with their thoughtful and innovative designs.

To begin the process of establishing minimum standards, the Building Codes Division (BCD) formed a code committee which used the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC), Appendix Q - entitled “Tiny Houses” as the foundation to incorporate HB 2737’s construction standards, and to provide additional fire and life safety regulations. The committee’s recommendations where in turn, blended into a new document entitle “Workforce Housing.” Look for additional modifications as this document moves from temporary rule to final code adoption. It is important to clarify what "tiny houses" or "workforce housing," as outlined in Appendix Q are and what they are not. Tiny houses are:   Constructed to all requirements outlined in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code except as modified in Appendix Q, A single dwelling unit that is 600 square feet or less in floor area including lofts, Allowed to have sleeping lofts, Allowed to use ladders or alternating tread devices as the primary means of egress from a sleeping loft, Site built or pre-fabricated and permanently anchored to a foundation, Provided with permanent utility connections, Required to have a NPFA 13-D residential fire sprinkler system when a sleeping loft is provided.   Tiny houses are not:  Designed to be movable or constructed on a wheeled chassis, Recreational vehicles, shipping containers, trailers, etc., Tiny houses on wheels (THOW).   The committee’s work, outlined in the new Appendix Q, incorporates construction requirements of HB 2737 with safe access and egress from habitable lofts, along with specific smoke alarm placement on slope ceilings, fire sprinkler protection, and specific flame spread and exterior wall fire protection requirements. Construction standards shall be effective no later than January 1, 2018.

Registration open for the 2018 Oregon Fire Prevention Workshop

The workshop will provide structural and wildland fire prevention educational sessions, networking opportunities, and more. The sessions include:   Keynote: You’ll Rarely Meet the Life You Save! – Jeff Johnson, CEO Western Fire Chiefs Association Fire Prevention Cooperative Partnerships – Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative Growing Pains: Fire Safety in the Budding Marijuana Industry Language that Motivates and Generates Wildfire Risk Reduction Results Building Engaging Presentations Insight: A Tool for Accountability for Teens Who Misuse Fire Wildfire Matters: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Wildfire Preparedness Bringing Your Fire Education Programs Out of the Dark Ages Risk Reduction in Places of Worship Firewise on the Frontier: The Journey Continues Fire Science and Our Safety Messages: Are We Keeping Up? Overview of the new OSU Fire Science Curriculum - Fire Prevention Module American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign: Saving Lives Through Education and Action Citizen Fire Academy Programs: A Dynamic Approach to Community Outreach for Wildfire Preparedness Intterra Situation Analyst and Interactive Public Web View Collaboration in Prevention: The Making of the Southern Oregon Firewise Expo Community Partners: Building an Effective Youth Fire Intervention Program Data-driven Approaches to Encourage Prevention Action   Date/time: February 13, 2018 at 1 p.m. – February 15, 2018 at 12:00 noon Cost: $50 early bird ($75 late registration – after January 12, 2018) Register here: oregon.gov/osp/sfm/pages/fpworkshop.aspx   Location: Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites Lodging: Available at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites at the government rate (currently $93). We are promoting lodging in fire-sprinklered rooms that the hotel has blocked out for this event. For reservations call 541-482-8310 or 855-482-8310 (Group name: OR Fire Prevention Workshop), or visit ashlandhillshotel.com (Group ID number: 120279). Please book your room by January 12, 2018 to guarantee the rate and a fire-sprinklered room.   If you have questions, please contact 503-934-8228 or osfm.ce@state.or.us .   Oregon Fire Prevention Workshop Committee Co-chairs   Tom Fields, Fire Prevention Coordinator Oregon Department of Forestry 503-945-7440 tom.fields@oregon.gov   Stephanie Stafford, Fire Prevention Coordinator Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal 503-934-8219 stephanie.stafford@state.or.us

OSFM partners with Jackson County Fire District #3 on fire investigation class

O SFM Deputy State Fire Marshals Mike Shaw and Scott Rice partnered with the Rogue Interagency Training Association and Jackson County Fire District #3 in November to deliver fire investigation training in southern Oregon. Class instructors also included Mark Shay from Rural Metro Fire, Steve Parks from Grants Pass Fire, Mark Northrop and Brian Murdock from Jackson County #3. A special thanks goes to Travis Crume and interns from Evans Valley Fire District #6 for building and furnishing four burn rooms for the training. The students were a very willing and focused class. They successfully took their classroom training and applied it in a field setting, conducting interviews and observing fire patterns. They also exhibited resourcefulness and creativity when looking for evidence. All groups were successful in correctly classifying the cause of each fire set allowing for task books to be signed off. The OSFM encourages other Oregon fire agencies to contact us if you would like to collaborate on future investigation training opportunities in your agency’s area. Please contact your local Deputy State Fire Marshal for more information.

Nominations open for the 2018 American Red Cross Heroes Awards

H onor people who have exemplified courage, kindness, selflessness and bravery by nominating them for a prestigious American Red Cross Hero Award. Each year, for more than two decades, the American Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington has recognized individuals who have lived the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate suffering. Do you know a hero? Has a colleague, neighbor, family member, or student played an instrumental role in rescuing someone in danger or saving a life? Have they given of their time and talents in extraordinary ways? Nominate them for their heroic actions now!   Nominating a hero is easy. Complete the simple online form at redcross.org/Heroes2018 All forms must be received by Friday, December 22, 2017 . The heroic actions of nominees should have taken place between December 1, 2016 and December 1, 2017. Award winners will be recognized at our Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on March 9, 2018 at the Vancouver Hilton.    Nominate heroes in the following categories:   1.     COMMUNITY HERO  is presented to an individual who displayed leadership and commitment to his or her community by making a positive and significant impact. 2.     GOOD SAMARITAN HERO  is presented to an individual who displayed courage and compassion upon encountering unusual, significant, or unexpected circumstances. 3.     FIRST RESPONDER HERO  is presented to an individual or group of the public service community (i.e. EMS, firefighter, or law enforcement) who went above and beyond the call of duty to save a life. 4.     GIVE LIFE HERO  is presented to an individual whose commitment to blood and platelet donation played a significant role in ensuring the health of patients in our local communities and throughout the country. 5.     MILITARY HERO  is presented to an active, reserve, or retired member of the Armed Forces or ROTC or civilian that has made a significant impact on the military community. 6.     YOUTH GOOD SAMARITAN HERO  (under 21) is presented to an outstanding young person who displayed courage and compassion upon encountering an unusual, significant, or unexpected incident.   7.   VOLUNTARY SERVICE HERO is presented to an individual who has displayed an exemplary commitment to voluntary service resulting in a significant and positive impact in his or her community.

Data Connection

News from the Analytics & Intelligence Unit by OSFM Program Coordinator Dave Gulledge

A cross Oregon over the last five years, the month of December has seen 1,586 home structure fires resulting in $32,638,073 in estimated loss, 103 injuries, and 8 deaths.   The majority of fires (22%) have been home heating related, primarily involving woodstoves, fireplaces, flues, and chimneys. The factor contributing to ignition in more than half of these fires was a failure to clean the flue or chimney.   Fire Prevention Tips - Have chimneys inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional at least once each year; burn only dry, seasoned wood as it creates less buildup in the chimney; start the fire with newspaper, kindling, or fire starters. Never use a flammable liquid such as lighter fluid, kerosene, or gasoline to start a fire.

The second leading cause (20%) of home structure fires in the month of December over the last five years has been cooking related fires. The primary factor contributing to these fires was cooking equipment that was left unattended.     Fire Prevention Tips – Stay in the kitchen when using the stove top. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove; only use your oven to bake or broil while you are at home. Turn off the oven when you leave the house; never place any item on the stove top that you do not intend to cook, even when off; keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your stove top.

Through mid-November of this year, 259 (82%) of Oregon’s 314 fire agencies have reported incident data to the Office of State Fire Marshal. These agencies have reported 268,497 incidents, including 11,587 fires, and 1,321 hazmat incidents. These numbers far exceed what has been reported at this point in any previous year. With record-breaking amounts of data being submitted it becomes all the more imperative that the data reported is complete and accurate. The OSFM has free training opportunities available on our training webpage to help ensure your agency is reporting its data correctly.       Incident Reporting Listserve A listserve has been created to share information related to incident reporting and the state’s reporting system. Anyone interested is welcome to subscribe to keep up with the latest changes, enhancements, tips, and other useful information related to incident reporting and the state’s reporting system. Subscriptions are free, you can subscribe by visiting: http://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/mailman/listinfo/nfirs_users .     For questions or more information, please contact the Analytics & Intelligence Unit at 503-934-8250 or by email at osfm.data@state.or.us .

2018 Oregon Fire Code Adoption

The OSFM is begining the process of the 2018 Oregon Fire Code adoption . Items under discussion will include: Mobile Food Vehicles – cooking hazards Integrated Fire Protection and/or Life Safety systems where two or more of these are interconnected (e.g., sprinkler, alarm systems, smoke control) Education Occupancies - to include: Intruder prevention locking arrangements in grade school and higher education; Higher education laboratories and hazardous materials; CO detection requirements in classrooms Large Outdoor Assembly Event – egress and fire hazard Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions – covered and multi-level booths Energy Systems – including standby and emergency power, fuel cell energy Plant Processing and Extraction Facilities – extraction of oils and fats from various plants (e.g., marijuana, mint . . .) High Pile Storage – clarification of commodity (storage) classifications Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Systems - used for both enrichment processes and beverage dispensing, to include gas detection systems On-Demand Mobile Fueling – customer requested on site dispensing/fueling of flammable/combustible liquids into vehicles The code adoption process began with the first Oregon Fire Code Committee (OFCC) meeting to discuss this subject on Tuesday, September 26, 2017.  Following is a list of future dates: 19 December 2017, 09 January 2018, 23 January 2018, 13 February 2018, 27 February 2018, 13 March 2018, 27 March 2018, 10 April 2018, and 24 April 2018.   Location:  Office of State Fire Marshal at Oregon State Police Headquarters                 3565 Trelstad Avenue SE, Salem, Oregon 97317   Note: November and December meetings will be held at DPSST. If you have questions, call 503-934-8204 or email osfm.flss@state.or.us .

In memoriam

William Walter Boone Aug. 17, 1951 - Nov. 4, 2017 William (Bill) Walter Boone passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and children, on Nov. 4, 2017. He was the husband of state Rep. Deborah Boone, who represents House District 32. Bill moved to Hamlet, Oregon in 1974 and joined the Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department in 1975. He became the Hamlet fire chief in 1991. He served as chief until he retired from the department in 2016, thus ending a 40-plus year career with the volunteer fire service. Bill believed strongly in a sense of civic duty, and shared this commitment to public service with both of his own children, as well as other young people in the community. A natural leader with a calm and quiet hand, his tenure as chief oversaw expansion of the department, the construction of two fire stations, and steady upgrading of equipment. Over the years, he helped thousands of people at hundreds of emergency scenes, and was a comforting presence for those in need of help. Memorial donations can be made to the Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 765, Seaside, OR 97138.

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