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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Changing batteries part of spring home safety checklist

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three out of every five home fire deaths are the result of fires in homes that do not have smoke alarms or in homes where smoke alarms are not working according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Smoke alarms should be placed in every bedroom and in every common area on each floor of the home, at least 10 feet from a stove, less than 12 inches from the ceiling, and away from windows, doors, and ducts. 

Worn out or missing batteries are the most commonly cited reason for non-working smoke alarms, but changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms, and reminding others to do the same is the simplest and most effective way to reduce injury or death from fire.

If a smoke alarm makes a “chirping” sound it is letting you know that you need to change the battery immediately.

MODERN HOMES BURN QUICKER

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) notes that modern homes contain a large quantity of synthetic furnishings which ignite and burn faster than natural materials such as wood and cotton. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted full scale fire tests and concluded that escape time in flaming fires can be as little as three minutes, as compared to 17 minutes in tests conducted in the 1970s.

Early smoke detection and alarm notification is needed so occupants can escape before conditions become untenable according to the IAFC position paper. Interconnecting smoke alarms allows for faster notification of occupants in areas remote from where initial ignition occurs in the home.

Because working smoke alarms are a critical element of home fire safety, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) supports any and all efforts to reinforce the importance of working batteries. However, today’s smoke alarms are not all designed the same, making battery messaging more nuanced.

Following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:

  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
  • Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
  • When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

USE NATURAL GAS – YOU NEED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

Carbon monoxide detectors are required in Iowa homes, apartment buildings, and new construction projects. They should be replaced every seven to eight years according to the IAFC.

“Basically, every residence that has a fuel-fired heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage will be required to have CO detectors,” Hartman said.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning (breathing in large amounts of CO) can cause serious tissue damage, loss of consciousness, or suffocation in minutes without any warning.

The NFPA provides additional information on carbon monoxide safety (Carbon Monoxide Alarms) and also provides a Safety Tip Sheet (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers additional information about carbon monoxide and detector placement (Carbon Monoxide Detector).

LIFE SAVING DEVICES

The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms (12.3 deaths per 1,000 fires), either because no smoke alarm was present or an alarm was present but did not operate, as it was in homes with working smoke alarms (5.7 per 1,000 fires). 

Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are life saving devices, and having working smoke & carbon monoxide alarms dramatically increases your chance of survival from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.

Although it seems like a hassle, it’s better to get into the practice of changing your smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change your clocks, than to wait until the telltale beeping of a dying battery at two in the morning. Many times, this beeping ends up in the removal of the battery or the detector all together, thus rendering the detector useless.

Fires & carbon monoxide emergencies are real and very scary. A working smoke detector performs its functions around the clock and alerts you and your loved ones to a fire or carbon monoxide emergency even while you are asleep. 

When the alarm sounds you should “Get out & Stay Out”, then call “911” and advise the MUSCOM dispatcher of the problem.

If you need assistance changing or testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, please contact the Muscatine Fire Department.

Read article on Carbon Monoxide Detector requirements.

Read the IAFC position paper on the use of residential smoke alarm

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Afternoon fire damages home; no injuries reported

MUSCATINE, IOWA – Two Muscatine residents escaped injury when their home caught fire Tuesday (March 7) afternoon.

The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 1:31 pm. Tuesday for a fire at the back of a house near the gas meter at 2920 Park Avenue West, Muscatine. Fire crews found the residents out of the house upon arrival at the scene.

Due to the strong winds this afternoon, the fire was pushed into the structure and had entered into a back room. Fire crews initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and stopped the fire from spreading further. However, the fire did enter the attic of the home from the overhang of the roof with fire crews entering and overhauling the attic as well. 

The main body of fire was under control within five minutes but searching and extinguishing hidden fire continued for almost two more hours.  

One occupant was medically evaluated as a precaution, but was released at the scene. There were no injuries to any responders. 

The on-scene investigation is complete. A final cause has yet to be determined but it does appear to be an accidental fire. The initial fire loss estimate is $100,000. 

The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine County EMA responded with the initial call. The Muscatine Fire Department had14 firefighters on scene. The American Red Cross and 1-800-BOARD UP assisted the fire victims at the scene. 

About the Muscatine Fire Department: 

The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to over 5,900 calls in 2022. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Firefighters battle cold temps, high winds at house fire Friday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A Muscatine man escaped injury but his home is a total loss following a three-alarm fire Friday morning that was hampered by subzero temperatures and strong winds.

The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 7:46 a.m. Friday (Dec. 23) of a fire in the rear of a single family residence at 118 West 9th Street in Muscatine. Upon arrival fire crews found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the structure with several interior rooms involved in the structure. Firefighting efforts were hindered by the subzero temperatures and the strong winds that fanned the fire. 

The occupant of the home was able to escape the structure uninjured. He was able to take one of his dogs with him, but could not convince another dog to leave. That dog is still missing. 

Fire crews initiated an exterior fire attack and were able to keep the fire from spreading to other nearby structures. Additional resources were requested in the form of mutual aid from area departments and a callback of off duty personnel. Once the main body was extinguished crews were able to begin a fire attack on the interior. The fire was considered under control at 9:33 a.m., but crews remained on the scene to ensure all hot spots were extinguished. 

Fire officials have completed the on scene investigation. A final cause has yet to be determined but it does appear to be an accidental fire. Initial reports indicate there was no activation of any smoke alarm. The residence is a total loss with an estimated fire loss in excess of $150,000. The American Red Cross was called to assist the residents of the building and 1-800-BOARDUP secured the residence and provided additional support as well. 

There were no injuries to any citizens and no reported injuries to response personnel. The extreme weather did cause some minor exposure issues and created a large hazard due to extensive ice buildup. 

122322 House Fire at 118 W. 9th Street 205First responders faced a variety of issues battling the fire in extreme weather conditions. The cold makes everything that is hit with water or overspray to ice up, which can create some massive ice buildup in these conditions.

“With the roads being slick from the snow it slows our response and makes some responses – like driving the aerial up a slick hill – more challenging” Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Mike Hartman said. “We did have a slight issue getting the aerial ladder back in place due to ice.”

With this location being on a hill and the entire street wet from the fire attack, the street will be a solid chunk of ice until it warms up enough for the salt to be effective. 

Muscatine Public Works Department sent crews to salt and sand the area and will return later in the day to treat the street again. The public is advised to steer clear of this location as the street will remain hazardous until temperatures rise.

Another item that comes up sometimes in winter is frozen hoses and pumps.

“We have to leave our hose nozzles running because if we shut them down all the way, the hose will freeze solid,” Hartman said. “And it is hard to break apart and transport 50 foot sections of frozen hose.”

Hartman added that the cold can also impact the pumping. A minor issue of a pump drain freezing can lead to bigger issues.

“If we are not careful we can get the water inside the pump frozen solid,” Hartman said.

The Muscatine Police Department provided manpower to assist fire crews and were instrumental in setting up a warming area. Muscatine Emergency Management responded as well to provide support.

“I feel very proud watching the firefighters and police work together as one family,” Captain Tony Kies of the Muscatine Police Department said. “This is absolutely not a day for this type of work. Wilton and Fruitland were amazing as well.”

The Muscatine Fire Department was also assisted by fire crews from the Fruitland Fire Department and the Wilton Fire Department. Approximately 25 firefighters responded to the fire.

Residents are reminded that working smoke alarms save lives. With the holidays ahead of us this is a good time to check that all smoke detectors in your home are working properly, replacing batteries or the whole unit itself as needed. 

About the Muscatine Fire Department: 

The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to 5,238 calls in 2019. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Kitchen fire damages Muscatine home; MFD urges fire safety awareness

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A Muscatine home was damaged during a kitchen morning fire Tuesday (Jan. 18).

 

The Muscatine County Joint Communications Center (Muscom) received a call at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday of a stove fire at 2810 Broadlawn. Units from the Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) found that the fire had spread throughout the kitchen when they arrived on scene but were able to gain control within five minutes.

 

While on scene, MFD turned off the electric and gas to the residence as they battled the fire, but some of those utilities were restored ahead of the expected frigid temperatures later this week.

 

An inspector from the City of Muscatine worked along with Muscatine Power & Water (MPW) staff to determine what, and how much, of the utilities could be restored to prevent more damage to the home due to the expected low temperatures later this week.

 

One civilian received a minor injury during the fire. There were no injuries to first responders. The Muscatine Police Department assisted at the scene. The Red Cross and 1-800-BoardUp are providing victim assistance.

 

This is the second residential fire in one week resulting from a stove fire. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recommends residents should remain alert while cooking (never coo while sleepy or after having consumed alcohol), stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food, and keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains) away from the stovetop.

 

With the expected cold temperatures, residents are also reminded that if they use secondary heating sources (fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater) to keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heating equipment, plug portable space heaters into a wall outlet, and never use extension cords or power strips that may overheat and cause a fire.

 

Residents are reminded that working smoke detectors save lives, and to call 9-1-1 to report the fire while safely exiting the structure. Please let the first responders do their job and do not waste time or risk your safety trying to put out the fire. 

 

Home Heating Safety Tips

Cooking Safety Tips

 

About the Muscatine Fire Department: 

 

The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to 5,238 calls in 2019. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.

Continue reading “Kitchen fire damages Muscatine home; MFD urges fire safety awareness”