Safety Information

The Camas-Washougal Fire Department is committed to providing life safety education for our citizens. The following safety tips are provided by our Fire Prevention Division. For additional information call 834-6191.

Additional safety tips can be found at the following:

www.sparky.org - Sparky the Dog has been the National Fire Protection Agency's Mascot since 1951. This site allows kids learn about fire safety in a safe interactive environment.

www.safekids.org - This site is focused on educating parents and kids about preventing injury.

www.usfa.fema.gov - Federal Emergency Management Association

www.cpsc.gov - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Fireworks Safety

Be prepared and know the fireworks do's and dont's. Rememeber that fireworks safety begins with you!
Do you know the fireworks that are illegal in Washington State?
Can you tell the difference between illegal and legal fireworks? It could save a life!
Be sure you know the dates and times that fireworks can be legally purchased and discharged!

Christmas Holiday Safety

As the Christmas season is upon us, the Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal’s Office encourages all of our citizens to use extra precautions and follow the safety tips below to ensure a safe and happy celebration.

Christmas Trees - Selection, Care and Disposal

To select a fresh tree check the needles; they should be green and hard to pull back from the branches. If needles fall off easily the tree has dried out and it is a fire hazard.
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent and keep the tree stand filled with water.
When disposing of your tree never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed and/or exposed wires and excessive kinking before putting them up.
Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
If possible, invest in LED lights which produce less heat (and are therefore safer).

Holiday Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame retardant and placed away from heat sources.
Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace - when it burns it can throw off dangerous sparks and encourage roof fires.

Holiday Safety Tips - Around the Home

If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down or accessed by children. Battery operated candles are a safe alternative.
Never leave the house or go to sleep with candles burning.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Be mindful in the kitchen. Don't leave your cooking unattended.
Test your smoke alarms and make sure they are functioning properly.

The International Fire Code (IFC) and Holiday Safety

For further information regarding decorative vegetation and open flames, please see: