April 26, 2012
ESD Elections
ESD elections for the following districts will be held
May 12, 2012:
April 1, 2012
This Month in Fire History
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster, in the Ukraine region of Russia, was
a catastrophic nuclear accident that occurred on April 26, 1986. An explosion and
fire plume of highly radioactive smoke fallout spread over much of Western USSR
and Europe. It is widely considered the worst nuclear power plant accident in history.
The battle to contain the contamination and avert a greater catastrophe involved
over 500,000 workers and costs that crippled the Soviet economy. The fires were
extinguished about 3 hours after the incident began but many firefighters received
high doses of radiation. Over the next 10 years, more than 350,000 people had to
be evacuated and resettled from the contaminated areas. The accident raised concerns
about the safety of the Soviet nuclear power industry, slowing its expansion for
years and forcing the government to become less secretive about its procedures.
March 22, 2012
On March 25, 1990 a fast-moving fire swept through the Happy Land Social Club located
in The Bronx, New York. A disgruntled former boyfriend of a female employee poured
gasoline on the only stairway to the unlicensed club and set it on fire. In less
than five minutes, the fire killed 87 and injured another 28. Fire exits had been
blocked to prevent people from entering without paying a cover charge. The arsonist
was later convicted of 174 counts of murder in the 2nd degree - two for each victim;
one count of arson in the 1st degree; and one count of assault in the 1st degree.
While the fire cause was arson, further investigation revealed problems with the
fire safety inspection and enforcement regimen. No certificate of occupancy had
ever been issued, additions had been added to the building without proper permits
and the sprinkler system was present and functional in only a small portion of the
structure.
March 3, 2012
Sunday, March 11th is the start of Daylight Saving. Before you go to bed Saturday
night, March 10th, set your clocks forward 1 hour. And don’t forget to change the
batteries in your smoke detectors and test them monthly.
January 22, 2012
A tragic apartment fire claimed 2 lives on February 15th. It emphasized that all
apartment or condominium residents need to know the best way to protect their families
and what actions to take when fire strikes. Click here to read the Apartment Fire Safety Tips.
February 23, 2012
Burn Ban Amended
On January 10th, Commissioners Court lifted all restrictions of the burn ban EXCEPT
the restriction on burning domestic waste at night. If you have any questions about
outdoor burning in Harris County, please contact Pollution Control Services at 713-920-2831.
December 13, 2011
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Harris County has become the largest area in Texas to implement a community wildfire
protection plan, based on a collaborative effort by local government officials
and the Texas Forest Service. During a brief ceremony today, Harris County Judge
Ed Emmett, Texas Forest Service Director Tom Boggus, and others signed the plan,
representing their commitment to reducing the risk and impact of wildfire. Once
signed, Harris County joined 14 other counties and 57 communities in Texas that
have implemented wildfire protection plans. Click here to read the media release.
December 2, 2011
Impersonator
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is asking the public’s help with any information
on the identity of the suspect shown in this photo. The unidentified suspect talked
his way into an elderly female’s house on November 8, 2011 in the 12400 block of
Swinbrook, in Northeast Harris County falsely identifying himself as a Fire Marshal.
Click here for the Crime Stoppers notice.
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