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.