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1-19-12
WNCAFF Awards Asheville Firefighter as Firefighter of the Year
Each year the WNC Association of Firefighters gives an award to an outstanding individual who has distinguished himself or herself in the fire service. The association accepts nominations from across the western part of state from 395 departments and over 13,000 firefighters in search of just such an individual. This year, Asheville firefighter Jay Bettencourt was chosen as WNC Firefighter of the Year. Jay was recognized and presented this award on January 18, 2012 in Lincolnton, NC at the WNCAFF quarterly meeting.
Jay Bettencourt has been a member of the Asheville Fire Department since July 27, 2009. He was selected for this award based on his extreme courage and determination at the fire that took place on July 28, 2011 at 445 Biltmore Ave. Jay desperately searched for an exit, not only for himself, but for his captain as well. FF Bettencourt did locate an exit which meant life for him, but without hesitation he returned to rescue his captain. Unfortunately, in spite of Jay’s courageous efforts, Captain Jeff Bowen lost his life that day.
“Jay’s recognition is well deserved and reflects well not only on him, but as a tribute to his mentor Capt. Jeff Bowen, who always worked toward continuous improvement for himself and for the department,” states Chief Scott Burnette.
Jay recently ran the Charleston Marathon on January 14th in memory of Captain Bowen, a race they were training for together before Captain Bowen’s death. For more information please contact Public Information Officer Kelley Webb at 828-251-4011.
12-13-11
Asheville Fire Department Urges Fire Safety for the Holidays
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage nationally. The Asheville Fire Department would like to share some simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following these tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
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Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should bend and not snap. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. If it is not, cut the tree trunk before placing it in the stand in order to allow water to better penetrate.
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Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree too close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
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Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
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Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link too many strands together, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure the cords are never warm to the touch.
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Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat sources.
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Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
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Keep an Eye on Candles
Try to only use candles within a confined glass instead of open flames. Candles should be used on a sturdy surface and keep out of reach of children and animals. Be sure to always blow out candles before leaving the house or going to bed and make sure they do not touch decorations.
For more information on how to keep you and your family safe from fire this holiday season, please contact the Asheville Fire Department at (828)259-5636.
07-25-11
Mass Evacuation Bus
The Asheville Fire Department recently received delivery of a mass evacuation bus which was purchased by a grant funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The bus is capable of transporting 19 patients on stretchers or 28 sitting. In a major disaster, without this resource, 12 ambulances would be tied up to transport this number of patients. Regional responses will be dispatched under the direction of North Carolina Emergency Management. This resource will be utilized for mass causality incidents, rehabilitation, as a command unit, and for evacuation purposes. The bus, which is now in service, is available for emergency response to all counties in the western part of North Carolina and will be operated through a joint partnership with Buncombe county EMS. Please contact Chief Joe Meadows at (828)-232-4511 for questions regarding this resource.
01-06-2011
Asheville Fire Department Urges Fire Safety
2011 has already hit the Asheville area hard with structure fires and deaths due to fires. As of today, the Asheville Fire Department has responded to 5 confirmed structures fires which have contributed to property loss, the loss of several pets and regrettably the loss of a local resident. The heartbreaking thing about fires is that they often can be prevented. Two of these fires were a result of cooking, which is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Another one of these fires was a result of a chimney fire, which generally is a result of failure to clean or maintain properly. Another fire was determined to be electrical in nature and the last of the fires was caused by smoking materials, which is the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
The Asheville Fire Department urges citizens to educate themselves in fire prevention. There are several simple tips that could help save your life such as; never leave cooking unattended, have your heating equipment serviced annually, never smoke while drowsy or lying down. To learn more helpful tips, please visit our website at www.ashevillnc.gov/Departments/Fire.aspx and click on Fire Education & Prevention. The Asheville Fire Department also encourages that every home have at least one working smoke alarm. It is estimated that you have less than 3 minutes to get out of a structure alive once an alarm is activated. Please take time to install these life saving devices.
For more information on how to keep you and your family safe from fire, please contact the Asheville Fire Department at (828)259-5636 or visit our website at www.ashevillnc.gov/Departments/Fire.aspx.