North Mason Fire shares risk reduction tips for your home

In 2022, fire killed 81 civilians in Washington, according to the most recent figures from the state Fire Marshal’s Office. More than 30,733 fire incidents resulting in $330 million in property damage happened that year.

Most of these events are preventable, state officials say, by taking steps such as installing multiple smoke detectors, having fire extinguishers handy and having an escape route.

Rural Mason County residents may face additional challenges with fires, including increased response times, limited driveway access and lack of available water, making fire prevention especially important.

The Herald spoke with North Mason Fire Chief Beau Bakken, who oversees operations in Tahuya, Belfair, Dewatto, Collins Lake and other northeast portions of the county, about the top four types of fires he sees in rural communities and how residents can reduce their fire risk.

Chimney fires

“Chimney fires are by far a pretty solid number one,” Bakken said regarding the top reason for fire calls in North Mason.

Chimneys can develop layers of creosote, a tar-like substance that builds up from burning wood in fireplaces or wood stoves. It dries out over the summer and the first cold day you make a fire, it all ignites, Bakken said.

“Creosote takes off. It burns super hot.”

Bakken said he’s seen roofs and the floor around fireplaces ignite because the heat from burning creosote is so intense. After the fire is put out, firefighters use a thermal gun to check and make sure they found all the hot spots.

People make the mistake of thinking they can burn the creosote out of their chimney, Bakken said. The proper way to get rid of the buildup is to have your chimney cleaned by professionals, according to Bakken. Have a yearly inspection that will check creosote levels and ensure the chimney is structurally sound, the chief ad-vised.

Improperly discarded flammable materials

The ashes and embers from a fireplace or wood stove “need to be removed properly,” Bakken said, preferably in a metal container.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen people use cardboard boxes,” he said.

It’s hard to tell when embers are fully out and if they’re left in a flammable container or discarded in a yard, they could later spark up. Bakken recommended using water in the disposal method.

“This also goes for smoking materials,” he said.

If you dispose of cigarette butts in a can, put some water in the bottom and don’t place it too close to your home. Dispose of the materials far away from structures, Bakken said.

Cooking fires

North Mason Fire gets numerous grease fire and oven fire calls resulting from cooking.

Common sense, like paying attention to food cooking on the stove, goes a long way, and “make sure you have a fire extinguisher,” Bakken said.

You can also use baking soda on a grease fire, but never use water. Putting water on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread.

Before using an oven’s cleaning function, which may lock the appliance and set the temperature to 550 F, scrape off debris. This can catch on fire, Bakken said.

Electrical fires

Overloading electrical outlets is a common mistake that can result in fires.

“We all use extension cords, but they shouldn’t be used for permanent wiring,” Bakken said.

If you use a power strip to connect multiple devices, it should never feel hot.

“If it’s hot, you’re drawing way too much power,” he said.

The department often sees fires caused by do-it-yourself electrical work. Leave it to the professionals, Bakken advised, otherwise it can “cost a lot more in repairs after a fire.”