Stands for You special report: Burning Threats
We’re quickly approaching the five-year anniversary of the Mountain Fire that scorched our local mountains for 16 days and caused $25.8 million in damages. The fire was started by an electrical malfunction on a property in the area.
Mountain Fire cause: electrical equipment failure
In an effort to prevent fires like these in the future, CBS Local 2 Stands For You with a look at unconventional ways fires can start in the Coachella Valley and how you can keep them from happening.
Electrical fires can start from something as small as a phone charger or from larger appliances. CAL FIRE Capt. Fernando Herrera said most electrical fires happen at night.
“Usually it’s in the late hours when you don’t notice it,” said Herrera, “It’s between the walls, so you won’t notice anything until you have a full blown attic fire.”
To prevent them, avoid using extension cords with major appliances, and unplug smaller devices when not in use. That’s exactly what caused a fire in May at College of the Desert . CAL FIRE found a dryer and other appliances connected to an electrical outlet where the fire sparked.
Momin Aziz is no stranger to getting burned. He’s a local fire performer. We met him outside Walmart in Rancho Mirage, where he was buying cans of flammable liquids and bandages for his act.
“Once it’s out of your hands, it’s gone and it’s lit and that’s it. Now you have to deal with it,” said Aziz.
Flammable liquids should always be stored in metal containers, never plastic or glass. Any materials that come into contact with flammable liquids should be properly cleaned or thrown away everyday. That could have prevented the March fire at Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar and Grille in Palm Springs . According to Palm Springs Fire Department, oil soaked rags left in a laundry hamper spontaneously combusted, leading to the blaze.
Flammable gases around the home can also trigger fires. Herrera said all too often, cooking can lead to fires in homes.
“Whatever you leave on the stove eventually will burn,” said Herrera.
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Always keep a fire extinguisher close by the kitchen. A hose is your best bet for combating outdoor fires. In the desert, mulch fires are a big concern for firefighters.
“Mulch being dumped on large properties to harden the soil-unfortunately, all of that accumulates, it generates heat and we have spontaneous ignition fires around the valley,” said Herrera.
Never smoke near mulch and try to keep the area moist, especially during the hot summer months.
While there isn’t always much you can do in an emergency situation, there are some dangers to consider if you find yourself having car trouble.
“Don’t pull so close to the vegetation or grass area because the hot exhaust on the undercarriage will start the grass on fire,” said Herrera.
Car fires like the one we saw in November in Desert Hot Springs spread quickly across the dry brush, closing down multiple streets and injuring one firefighter.
When it comes to general fire safety, use the following tips:
Defensible space is key. The first 30 feet around your home should be clean of dry weeds, vegetation or flammable items. Keep rain gutters clean. Trees should be trimmed back and yards generally maintained.
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