WESTWOOD, N.J.—The Westwood Fire Department responded to 20 calls for emergency assistance in April. None of these alarms turned out to be serious fires in the borough.
These 20 emergency calls, one fire department work/maintenance detail and several training sessions/ drills required more than 330 hours of volunteer time.
On one occasion, Westwood firefighters responded out of town under the Mutual Aid Agreement to assist the Emerson Fire Department.
Automatic fire alarms were received eight times. Although no fires existed at any of these incidents, a full fire department response is required. Firefighters check the entire building to determine if an actual fire exists.
A variety of problems caused smoke detectors to sound:
Dust from cleaning and construction operations caused two responses. An alarm system being tested caused a response on one occasion. Water leaking onto a smoke detector set off an alarm system on another occasion. A burglar alarm thought to be a fire alarm and cooking smoke sent firefighters to two incidents.
The Westwood Fire Department responded three times to gas emergencies where callers thought they smelled gas. Fire crews responded, then checked the entire building with meters.
They found a small leak at one incident. The gas was shut off by firefighters and the scene turned over to PSE&G gas technicians. At another incident no gas readings were found.
Twice firefighters responded to electrical problems. Water leaking onto an electrical device was found at both calls. At these calls firefighters checked the area to be sure no fire existed, disconnected the power and advised the occupants to have repairs made by a licensed electrician.
A mulch fire was quickly extinguished by fire crews.
The department was called to a motor vehicle accident where a car struck a house. At this incident firefighters checked the area, disconnected the battery on the car to remove the possibility of fire, and assisted Westwood police.
The department was called once to assist local emergency medical services.
Outside hazards
With the warmer weather approaching, many residents are turning outdoors for cooking and entertaining. The Westwood Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau remind residents of fire hazards associated with summer are barbecue grills and outdoor cooking appliances:
• Children must not be allowed to play near hot grills. As a reminder, on May 11 a 5-year-old Demarest girl tripped and fell into her family’s backyard fire pit, suffering severe burns to her face and arms.
• Never spray charcoal lighter fluid on hot coals. This may cause the flame to reach the can, causing it to explode, spraying you and the area with burning liquid. Use charcoal lighter fluid.
Never use gasoline, kerosene, or any other flammable liquid for this purpose. The fluid should be sprayed first when the coals are cool, then place the can a safe distance away.
• Residents who use propane, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If using a natural gas grill, check for leaks periodically and inspect the hoses and connections for wear. Apply a light soap and water solution. Leaks will bubble. If you find a leak, shut off the source and have the grill repaired.
If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas leaking while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.
Direct fire department related questions to firechief@westwoodnj.gov or (201) 664-0526. Reach the Fire Prevention Bureau at wfpb191@usa.net or (201) 664-7100 ext. 308.