Time Change Triggers Fire Safety

With the passage of the time-change weekend, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS is reminding residents that checking batteries in smoke detectors at the same time clocks are being changed is a good habit.  Fire Marshal Kathy Clay points out that even if the batteries were changed when clocks were set for daylight saving in the spring, it’s a good idea to check to assure they are still good.  Meanwhile, she points out that there are still problems with people not properly disposing of ashes they remove from their woodstoves and fireplaces.  She says they need to be stored in a metal can – but then, Clay says people should be mindful about where the can should go. Clay points out that hot ashes can also heat up a metal can to where it can cause something it is against to ignite.  As such, she says never store it inside a house; and outside the house, be sure it is far enough away from combustibles like siding and decks that it doesn’t potentially start a fire there.  She goes on to suggest that it is a good practice to douse the ashes with water, even when they are in a metal ash can.