From The Chief’s Desk

July 2006
From the Chief’s Desk
Mark Wade, Fire Chief, Greer Fire District
The Greer Fire District recommends that every property owner clean their properties of pine needles and dead slash, remove dead standing trees, thin thick groups of trees and trees close to structures. Benny Knoll cinder pit is available for Greer residents, to dispose of pine needles, limbs, and slash, no other debris or trash is allowed. Benny Knoll is not for lumber, building materials, household trash, old furniture, etc. The cinder pit is available to us as a convenience from the National Forest Service. If people continue to dispose of materials not allowed, the Forest Service will be forced to close the pit down. Let’s do our part and obey the requests of the Forest Service. We want to keep the cinder pit available. The Forest Service also requests that if you haul pine needles in plastic bags, dump the needles out and take the bags with you. When the Forest Service burns the pit any material of manmade products will put off gasses hazardous to the firefighters controlling the fire and the environment. Currently the Cinder Pit is open Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am — 3:00 pm.
Prevention is the #1 Defense in Fighting Fires. The Greer Fire District appreciates all GFD personnel who performed Fire Patrols and help educate the Public on Fire Safety and Defensible Spaces. Spring is here and we are in our Fire Season; everyone in Greer must do their part to prevent fires: cleaning their Defensible Spaces, raking needles, keeping slash to a minimum of 30 ft from the residence, trimming ladder fuels up to 8 ft off the ground, trimming branches overhanging roofs or within 10 ft of roofs.
When cleaning out the fireplace place all ashes in a metal container. Do Not Put Ashes in any Flammable Container. Ashes should be cooled before you clean out fireplaces. Ashes can smolder for several days. Do not place the container of ashes on or near a wood or flammable surface. Do not dump hot ashes on the ground or near buildings. Grass and weeds can dry and cure out very fast, making for potential fire hazards prior to the arrival of the monsoons.
Pay attention to the current Fire Conditions. Should we be under Red Flag conditions:
1. Do Not smoke outside.
2. Do Not use charcoal grills. Gas BBQs can be used cautiously during Red Flag.
3. Do Not have outside fires or bonfires.
4. Do Not burn slash piles.
5. Do Not drive through tall grass or weeds.
Make sure your Smoke Detectors have new batteries and are operating correctly. If you don't have Smoke Detectors you should get some at your local hardware store or home center.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Fire Prevention or how to Reduce Fire Hazards around your home do not hesitate to contact the Fire Department at 735-7279. If you happen to see one of our Volunteers around town, be sure to show your appreciation for all they do. As Chief, and speaking for the Board Members, we definitely appreciate all the Volunteers and their dedication to the Greer Fire District.

Things to do to Protect your Home & Property

-Create a “Defensive Space” – Remove all dry grass, brush, dead leaves & slash ATLEAST 30 FEET from your Home. Fire Resistant landscaping is recommended.

-Remove any & all branches overhanging or within 10 feet of your roof.

-Cover your chimney/stovepipes with non-flammable screen(Spark Arrester) of ¼ inch or smaller mesh.

-Any new construction or remodeling should be done with Fire Resistant materials, including siding and roofing.

-Space trees and shrubs 10 feet apart. Reduce the number of trees in heavily wooded areas.

-Trees taller than 18 feet, prune lower branches 6 feet off the ground, prevent fire from reaching the tops of trees.

-Stack firewood & scrap piles at least 30 feet from your home and clear flammable vegatation within 10 feet of the piles.

-Locate LPG tanks at least 30 feet from any structure and surround the tank with a 10 foot clearance around.

-Maintain your “DEFENSIVE SPACE”

If you would like other suggestions or recommendations to protect your Home & Property or have questions or concerns regarding safety, fire conditions, fire prevention or general questions about the Greer Fire Department you mat contact us at (928) 735-7279.

Thank You, The Greer Fire District

Mark Wade – CEP
Fire Chief
Greer Fire Department