Thanksgiving Safety

With Thanksgiving approaching, the Raytown Fire Protection District is urging anyone frying a turkey to take safety precautions so their celebration doesn’t turn into tragedy.

More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year, according to State Farm claims data. In fact, grease and cooking-related claims more than double on Thanksgiving Day compared to an average day in November. With the popularity of turkey frying, people are at risk for fryer-related fires and injuries.

U.S. fire departments are responding to more than 1,000 fires each year in which a deep fryer is involved. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), deep fryer fires result in more than $15 million in property damage each year and hot oil splatter can cause serious burns to an adult or life threatening injuries to a child. 

Turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures and pose a significant danger.

The number one rule to remember is never fry a frozen turkey. Make sure it’s thawed and dry and that the grease is heated to about 350-degrees.

Even following the proper safety guidelines, grease can splash all over the place and start a small fire which could get out of control. That’s why you should wear a long sleeved shirt, pants (not shorts) and eye protection. Please make sure you have everything you need in case there’s trouble like the lid to the pot and a ABC class fire extinguisher, not a garden hose. Another important thing to remember is that oil remains hot for hours after the unit is turned off.

While we do not encourage turkey frying, we do offer some tips to make sure you and your family are safe should you decide to attempt this at home.

•  Never use Turkey Fryers on wooden decks or in a garage.
• Make sure the fryer is used on a flat surface to reduce tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don’t watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
•  Never let children or pets near the fryer while in use. Even after use, use caution; the oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours.
•  Do not overfill the fryer.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don’t mix, and water causes oil to spill over, creating a fire or even an explosion hazard.

If you would like more information about the dangers of turkey fryers, please contact Matt Mace at 816-737-6034 or email at Mattm@raytownfire.com.

Request for proposal

Request for proposal

The Raytown Fire Protection District will accept sealed proposals for replacement of the Fire District’s computer server and associated work until 3:00 PM on 11/27/2013. Proposals must be submitted at 6020 Raytown Trfwy., Raytown, MO 64133. A mandatory pre-bid meeting for interested vendors will be held at the same location on 11/20/13 at 9:00 AM. Instruction for submitting proposals and scope of work information may be obtained at the above address. Questions should be directed to Battalion Chief Mike Hunley at (816) 737-6034. The Raytown Fire Protection District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

To read the actual RFP document click here: RFP for server replacement

Raytown Fire Protection District trains with KCFD for fighting high-rise fires.

Raytown firefighters train for a situation that's often times more hazardous than others. Fires occurring in high-rise buildings ( structures greater than 75 feet tall) are in a category all to themselves. More space with more people could make putting out a fire more challenging. But the Raytown Fire Protection District with the aid of KCFD is trying to instill new techniques, which should aid in the extinguishment of these types of fires. Smoke rises, and so does this training, Since September 11, 2001 the fire service has studied the techniques used to extinguish high-rise fires and as a result of these studies it has become apparent change was needed.

"These types of fires do not happen often, obviously. But when they do it takes a lot of work and coordination to be able to handle a high rise operation correctly." Matt Mace, Interim Chief of the Raytown Fire Protection District.

"Previously, we would use an inch and three quarter attack line for high rise buildings, but now firefighters use a two and a half inch attack line. With the hoses we were using prior to what we have now, it wouldn't supply us with enough water, so we couldn't provide enough volume of water for the fire.” Ty Helphrey, Captain Raytown Fire Protection District.

“Raytown crews will continue to attend this training over the next three days.  By doing this,  all of our personnel will have an opportunity to attend. While attending this training KCFD will be standing by in our stations to provide coverage to Raytown citizens. “Matt Mace, Interim Chief of the Raytown Fire Protection District.

To watch the the training click here: KCFD high-rise training

Turn Your Clocks Back This Weekend

As you set your clocks back one hour this coming weekend, be sure to also test the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home or office. 

Twice a year, residents should test their smoke alarms and CO detectors.  The spring and fall time changes are perfect reminders to test this equipment and, if your detectors are battery operated, you should change the batteries as well.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 3,000 people die in home fires each year, and the majority of them have no working smoke alarm.

A working smoke alarm can help you and your family escape from a deadly home fire. It can also help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for occupants. A working smoke alarm continuously scans the air for smoke, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It never sleeps.

Residents with hard-wired systems should be testing their detector systems monthly and change the batteries annually. If you missed the spring time change, make your switch now. If you do not have smoke detectors and CO detectors in your home, you should purchase and install some detectors immediately. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions because there are differences between the various brands.

The U.S. Fire Administration suggests that smoke alarms be properly installed and maintained both inside and outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home. They also recommend interconnected smoke alarms because if one sounds, they all sound.

Fire Chief Mawhirter announces his retirement, Fire Marshal Matt Mace named interim Fire Chief

Press Release Interim Chief

Press Release Regarding The Fire/EMS Merger Proposal

2013-10-16 Response to Melson Press Release

EMS-FIRE Merger Discussion Final Letter 2013

Web 2013 Consolidation Proposal by Matt Mace

Outdoor Fireplace Guide

PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACE DEFINED. The Fire Code defines "portable outdoor fireplace" as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design with approved spark arrestor in place, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top. This would also include devices typically known as chimineas and fire pits.  All devices not commercially produced must be reviewed and approved by a licensed Missouri Professional Engineer. (Proof of approval must be submitted to the Fire Marshal).

For the complete guide click:Guide to Outdoor Fireplaces

Commercially Built Fire Pit with Spark Arrestor

Commercially Built Chiminea