Welcome to the Town of Colonie Department
of Fire Prevention and Investigation Web site. I hope you take
a minute to browse through it and see what it is we are all about.
You will see that fire services isn't just about fire anymore!
Enjoy, and let me know what you think. Please visit our link to the 2007 Schedule for Fire Prevention Week.
Introduction
to Colonie Fire Prevention and Investigation
Established as a Town department in 1970 under
the administration of Chief Howard C. "Harp" Wilson, the
Department of Fire Prevention worked to ensure the health and safety
of Town residents by inspecting commercial and/or various aspects
of residential properties for compliance with the Fire Prevention
Code of the Town of Colonie. Originally comprised of a Chief and a
secretary, the Department's staff has grown to include a Chief Fire
Inspector/Investigator; an Assistant Chief Fire Inspector/Investigator;
three Fire Protection Specialists; a typist; and a Municipal Training
Center Operator.
In February, 1983, the Town Board repealed
Local Law #12 of 1970 (the creation of the Department of Fire
Prevention) and established the Department of Fire Prevention
and Investigation. While the main function of the Department
continues to be ensuring the health and safety of residents,
it is now done under New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code regulations. In addition, the scope of responsibilities
has increased to include:
- A.
Investigation of fires and hazardous conditions for cause and
origin determination, including arson, and assisting with firefighting
and rescue operations.
B. Training- In-service and Technical
1. Public and Private Sector
2. Fire and Emergency Service
Personnel
3. Community (Mobile
Fire Safety Bus)
C. Administration of the Municipal Training Center and
training facilities
D. Inspection and records maintenance of aboveground and
belowground storage tanks
E. Setting occupancy loads and enforcing compliance in
areas of public assembly
F. Assisting with development and implementation of juvenile
firesetter intervention and firesetter rehabilitation programs
For More Fire Prevention Information:
New York State Office of Fire Prevention and
Control (NYS OFPC) (www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/firewww.html)
United
States Fire Administration (www.usfa.fema.gov)
National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
(www.nfpa.org)
Emergency Access Systems
The Town of Colonie has recognized the importance of providing the Town's
Emergency Services rapid entry into locked buildings. An Emergency Access
Systems law provides for the placement in secured, locked containers
of keys to important areas within a structure and information that may
be vital and necessary to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants
and responding emergency crews. For detailed information about the requirements
for keybox placement, please click here.
Fire Prevention
for Parents
Children playing with matches
and lighters is a leading cause of fires both nationally and
locally. The number of fires set by children is growing. It is
a problem that needs the attention of parents, teachers, counselors
and community leaders, in cooperation with fire and law enforcement
officials.
Dealing With a Child's
Curiosity About Fire:
A 3-Step Approach
STEP ONE: Teach Your Child About Fire
- "What is Fire?" Fire is a
natural energy source which provides heat, light and energy.
Fire is a tool that we use in our everyday lives to produce heat,
cook food and heat our homes.
- Fire can be dangerous. It is a useful
tool when used properly by adults. It is not a toy or plaything.
- Fire can easily get out of control.
Only adults can safely use fire and must follow special fire
safety rules.
STEP TWO: Control Your Child's Access
to Fire
- Create a safe home environment for your
family.
- Keep all matches and lighters out of
reach of young children. A two year old child can operate a lighter
or strike a match.
- Never - not even for a moment - leave
a stove, lighted candle or fire in a fireplace unattended.
- Fire can become a magnet to a child.
- Teach your children that matches and
lighters are too dangerous to touch. Children should never pick
up or handle matches or lighters they may find, instead, they
should be taught to show parents where these items are.
- Remember to praise your children for
following your instructions.
STEP THREE: Set A Good Example
- Children learn by watching and imitating
adults. Set a good example.
- If you smoke, remember to keep all smoking
materials, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Children should not be allowed to light
birthday candles, barbecue grills or fireplace fires. This activity
may pique their interest and lead to additional fire curiosity
and experimentation on their own.
- Point out the safety precautions you
use for cooking, heating, fire safety.
- Remember to post emergency numbers by
the telephone.
Why children set fires:
Most experts agree that the best way
to understand fire setting behavior is to look at where and why
children set fires. They believe there are two basic types of
children who start fires:
Curiosity Fire Setters usually are 2-7 year olds whose fascination
with fire leads them to "play" with it to find out
how it feels, how it burns, and what it does. They do not understand
fire's destructive potential and power to grow out of control.
Although curiosity is a normal part of
children's growth and development, parents and other adults who
discover that a child is playing with fire should take it very
seriously.
Problem Fire Setters can also be very young, but are generally 5-17
years old. In contrast to the curious fire setter, these youngsters
light fires because of anger and/or emotional or mental disturbances
ranging from mild to severe. A crisis in the child's life, such
as moving to a new area, a divorce, school problems or death
in the family could trigger fire setting behavior. Or, a more
serious disturbance, could be the cause.
Data compiled on juvenile fire setters
has revealed traits common in many of these children. These include
chronic behaviors such as a poor relationship with other children,
cruelty to animals and extreme mood changes.
What will happen if you seek help?
The Albany County Juvenile Fire Setter
Program (J-FIRE) begins in the family home with a discussion!
This will involve an evaluation of the child to determine the
reason for his or her fire play activity. Most often the reason
is curiosity which typically can be handled by the J- FIRE counselor.
Occasionally, an underlying problem is discovered which requires
a follow-up course of action.
If such action is necessary, the County
offers numerous programs and resources to assist the child and
family. Regardless of the reason of the fire play activity, an
educational program which clearly explains the consequences of
such activity is presented to the child and family.
Most often, a single contact visit is
all that is necessary. However, if additional help is needed,
J-FIRE program staff will provide direction and referral to the
family.
|
For further information
Contact the Albany County J-FIRE
Coordinator at 765-2351.
If you are concerned about
your child's fire play and feel an immediate response is warranted,
call 911 and request a fire department official or juvenile police
officer. |
Fire Prevention
for Kids
Cool Page (http://
www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/firesafe/firesafe.html)
Sparky's
Homepage (http://www.sparky.org)
FEMA's
Kid Page (http://www.usfa.fema.gov/kids)
HOUSE
NUMBERING
As of January
1, 2003 the State of New York adopted the International Building and
Fire Codes. There are several sections in these codes that address
the requirement for identifying both commercial and residential properties
with street numbers.
These code requirements
provide that responding emergency equipment can quickly find a location
and provide the needed assistance.
The codes require
ALL new and existing commercial properties have a street number
affixed to the street side of the building or signage in front of
the building.
It also requires
ALL new and existing residential homes have a street number
affixed to the street side of the house. In the case were the house
may sit off of the roadway and is not visible, the street number can
be attached to a post or mailbox at roads edge.
For all buildings,
the code requires that the numbers shall be a minimum of 4" in
height and the stroke width be a minimum of ½", but the
bigger the number, the better. The numbers shall either be Arabic
numerals or alphabet letters. All numbers shall of contrasting colors
from the surface on which they are mounted. The numbers must be visible
from the street and not blocked by shrubs, plantings, trees, decorations,
snow, etc. If at all possible, the numbers should be placed near a
light source for night illumination.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is open burning allowed in the
Town of Colonie?
TOWN OF COLONIE OPEN BURNING
POLICY
In researching the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code, Section 1191.2c, "Outdoors Fires", and the Environmental Conservation
Law, 6 NYCRR, Part 215, entitled "Open Burning" with the Albany County
Health Department, we find nothing in either Code to restrict small
fires for the purpose of cooking food or recreation provided that
the fireplace, pit, grill, etc., meets the following conditions:
1. The fire does not generate smoke or noxious emissions which would
interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of life (neighbors may have
allergies, asthma, etc.);
2. It is not a source of ignition to any nearby combustibles;
3. It is attended at all times;
4. Some type of grate, etc., be on the fireplace, grill, pit, etc.,
5. A suitable fire extinguisher be readily available (hose, pail of
water, etc.)
6. Clean wood only is to be used as fuel, no pressure treated, painted
or chemically treated wood is allowed;
7. Prohibited items such as leaves, brush, garbage, refuse, wooden
pallets, construction debris, cardboard, or any type of combustible
or flammable liquids are not to be used for fuel;
8. Fire is to be completely extinguished when finished.
With regard to medium or large "open burning" or "bon fires" for either
residential or commercial applications, a burn permit must be obtained
from the Albany County Health Department which enforces the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation Law, 6 NYCRR, Part
215, entitled "Open Burning by Permit Only".
If you have any questions, contact our office at 783-2712.
2. My neighbor's property is rundown
with overgrown grass, brush, and debris. What should I do?
The Department of Fire Prevention
and Investigation does not have any authority to enforce clean
up with regard to unkempt property unless there is a direct hazard
to health and the presence of chemicals, vermin, garbage, etc.
The neighbor could be asked to clean up the area and be reminded
that the Town has a leaf and brush pick up throughout the Spring
and Summer. Dumpsters are available for rent through the Highway
Department for heavy pickup items.
In the event of a health hazard, other
appropriate agencies should also be called to address the issue.
For example, EMS should be called if the person is ill.
3. How do I dispose of household hazardous
waste?
The Town holds a Household Hazardous
Waste Day annually in May. Any items can be brought to the disposal
site at that time. Specific materials may be handled as follows:
- Latex and oil paint: open can and add kitty litter or an absorbent
material to create solid matter. Once solid, the cans can be
put out with your trash for pickup;
- Varnish/Turpentine: air out all rags and cans to ensure the vapors
are gone. As volatile gasses, these vapors can cause an explosion
or fire hazard. Once aired out, the cans and rags can be brought
to the Town Landfill. Batteries: appliance size batteries (i.e.
AA,C) and car batteries can be brought to the Town landfill directly;
- Used oil:
oil must be "clean" (meaning it is not mixed with anything
else) and can be brought to the Town landfill directly;
- Propane tanks:
must be brought to the Town Landfill directly;
- Gasoline:
must be brought to the Town Landfill directly.
