Yesterday, with temperatures dropping and winter approaching, a house fire in Revere brought attention to the need for home heating safety. Fire officials in Massachusetts urged residents to take proper heating precautions after a house fire in Revere caused by a furnace failure, according to the fire department.

Firefighter Jon M. Davine states that space heaters are the leading cause of carbon monoxide and the second leading cause of house fires in Massachusetts homes. According to the Department of Fire Services, there have been over 6,000 heating-related fires in the past five years, resulting in eight deaths, over 140 residents and firefighters injured, and over $39 million in damages.

To prevent further tragedies, firefighters emphasize the need for operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all floors of the home. Another important aspect is annual professional inspection and maintenance of heating devices such as furnaces, water heaters and oil burners. Additionally, Massachusetts residents struggling with heating costs could benefit from the state's Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides assistance with winter heating costs and maintenance.

For households that use natural gas and oil as heating media, it is important to maintain a 90 cm wide “safety circle” around the heating devices and to clear them of flammable objects. Additional safety measures recommend not storing painting materials, aerosol cans and other flammable items near heating devices. In addition, gas smells should be reported immediately to the emergency services, as the fire department reports.

Those who rely on fireplaces or stoves for heat should use a fireplace screen or a closed stove door to contain sparks and embers. Regular inspections and cleaning of chimneys and flues are necessary to prevent chimney fires because it eliminates burning creosote, a harmful substance that builds up naturally. Professional chimney cleaning services from the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild or the Chimney Safety Institute of America can be helpful in this regard.

When using space heaters, ensure they are at least three feet away from flammable items such as curtains and bedding. It is recommended that you plug it directly into the wall outlet and not into an extension cord or power strip. Space heaters that have been tested and labeled by reputable companies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL) are likely to have better safety features, including automatic shut-off mechanisms. Firefighter Davine similarly cautioned against the use of unvented kerosene space heaters and portable propane space heaters due to the high risk of fire and carbon monoxide.

Creating a comprehensive emergency escape plan is another important aspect of home security. Each plan should provide for two exits from each room, as well as alternate exits for children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities who may require assistance in emergencies. 1. Resources such as the Fire Department's Keep Warm, Keep Safe toolkit providing important information and guidance on maintaining home heating safety and emergency planning as mentioned by the Fire Department.

The post Revere Home Fireplace Prompts Residence Heating Security Reminders throughout appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

OAKLAND (KPIX) — A deadly fire at a homeless encampment in West Oakland Tuesday was the last straw for Caltrans, with agency officials saying the camp under Interstate 880 needs to go.

One person was killed and three RVs and two cars were destroyed Tuesday afternoon in the fatal fire that sent a massive plume of black smoke overhead. Five people who lived in the camp were displaced.

A man died in his RV as a fire ripped through his vehicle that was parked at the Wood St. encampment in #Oakland this afternoon. According to OFD, the fire spread from one RV to the one where the deceased person was discovered. In total, five vehicles were destroyed. @KPIXtv pic.twitter.com/fQ3QTjqs6I

— BrianKPIX (@brianyuenKPIX) April 5, 2022

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KPIX 5 has learned that Caltrans has decided that the massive encampment beneath Interstate 880 must be cleared, and soon.

The agency said the deadly RV fire Tuesday was one of more than 100 fires in recent years. Planning is now underway for a large-scale intervention.

The Wood Street encampment starts just north of the old 16th Street Train Station and stretches almost to the 580 interchange. That’s about three quarters of a mile.

For the hundreds of people living in the camp, the fatal fire might be what leads to their next move.

“You know, I knew a life would be lost sooner or later,” said camp resident Dearlean Bailey. “I told people that was coming.”

Bailey lives about 100 yards from the scene of Tuesday’s fire. It did not come as a surprise to her, nor is she surprised to hear that Caltrans is now talking about taking action.

“There are several different entities down there,” said Caltrans Deputy District Director for External Affairs Cheryl Chambers. “East Bay MUD, Union Pacific, Burlington Northern, City of Oakland, ourselves. So we all
need to get together and talk about what needs to happen in a short timeframe.”

Caltrans told KPIX all of those parties will meet before the week is over to begin discussing some kind of resolution for the encampment. The agency said it will involve moving everyone out.

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“The goal is to clear the area out of a lot of abandoned cars and debris, and to relocate the people to safer conditions, yes,” Chambers explained.

By the agency’s estimate, that could mean relocating more than 100 people.

“It will be a mixed bag,” said Richard, an off-and-on resident of the camp. “Some people are ready for it. Some people are going to say ‘No!’ forever.”

“A lot of people would rather be out here, being free, and I have to pay bills,” Bailey said. “I’d rather pay bills and we broke in a spot myself. yes I would take it.”

“There have been people in that area for years,” Chambers said. “They have a sense of place, and we have been mindful of that. But at the same time, we just need to look at the reality. What happened yesterday needs to be prevented.”

“I feel that we have been very patient here,” said nearby business owner Terry Caughell. “Beyond patient. And I think it’s really time to do something. This fire yesterday was significant.”

Area business owners like Caughell are ready for changes.

“It really is beyond description,” Caughell said. “You know, I’ve had people visit from out of state, vendors. Even after I tell them about what’s going on and give them, if you will, fair warning, when they get here, they still can’t believe what’s going on here. And it’s been going for about 4 to 5 years.”

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Caltrans says meetings will be held in the next few days. They’re hoping for some kind of formal strategy in the next couple of weeks.

The post Lethal RV Hearth Prompts Caltrans Plan to Clear West Oakland Encampment – CBS San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

OAKLAND (KPIX) — A deadly fire at a homeless encampment in West Oakland Tuesday was the last straw for Caltrans, with agency officials saying the camp under Interstate 880 needs to go.

One person was killed and three RVs and two cars were destroyed Tuesday afternoon in the fatal fire that sent a massive plume of black smoke overhead. Five people who lived in the camp were displaced.

A man died in his RV as a fire ripped through his vehicle that was parked at the Wood St. encampment in #Oakland this afternoon. According to OFD, the fire spread from one RV to the one where the deceased person was discovered. In total, five vehicles were destroyed. @KPIXtv pic.twitter.com/fQ3QTjqs6I

— BrianKPIX (@brianyuenKPIX) April 5, 2022

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KPIX 5 has learned that Caltrans has decided that the massive encampment beneath Interstate 880 must be cleared, and soon.

The agency said the deadly RV fire Tuesday was one of more than 100 fires in recent years. Planning is now underway for a large-scale intervention.

The Wood Street encampment starts just north of the old 16th Street Train Station and stretches almost to the 580 interchange. That’s about three quarters of a mile.

For the hundreds of people living in the camp, the fatal fire might be what leads to their next move.

“You know, I knew a life would be lost sooner or later,” said camp resident Dearlean Bailey. “I told people that was coming.”

Bailey lives about 100 yards from the scene of Tuesday’s fire. It did not come as a surprise to her, nor is she surprised to hear that Caltrans is now talking about taking action.

“There are several different entities down there,” said Caltrans Deputy District Director for External Affairs Cheryl Chambers. “East Bay MUD, Union Pacific, Burlington Northern, City of Oakland, ourselves. So we all
need to get together and talk about what needs to happen in a short timeframe.”

Caltrans told KPIX all of those parties will meet before the week is over to begin discussing some kind of resolution for the encampment. The agency said it will involve moving everyone out.

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“The goal is to clear the area out of a lot of abandoned cars and debris, and to relocate the people to safer conditions, yes,” Chambers explained.

By the agency’s estimate, that could mean relocating more than 100 people.

“It will be a mixed bag,” said Richard, an off-and-on resident of the camp. “Some people are ready for it. Some people are going to say ‘No!’ forever.”

“A lot of people would rather be out here, being free, and I have to pay bills,” Bailey said. “I’d rather pay bills and we broke in a spot myself. yes I would take it.”

“There have been people in that area for years,” Chambers said. “They have a sense of place, and we have been mindful of that. But at the same time, we just need to look at the reality. What happened yesterday needs to be prevented.”

“I feel that we have been very patient here,” said nearby business owner Terry Caughell. “Beyond patient. And I think it’s really time to do something. This fire yesterday was significant.”

Area business owners like Caughell are ready for changes.

“It really is beyond description,” Caughell said. “You know, I’ve had people visit from out of state, vendors. Even after I tell them about what’s going on and give them, if you will, fair warning, when they get here, they still can’t believe what’s going on here. And it’s been going for about 4 to 5 years.”

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Caltrans says meetings will be held in the next few days. They’re hoping for some kind of formal strategy in the next couple of weeks.

The post Lethal RV Hearth Prompts Caltrans Plan to Clear West Oakland Encampment – CBS San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

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The post Grass Fireplace Burning In American Canyon Prompts Evacuation Warning – CBS San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – Smoke from forest fires in Northern California will affect air quality in the Bay Area and cause county officials to issue a notice.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) issued an air quality recommendation for forest fire smoke for Thursday and Friday on Wednesday. The smoke comes from the McFarland, Monument and River Complex fires in the Trinity and Siskiyou districts.

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While a smoky and hazy sky was expected to be seen mainly in the North Bay and East Bay, BAAMQD said the smoke was in the air and would not result in unhealthy air quality.

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The counties of Napa, Sonoma, and Solano would be particularly affected by wildfire smoke. Due to active forest fires and changing wind patterns, air quality in the entire Bay Area could be affected in the next few days.

Bay Area residents have been urged to protect their health by avoiding exposure if they smell smoke, by staying indoors with the windows and doors closed until the smoke level subsides when temperatures allow. Anyone affected by smoke is reminded of air conditioning and car ventilation systems to circulate to prevent outside air from getting inside.

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The elderly, children, and people with respiratory diseases are particularly susceptible to increased air pollution and should take additional precautions to avoid exposure.

The post NorCal Wildfire Smoke Prompts Bay Space Air High quality Advisory – CBS San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Forecasts of high winds and rain this week prompted officials to issue new evacuation orders for parts of Santa Cruz County on Monday.

Several zones in the Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Felton, and Santa Cruz Counties fire department counties are affected by the orders. The residents there should be evacuated immediately this week due to a “high potential for dirt flow”. A full list of affected zones can be found here. Find out which zone you are in by clicking here.

The order affects nearly 5,000 people, district officials said.

Temporary evacuation shelters will be set up later Monday at San Lorenzo Valley High School, 7105 Highway 9 in Felton. Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley; and Pacific Elementary School, 50 Ocean Street in Davenport, officials said.

The National Weather Service forecasts strong wind and rain for the whole week, with the largest amount falling from Tuesday evening to Wednesday. Rain between two and three inches is possible on Tuesday evening. Winds will be between 21 to 31 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 48 miles per hour.

Experts have long warned of the dangers of mudslides in the Santa Cruz Mountains that could be triggered by heavy rainfall. The CZU Lightning Complex fire scorched more than 86,500 acres in the past year, removing the slopes of water-absorbing vegetation, leaving only rocks, clay, and ash – loosening the soil and increasing the likelihood of a mudslide. Mud avalanches can be triggered in a short time by intensive outbreaks of precipitation.

Mallory Moench, Chronicle contributor, contributed to this report.

Michael Williams is a contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: michael.williams@sfchronicle.com

The post Risk of landslides prompts evacuation orders for components of Santa Cruz County appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

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The post Sluggish Restoration Prompts Companies to Rethink Future in Downtown San Francisco – CBS San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.