There’s nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors with a roaring fire. Sitting under the stars by a crackling fire has its appeal. Campfires bring family and friends together. However, campfire mishaps can cause injuries. Campfire accidents send thousands of people to emergency rooms with burn injuries every year. With a few safety tips, you can prevent these accidents.

SAFETY AROUND THE FIRE
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The Ladies Auxiliary to the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association (LASMVFA) held their annual Installation of Officers on April 20, 2024 at Cobb Island VFD. One of our own, Becky Wathen, was installed as LASMVFA Treasurer. In addition, the Auxiliary won awards for 2023-2024 Fire Prevention (1st place) and Safety (2nd place). The Fire Prevention Committee and Auxiliary collaborated together ... (Full Story & Photos)

Every year, wildfires burn across the United States, and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. In 2023, more than 55,500 fires burned over 2.6 million acres across the U.S. More than 4,318 structures were destroyed, including 3,060 residences, 1,228 minor structures, and 51 commercial structures.

According to the Maryland Department of natural Resources, wildfires ... (Full Story & Photos)

Each year, wildfire burns millions of acres of land. Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.

There ... (Full Story & Photos)

Outdoor burning is common in our area, particularly in the springtime when homeowners burn debris and brush on their property. These fires often grow into uncontrolled burns and wildfires, which can result in enormous losses of natural resources, personal property, and even lives. The Maryland Forest Service responds to 325 wildfires – 96% of which are started by people - that burn 3,200 acres annually. ... (Full Story & Photos)

The following products were recently recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

1) Product: Nestlé USA Metallic Mugs Sold with Starbucks-Branded Gift Sets

Hazard: If microwaved or filled with extremely hot liquid, the mugs can overheat or break, posing burn and laceration hazards.

For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/3svjvp94
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On Saturday March 23, 2024, Members of Ridge VFD attended the 2024 Public Fire and Life Safety Educator Seminar at the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute headquarters in College Park Md. Firefighters Robb Bickel and Johnny Wathen, along with Auxiliary members Jessica Snyder and Becky Wathen attended to gain knowledge of new programming available in Fire Prevention and Life Safety and how to bring it to ... (Full Story & Photos)

You know how important it is to have working smoke alarms, escape plans, and a designated meeting place in case of a fire. But, did you know that closing your doors in your home is also important for your safety? Closed doors can reduce fire growth and smoke spread, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped.

According to the Underwriters ... (Full Story & Photos)