School Fire Prevention and Reporting Guidelines
School fire safety is crucial for the well-being of students and staff. Learn about the importance of reporting any signs of fire, following Oregon laws, and training staff to respond promptly. Every fire, regardless of size, requires immediate action to prevent potential harm and property damage.
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Presentation Transcript
Report School Fires Report School Fires Webinar Webinar Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) in partnership with Property and Casualty Coverage for Education (PACE) and the Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) Sara Jasmin Youth Fire Prevention and Intervention Program Coordinator, OSFM
PACE & OSFM want to take this PACE & OSFM want to take this opportunity to encourage you to opportunity to encourage you to work with your local fire service work with your local fire service agencies to ensure that your agencies to ensure that your school responds appropriately school responds appropriately anytime a fire is set at your anytime a fire is set at your facilities. facilities. Every Fire Every Time Any Size Anywhere
Why this is so important: Why this is so important: The smallest sign of a fire being started on school grounds may be the last bit of information that your local fire agency needs to get help for a child that is misusing fire. It may also be the information that prevents your school from being burned to the ground. It is your school s legal obligation. Without the report of fire activity, there is no way to track the need for resources and to respond to this behavior.
Every Fire Every Fire Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) requires that all fire be reported and investigate. What is a fire? When reporting fires we ask that you report ANY attempted, active, or cold fire that is identified on school property. Also, fire relate activities such as a student bringing fire tools (lighters, matches, etc.) to school or threats involving fire should be reported for investigation.
Every Time Every time a fire occurs or evidence of fire setting activity is discovered, staff should preserve the fire scene and call the fire agency immediately. Fire setting activity: Active fire setting Failed attempts at ignition Underage youth bringing lighters and matches to school Misuse of other ignition sources (i.e. science lab materials or flammable liquids) Making threats to start a fire Staff: Any employee of the school district should be trained in district protocol for reporting school fires. Immediately: As soon as a fire is identified, it should be reported. The sooner a fire is reported the more information is preserved that may be of importance to the investigation.
Any Size Any Size Every Fire starts small. Every thirty seconds, a fire doubles in size and within minutes can threaten an entire school. The size of the fire does not reflect the motive of the person who started the fire. Example 1: A student is bored in class and begins placing ripped paper close to the heater vent to see if it will ignite. While no flame is actually witnessed, there is the smell of smoke from the paper smoldering. Example 2: The custodian identifies black smoke residue on the side of the building when he arrives at work in the morning. There is no one around to associate with the fire attempt. Example 3: Two students are found in the dugout after school. There is a small fire in the corner where they had stacked up sticks and debris to see if they were able to get it to start and they have not been able to put it out.
Any Where Any Where Evidence of fire setting activities can be found in a large variety of settings and when it is identified anywhere on school property, it must be reported. Report fires set in: Restrooms and locker rooms Playground structures Playing fields and landscaping Decoration on walls and bulletin boards Concealed spaces (including storage areas) within the structure Trash cans and dumpsters Student lockers and personal property Parking lots and vehicles Sports fields and dugouts
Reduce the risk of fire misuse on school property: Illuminate exterior and entrances Paint buildings a light color Install burglar and fire alarm systems Trim shrubs and remove signs that obstruct the view of the building Keep combustible materials away from buildings, including garbage, recycling bins, outhouses and pallets Restrict access to the roof or upper floors
Reduce the risk of fire misuse on school property (cont.): Keep school grounds clear of fuel sources such as landscape trimmings, newspapers, leftover paint, old rags, and other trash Make sure vacant, storage, and other infrequently visited areas and buildings are secure Conducting regular walkthroughs of these areas/buildings will help to identify areas of concern or previously damaged property and allow for proper safeguards to be put in place Disciplinary handbooks should identify consequences for fire tools to school
Reduce the risk of fire misuse on school property (cont.): Install video cameras on school premises, especially in locations where fire related activity is an on going immediate concern. Anytime school is not in session, consider using police, private security, or partner with volunteer or community group patrols to discourage fire setting and vandalism. Such activities will discourage the impression that the school will be an easy target. Maintain groups and buildings so community pride is high and vandalism is discouraged.
Resources Resources OSFM has materials available for education and prevention on our website at: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Educatio n-Materials-Request.aspx When a youth has been identified to have a history of fire related behavior, we encourage you to reach out to your local fire agency or OSFM. Resources are available for screening and intervention.
Questions? Questions?
Sara.Jasmin@osp.oregon.gov Direct: (503)934 Direct: (503)934- -2136 Hotline: (503)947 Hotline: (503)947- -8585 Please contact the Youth Fire Prevention and Intervention Program with any questions or needs you might have regarding the reporting of school fires. 2136 8585
