Sources

What the law says about failing to report a fire, in the open burning answers.

Section 3301 covers arson and related offenses. Subsection (e), failure to control or report dangerous fires, makes it a misdemeanor of the first degree to fail to control or report a fire where there is no substantial risk to yourself.

What the law restricts about consumer fireworks, in the summer seasonal answers.

Consumer fireworks "cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user" and "cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug". Municipalities "may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except: July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m." The rules come from Act 74 of 2022.

What a driver has to do approaching an emergency scene or a disabled vehicle, in the vehicle and roadway answers.

When approaching or passing an emergency response area, a driver shall "pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency response area, if possible" or, where that is "impossible, illegal or unsafe", pass "at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit". The same duty applies approaching a disabled vehicle, defined as one "clearly marked with at least two of the markings specified in subsection (c)(2)". A first offense carries "a fine of not more than $500."

The volunteer tax credit answer, and the Act 172 entry in the glossary.

The purpose is "to authorize municipalities to enact a tax credit against an active volunteer's tax liability". A municipality levying an earned income tax "may establish by ordinance a tax credit", and a governing body "may provide, by ordinance, for a tax credit against real property tax to be granted to an active volunteer". Both provisions are permissive, so each municipality decides whether to offer a credit. Credit toward certification of active service considers "the number of emergency calls to which a volunteer responds" and "the level of training and participation in formal training and drills", set by the governing body with the advice of the fire chief.

Which code sets smoke alarm requirements for Pennsylvania homes, in the smoke alarm answers.

The regulation adopts the model codes that make up the Uniform Construction Code, including "The ''International Residential Code of 2021,''" for dwellings, with modifications listed in subsection (a)(7). The detailed smoke alarm provisions live in that adopted International Residential Code rather than in the Pennsylvania regulation itself.

The blue light entry in the glossary, and what a blue light does and does not permit.

Volunteer firefighters "may each equip one motor vehicle with no more than two flashing or revolving blue lights", registered through the fire chief with the Pennsylvania State Police. The subsection "does not relieve the driver from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons nor exempt the driver from complying with all provisions of this title."

Which Pennsylvania homes are required to have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Each apartment in a multifamily dwelling that uses a fossil fuel-burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage must have an operational, centrally located and approved carbon monoxide alarm. A multifamily dwelling is one housing three or more households. For a one- or two-family home the requirement is disclosure at the time of sale, not installation.

What Act 101 provides to the family of a firefighter killed in the line of duty.

The Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act, commonly referred to as Act 101, provides for a one-time payment of death benefits to the surviving spouse, minor children, or parents of firefighters, ambulance or rescue squad members, and law enforcement officers killed in the performance of their duties.

Which clearances a volunteer needs before working around children.

Volunteers must obtain the following certifications: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); and Child Abuse History certification from the Department of Human Services. A fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) is NOT required as long as the position is unpaid AND the volunteer has been a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the entirety of the previous 10 years.

Liability coverage on fire trucks, on the Donate page.

Every motor vehicle of the type required to be registered under this title which is operated or currently registered shall be covered by financial responsibility.

The two-in, two-out rule, in the answers about how a crew works a fire.

Procedures for interior structural firefighting. In addition to the requirements set forth under paragraph (g)(3), in interior structural fires, the employer shall ensure that: at least two employees enter the IDLH atmosphere and remain in visual or voice contact with one another at all times; at least two employees are located outside the IDLH atmosphere; and all employees engaged in interior structural firefighting use SCBAs.

How many fires fireworks start, in the summer answers.

"Fireworks started an estimated 34,079 fires in 2024, including 3,246 structure fires, 857 vehicle fires, 29,517 outside fires, and 459 unclassified fires." "These fires caused an estimated 59 civilian injuries and $98 million in direct property damage." "Only 11% of the fireworks fires were structure fires but these incidents accounted for 77% of the civilian deaths, 83% of the civilian injuries, and 88% of the direct property damage."

Fireworks injuries and how hot a sparkler burns, in the summer answers.

"An estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks last year." "There were an estimated 1,300 emergency room treated injuries in 2025 involving sparklers." "Burns were the most common injury, making up 38% of all emergency room visits." "Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit -- hot enough to melt some metals."

Smoke alarm placement, replacement and the two sensor types, in the FAQ and the glossary.

A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. All smoke alarms are replaced 10 years after the manufacturing date. Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life. Ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires, and photoelectric alarms are more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, use combination smoke alarms that are interconnected throughout the home, so that when one sounds, they all sound.

Where cooking ranks among causes of home fires.

Cooking is a leading cause of reported home fires, home fire injuries, and home fire deaths. From 2020-2024 an annual estimated forty-eight percent of home structure fires, thirty-five percent of home fire injuries and sixteen percent of home fire deaths involved kitchen and cooking equipment. Unattended equipment is a factor in one quarter (25%) of reported home cooking fires and half of the associated deaths. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.

Grill fire counts, checks and placement, in the summer answers.

"Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,235 home fires per year, including 4,662 structure fires and 4,573 outdoor fires annually." "July (15%) was the peak month for grill fires." "The grill had not been cleaned in roughly one-fifth (20%) of the fires." On placement and bystanders: place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches, and "Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area." NFPA gives no numeric distance from the house.

Costumes, lighting and decorations on Halloween.

Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o'-lanterns and other Halloween decorations. When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric. Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume. Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.

How often a decoration is the first thing to burn.

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Year round, one-third (33%) of home decoration fires were started by candles. This jumped to half in December when candles started 49% of such fires.

How homes catch during a wildfire, and the space around a building.

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. Immediate zone: the home and the area 0-5 feet from the furthest attached exterior point of the home; defined as a non-combustible area.

How often a chimney needs inspecting, and what the inspector checks.

Here at CSIA, we follow the guidelines of The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211, which says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard, and it takes into account the fact that even if you do not use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe.

How common home heating fires are, and which equipment causes them.

Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 37,365 fires involving heating equipment per year from 2020-2024, accounting for 11% of all reported home fires during this time, and these fires resulted in estimated annual 417 civilian deaths, 1,260 civilian injuries. Space heaters and heating stoves were responsible for the largest shares of losses, accounting for nearly a third (30%) of the fires, but over seven out of ten deaths (73%) and seven out of ten (70%) of the injuries.

Where heating ranks among causes of home fires, and portable heaters.

Although trending downward since the early 1980s, heating fires remained the second leading cause of home fires in 2021. Home portable heater fires were only 3% of all home heating fires annually for 2017-2019, but they accounted for 41% of fatal heating fires in homes.

Dryer lint and dryer fires.

Failure to clean (31%) was the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryer fires in homes from 2018-2020. USFA also counts an estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings a year, causing 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss, in its Clothes Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings report.

Storing gasoline and household chemicals.

Only fill portable gasoline containers outdoors in an airy area. Make sure to place the container on the ground when you fill it. Store products in their original containers out of the reach of children and pets. Store anything that can catch on fire away from your home. Never store materials that can cause a fire in the sun or near an open flame or heat source.

Space heater clearances, outlets and overnight use.

Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding and other combustible materials to prevent fires. Plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip. Turn off heaters when sleeping. For fuel-burning portable heaters, never refuel when in use. Before using household products any time of the year, check to see if the products have been recalled at cpsc.gov/recalls.

Gas grill checks and where the propane cylinder goes.

Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container. Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.

Costume fabric and what goes inside a jack-o-lantern.

When purchasing costumes, masks, beards, and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics, such as nylon or polyester; or look for the label "Flame Resistant." To reduce the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves, large capes, or billowing skirts. Consumers can create similar protection with homemade costumes by choosing synthetic fabrics that are inherently flame resistant, such as nylon and polyester. Opt for flameless, battery-operated lights or glow sticks in jack-o-lanterns.

Fire pits, campfires and outdoor fireplaces.

Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn. Use chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits outdoors at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. Closely watch children when the fire pit is in use. Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out. Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard. Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach.

Who should and should not use a fire extinguisher.

Young children and older adults should not use fire extinguishers. If you are unsure about whether it is safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911.

Where carbon monoxide alarms go.

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. Test CO alarms at least once a month.

Carbon monoxide answers, alarm placement, and generator safety.

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the "Invisible Killer" because it is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. NEVER use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements, or sheds. CPSC does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.

CO alarm standards and placement, and what an alarm does not replace.

Install a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL 2034 safety standard. A CO alarm can provide some added protection, but it is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound. CPSC does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.

What an automatic shutoff on a portable generator would prevent.

CPSC staff analyzed more than 140,000 simulations of 511 portable generator fatalities in CPSC's databases. The analysis found that generators compliant with the UL 2201 standard would avert nearly 100 percent of the deaths that occurred with the current, non-compliant generators. The required analysis also found that generators compliant with the PGMA G300 standard would avert nearly 87 percent of those deaths. Portable generators emit very high rates of CO, which is colorless and odorless and can kill in minutes.

What to have checked on the heating system, and why the flue matters.

A qualified heating contractor should inspect the home heating system annually. CPSC noted that while chimneys and flues are not normally checked by heating contractors, consumers should ask them to include the venting systems in their inspection. Of concern are possible blockages caused by mortar and other material dislodged from chimney walls, and bird nests and debris which prevent toxic gases from escaping. Chimneys and flues should be clear at all times to allow for the release of toxic flue gases, especially carbon monoxide.

How common carbon monoxide poisoning is, its symptoms, alarm upkeep, annual servicing, and generators.

Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit an emergency department, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as "flu-like". Check CO detector batteries when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Replace your CO detector following the manufacturer's instructions or every 5 years. Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from any windows, doors, and vents.

CO alarm placement, and keeping vents clear in winter.

Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home. Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents. Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

Generator safety during outages.

Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

The heart attack warning signs in the medical answers.

"Most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain." Other signs listed are discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath "with or without chest discomfort"; and "Breaking out in a cold sweat", nausea, "Rapid or irregular heartbeat", "Feeling unusually tired" and "Feeling lightheaded". On women: "As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain (angina) or discomfort. But women may have other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as: Anxiety, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Vomiting, Upset stomach, Pain in the shoulder, back or arm, Unusual tiredness and weakness." And: "Call 911 if you have heart attack warning signs. It is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment."

The B.E. F.A.S.T. stroke warning signs in the medical answers.

"Use the letters in B.E. F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke." "B = Balance Loss. Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Is the person having trouble walking or experiencing dizziness?" "E = Eye (Vision) Changes. Are there sudden changes in vision? Ask the person if they are experiencing blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes." "F = Face Drooping. Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?" "A = Arm Weakness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?" "S = Speech Difficulty. Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence." "T = Time to Call 911. If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!"

The Poison Control number.

Poison Help is available 24/7 in over 100 languages. Call 1-800-222-1222.

What happens when cleaning products are mixed.

Household chlorine bleach can release chlorine gas if it is mixed with certain other cleaning products. Do not mix household cleaners! When chlorine gas touches moist tissues (like the eyes, throat, and lungs) it creates an acid that can hurt these tissues.

Mixing bleach with other cleaners, and ventilating while you clean.

If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

What counts as household hazardous waste and how to get rid of it.

EPA considers some leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic as household hazardous waste. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them. Contact your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency to learn about permanent or periodic HHW collections near you. Never store hazardous products in food containers; keep them in their original containers and never remove labels. When leftovers remain, never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode.

What burning household trash in a barrel puts into the air.

An EPA report published in November 1997 shows that a single household burn barrel may emit as much toxic chemicals as a well-controlled municipal incinerator.

Whether a county burn ban is in effect, and what one covers.

County burn bans on open burning can be put in place at the request of the district fire warden (usually the district forester). The use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills, or the use of tobacco in any form is not covered under county burn bans. DCNR publishes a Pennsylvania County Burn Bans map showing which counties currently have one.

What to expect when you call 911 here. This is the center that answers 911 calls from McKean Borough and McKean Township.

Give the location of the emergency. Provide phone number you are calling from. Describe the emergency or problem. Text 911 if it is not safe to call. If you become disconnected, call back. To help responders, put your house number on your front, outside wall.

The lightning tip on the safety page.

Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference on where lightning strikes.

How many American firefighters are volunteers.

There were an estimated 1,041,200 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States in 2020. There were 364,300 career firefighters in 2020. In addition, there were 676,900 volunteer firefighters, representing a 6 percent decrease from the previous year, and the lowest number of volunteer firefighters reported over the years.

Which certifications Pennsylvania firefighters hold, and under which standard.

We offer more than 30 professional certifications for volunteer and career firefighters in Pennsylvania, and have certified more than 56,000 emergency responders. Firefighter I: become an entry-level firefighter in a volunteer or career fire department in Pennsylvania. NFPA 1010 Firefighter I. Firefighter II is listed under NFPA 1010 as well. Firefighter I requires proof of hazardous materials operations training and a demonstrated interior structural fire attack.

Turnout gear retiring ten years after it was made, and soot holding contaminants, on the Donate page. NFPA 1850 replaced NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1852.

10 years represents two revision cycles that incorporate significant performance enhancements in ensembles and ensemble elements to warrant retirement of personal protective equipment (PPE) 10 years from the date of manufacture. The carbon particles that make up the majority of smoke actually absorb and hold many products of combustion, resulting in persistent contamination.

Firefighting as a cause of cancer, on the Donate page.

The Working Group classified occupational exposure as a firefighter as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), on the basis of sufficient evidence for cancer in humans. Dermal exposure, inhalation, and ingestion are common routes of exposure.

Contaminants on gear reaching a firefighter's skin, on the Donate page.

Contaminants on gear can transfer to firefighters' skin where they could be absorbed or ingested. These contaminants have been linked to cancer and other illnesses.

Air pack cylinders: a pressure test every five years and a fifteen-year service life, on the Donate page.

Currently, all DOT-CFFC approved cylinders that are a sub-component of NIOSH-approved SCBA have a service life of 15 years; DOT regulations require requalification every 5 years to ensure that each cylinder can hold its rated pressure for the duration of the 15-year service life.

Testing fire pumps every year and after repairs, on the Donate page.

Performance tests shall be conducted at least annually; whenever repairs, as listed below, are done; and whenever modifications are made to the pump.

Testing ground ladders every year, on the Donate page. The rule restates NFPA 1930, the national standard, which formerly was NFPA 1932.

All ground ladders shall be service tested on the following schedule: (i) Prior to being put into service for the first time; (ii) At least annually.

Testing fire hose every year, on the Donate page.

New hose shall be service tested in accordance with Section 22.9 prior to being placed in service for the first time and annually.

AED pads and batteries expiring whether or not anyone uses them, on the Donate page.

It is important to check the expiration dates of the pads and battery pack. Once an accessory is past its expiration date, it should be taken out of service and replaced as soon as possible. Pads: expiration date 2.5 years from date of manufacture.

What freezing does to a fire pump, and heated truck bays, on the Donate page.

The fire pumps were frozen solid. The flanges and mounting brackets on virtually every discharge valve were cracked and/or broken off. Three of the four apparatus required new impeller shaft assemblies due to the distortion of the impellers.