Greetings from the Clinton Fire Station!

May 14, 2015

I have been asked by Celeste Lightner-Greenwalt of the Clinton Topper to write an article each week for the Clinton Topper. This is something that has been discussed since my old friend Fred Wagner was at the paper.

Well, I guess it’s time I share some of my knowledge gained throughout the years with the residents of our community. Each week I will offer safety tips relevant to the time of year, current Fire and EMS activities and end with some Fire and EMS history. I hope you enjoy it.

Wild fire season

We are just getting through the wildland fire season around the area. Now many will think “wildland fire season” in Clinton. Yes, we do have a wildland fire season, and it accounts for between one third and one half of all our calls for the year.

The season is actually split with spring being the busiest and then again in the fall when everything turns brown we see fires before the snow falls. A very high percentage of these fires are preventable and started by careless use of burning materials.

We get numerous calls for controlled burns going out of control. Please check your local municipality for burning regulations and if they have none refer to the DNR rules on burning.

Many people do not understand that if you burn anything illegal that the DNR will be the ones investigating after we are called to extinguish the fire. These fines can get pretty high and clean-up can be costly.

Grilling season underway

I am sure many of you have already started grilling; I know ours has been used several times. Did you make sure it was in good operating order? Did you check the propane hose for leaks?

Use soap and water to check for leaks and if there are any present turn off the gas and get the grill repaired before using it again. Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.

The grill should be well away from the house and never be used on a combustible surface (deck or porch). Keep kids and pets away from the grilling area. Always clean excessive grease from your grill prior to lighting it.

Never leave it unattended and keep the lid open when lighting a gas grill. Never add more charcoal lighter fluid after the fire has been started. When using charcoal do not discard the hot coals in the trash.

Let them cool for several days before disposing in a metal container. Grilling outdoors is one of the greatest ways to enjoy the summer, make sure it’s a safe one.

Annual fundraiser

Clinton EMS is selling tickets for their annual fundraiser.

The Spring Raffle this year has a big change. To make the odds better for someone to win a $5,000 Grand Prize, we limited the number of tickets sold to 300. The ticket price is $50 and you can place up to four names on each ticket.

If you can’t afford the ticket alone buy them in groups, families, workers or friends. The drawing is Monday, May 18 at 6 p.m. Please help support our raffle. All the proceeds go to the purchase of emergency equipment not funded through our budget.

History tidbit

Now a little history, do you know when your fire department was formed? This is reprinted from a souvenir program written by the secretary of the Clinton Fire Department.

“The history of the department seems to be somewhat obscured by lost, or destroyed records. By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Fire Department of the Village of Clinton, Wisconsin adopted by the Village Board July 19, 1897 was printed by Herald Job Print, Clinton. The department apparently was formed after the disaster of 1896.”

What about that disaster? Stay tuned you will have to wait to find out more.

Until next week, stay safe!