Fire Prevention: Protecting Our Community Starts With You

Every year, preventable fires threaten lives, homes, and businesses across our community. The Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company is committed not only to responding when emergencies occur, but to helping you avoid them altogether. Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility and a few simple steps can make a life-saving difference.

At Home

Most fires start where we feel safest, in our own homes. You can reduce risk by focusing on three key areas:

Cooking Safety

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stove.
• Keep flammable items (like towels, paper, or curtains) at least three feet from heat sources.
• Always turn pot handles inward to prevent spills or burns.

Heating Safety

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves.
• Turn space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Have your heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually.

Electrical & Appliance Safety

• Replace damaged cords immediately and avoid overloading outlets.
• Use surge protectors and plug major appliances directly into wall outlets.
• Unplug small appliances, like toasters and irons, when not in use.

Smoke Alarms and Home Escape Plans

Working smoke alarms save lives. Install them in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home. Test them monthly, replace the batteries every year, and replace the units themselves every 10 years.

Create and practice a home fire escape plan:

• Know at least two ways out of every room.
• Establish a meeting place outside.
• Practice escaping in under two minutes.

Wildfire and Outdoor Safety

If you live near open space or wooded areas: 

• Clear leaves, debris, and flammable materials from your yard, gutters, and roof.
• Maintain defensible space by keeping grass short and trimming trees.
• Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home.

When using grills or fire pits:

• Keep them at least 10 feet from buildings or anything flammable.
• Never leave them unattended.
• Douse ashes with water and dispose of them safely after they cool completely.

Community Partnership

Fire prevention is stronger when we work together. The Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company offers school programs and public education events throughout the year. Invite us to your school or workplace to share fire safety information. Prevention begins with awareness.

Remember: The best fire is the one that never happens.
For more fire safety tips, upcoming events, or to schedule a visit with your school/workplace use the Contact Us button on the top of the page.