115-SeabrookerWeb

PAGE 16 JANUARY 2015
THE
MARSH WALK FIRE DESTROYS 16 VILLAS
Kyle Cahil, acting officer at Fire Station 5
On December 12 a quiet evening on
Seabrook Island was shattered by the
sirens of the St. John’s Fire District responding
to a reported structure fire
on Long Bend Drive. Within minutes
the first fire engine arrived, reporting
fire coming from the roof of the top
floor. The fire, which started in the
kitchen of a top floor unit spread rapidly
through the attic area. All of the
units on the top floor, and some on the
second floor, sustained fire damage.
All of the other units sustained water
damage. The good news is no one was
injured.
In many cases the cause of a fire is
difficult to determine as much of the
evidence is destroyed. In the case of
the fire on Long Bend Drive the cause
of the fire was determined quickly. A
resident stated that they had placed
oil in a pan to cook dinner. They
turned on the stove burner to allow
the oil to heat up. While waiting they
left the kitchen. From a fire-reporting
standpoint this is called “unattended
cooking”. This unintentional act can
happen to anyone and occur with little
warning. About two years ago my
daughter placed some Ramen noodles
in the microwave. She set the designated
time then walked into the living
room to continue watching a show
on TV. The black smoke coming out
of the microwave was her reminder
that she had left cooking unattended.
Unlike what occurred on Long Bend
Drive, the only effects of her actions
was a very stern conversation from
me and a reminder of the next three
months that I had to replace the microwave.
According to statistics from the
NFPA unattended cooking is the leading
cause of fires in residential homes.
From 2007 – 2011 67% of fires in residential
homes were started by the ignition
of food or other cooking material.
57% of the fires started on a range top
with the 16% in an oven. There were
400 civilian deaths and over 5,000 injuries.
Using grease or oils to fry poses
the greatest risk.
The solution to the main cause of
home fires is never leave cooking
unattended, not even boiling water.
An installed resident cooking hood
extinguishment system or a sprinkler
system would not have prevented the
fire from occurring but it would have
greatly limited the damage.
The holiday seasons also present a
greater risk for injury and death. Relatives
visiting for the holidays are not
familiar with the layout of your home.
Please make sure your home escape
plan is communicated, and practiced
with those visiting from out-of-town.
Make sure you check your smoke
alarms to ensure they are working,
and never leave anything cooking if
you are not in the kitchen.▲
James Ghi
Battalion Chief, St Johns FD
SINHG Announces Spring Evening Programs
The Seabrook Island Natural History Group has announced its 2015 Spring Evening Programs. Consistent with SINHG’s goal to disseminate natural and cultural history
information about Seabrook Island, Charleston and the South Carolina Low Country to its members through field trips and lectures, the programs will include both
natural and cultural history. The speakers are all well known for their experience and expertise. ▲
Gary Fansler
February 12, 2015
“Deveaux Bank –
Past and Present”
By Dana Beach
The author and photographer,
Dana Beach
recently published
“Deveaux”, a reflection
on the life of Deveaux Bank.
He has visited Deveaux regularly for twenty five years. In his book,
he chronicles the annual cycle of reproduction and renewal on
this renowned seabird rookery, and the work of the scientists and
conservationists who labor to understand and protect it. Mr. Beach
is the founder and Executive Director of the South Carolina Coastal
Conservation League and the recipient of several environmental and
conservation awards.
March 12, 2015
“In the Arms
of Angels:
Magnolia Cemetery”
By Patrick Harwood
Patrick Harwood’s extensive and varied background in communications
includes stints as a news reporter, anchorman,
producer, writer, photographer and educator. He has been a
member of the Communications Department Faculty of the
College of Charleston since 1993. He recently published “In the
Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery - Charleston’s Treasures
of History, Mystery and Artistry”. Mr. Harwood describes the
Magnolia Cemetery as “a magnificent museum of history, art,
architecture, spirituality and symbolism”.
April 9, 2015
“ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge”
By Dr. Al Segars
Dr. Al Segars has been with the Marine Resources Division
at the South Carolina DNR since1998 focusing on marine
animal health. He has a veterinary degree from UGA and
a BS in Forestry Recreation from Clemson University.
The ACE Basin consists of about 140,000 acres and is
dedicated to protecting the natural beauty, abundant wildlife
and unique cultural heritage of the area through long-term
research, water-quality monitoring, education and coastal
stewardship.
All of these fascinating presentations will take place at the
Lake House. Refreshments are served beginning at 7:00 PM
and the presentations begin at 7:30 PM. All Seabrook Island
residents and guests are welcome. There is a $5 donation for
non SINHG members.
More information about SINHG programs and activities
may be found by visiting SINHG’s website at sinhg.org