Report all fires, even those that are extinguished

You’ve had a small fire. You quickly extinguish it. Since it is out, everything is fine. Right?

Wrong.

“People may not be aware that fire codes require us to immediately report all fires, even those that have been extinguished,” said John Hauser, UNMC safety manager.

All fires on campus must be reported, even those that are easily put out.

Reporting fires is best done by pulling the fire alarm pull station and also calling 559-5555 to report the details.

For those buildings that do not have fire alarm systems, call 559-5555 and report the fire. Tell the dispatcher:

• The exact location (building and room number);
  
• What’s burning; and
  
• If there are people trapped or injured and if the fire has been extinguished.

Security will dispatch officers to the location and contact the fire department.

There have been cases where fires, thought to be extinguished, have rekindled. By reporting all fires, you are turning over the responsibility of making sure the fire is out to the fire department.

Finally, for those with operations that require state licenses like hospitals or daycare facilities, there is a risk of losing the license if fire code laws are not followed.

Contact Hauser at 559-7315 for more information about fire safety.