Fire Department
Education and Community
Carbon Monoxide
Commonly referred to as CO, carbon monoxide is the colorless and odorless byproduct of incomplete combustion. Homes with fossil fuel burning appliances are at risk of CO poisoning. Examples of these types of appliances include, but are not limited to: gas stoves, propane fireplace inserts, gas fueled water heaters or oil furnaces.
Because you can't see it, taste it or smell it, the symptoms of CO poisoning are easily mistaken for flu-like symptoms. Families with attached garages or fuel burning appliances should install a carbon monoxide alarm. Read more...
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms prevent residential fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal that allows people time to escape. They reduce the risk of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. Through Operation FireSafe, ACFD provides free smoke alarms to owner-occupied homes.
Grilling Safety Tips
County Fire Officials encourage citizens to grill safely, by offering some simple safety tips. Residents in high-rises, duplexes, townhouses and multi-family dwellings are reminded that cooking on balconies, with any flame producing device, is prohibited by County Code. Only electric cookers and electric grills are allowed on balconies of these type of occupancies. Read more.
For more information, contact the Fire Prevention Office at 703-228-4644.
Fire Safe Holidays
Christmas trees should be placed away from exits and heat sources, such space heaters or fireplaces. Trees catch on fire easily, especially if they are dry. Only purchase a tree if the trunk is still sticky with sap and the needles are firmly attached to the branches. If a tree is dry, the needles will start to fall off and the tree should be removed from the home. Check the water level of your tree daily and use lights that have the approval symbol of the Underwriters Laboratory. Learn more...
Most candle fires are the result of human error and negligence; never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish the flame when you leave a room or go to bed. If you do use candles, put them in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep all candles away from any decorations or window treatments that can burn.
Always store matches and lighters out of the reach of children. More information on candle safety is available from the United States Fire Administration. Turkey fryers remain a leading cause of fire around the holidays. Learn more. Fireworks are an exciting way to celebrate the New Year or the Fourth of July. The Fire Prevention Office encourages people to go to professional firework displays, rather than lighting their own. Read more...
Click here to see a list of winter holiday safety tips (PDF) from the National Fire Protection Association.
Teaching Fire Safety
Educators can help us spread the word about fire safety and injury prevention. The Arlington County Fire Department is happy to visit classrooms, attend block parties and host station tours. Call 703-228-3362 or e-mail fire@arlingtonva.us to find out more about our programs.
Virtual Home Safety Tour
Learn how to keep your family safe by identifying leading dangers in the home. Take a Virtual Home Safety Tour on the Home Safety Council's web site or use our Home Safety Checklist to help you navigate room by room searching for safety issues. Read more...
Questions
If you have any questions regarding fire safety information, please call 703-228-3362.