Firefighters rescue occupants and dog
The Savannah Fire Department (SFD) responded to a fire that broke out on the back porch of a home on West 47th Street early Sunday morning. According to SFD, the fire was caused by a generator that was running on the porch. The fire was contained to the porch and did not spread to the rest of the house.
Firefighters arrived at the scene around 6:30 a.m. and quickly evacuated the occupants and their dog from the home. No one was injured in the fire. The SFD is investigating the incident and reminding residents to use generators safely and keep them away from combustible materials.
Generator safety tips
Generators are useful devices that can provide power during emergencies or outages, but they also pose fire and carbon monoxide hazards if not used properly. The SFD advises residents to follow these safety tips when using generators:
- Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, basements, or tents.
- Place the generator outside and away from windows, doors, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to enter the home.
- Keep the generator dry and protect it from rain and snow. Use a canopy or tarp to cover it if needed.
- Refuel the generator only when it is cool and turned off. Store fuel in approved containers and away from heat sources.
- Do not overload the generator or plug it directly into a wall outlet. Use heavy-duty extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and check them regularly. If you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, get fresh air and seek medical attention immediately.
Savannah Fire Department services
The SFD is a full-service fire department that serves the city of Savannah and parts of Chatham County. The department has 15 fire stations and more than 300 firefighters who respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other calls for service. The SFD also provides fire prevention education, inspections, investigations, and community outreach programs.
The SFD’s mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment through professional service with compassion and integrity. The department’s motto is “Courage, Commitment, Compassion”. The SFD welcomes feedback from the public and encourages residents to contact them with any questions or concerns.
