From the Chief’s Desk

August 2026

 In a continuation of what our fire inspectors are looking for when inspecting businesses, here are a few more items.  Again, our goal is to help make your business and/or workplace a safe environment for those who work there, and for those who enter into it.  Some of these safety items can also be applied to your home, when it comes to fire safety.

For this edition we’ll be talking about egress/emergency lighting and fire extinguishers.  Egress lighting is the lights that remain lit or will light up when power is lost or interrupted.  Any and all means of egress (or escape) should be properly illuminated when the building is occupied.  These are typically supplied with a battery back-up that ensures lighting when power is lost, and can be tested by pushing the ‘test button’.  Exit signs should also be properly illuminated and battery back-up should operate (if equipped).  Push the test button to check.

Fire extinguishers, in general, should be installed in multiple areas of the building and be placed within 75 feet of travel distance between extinguishers.  These should also be located in normal paths of travel and in areas where they are completely visible and readily accessible.  They should be hung on a bracket or placed in a cabinet.  The label including operating instructions should face outward and the class of extinguisher should be selected to provide the appropriate protection based on the potential hazard or hazards.  Fires are defined by ‘classes’.  Class “A” is ordinary combustibles such as wood/paper/plastics; Class “B” is flammable liquids such as gasoline/oil/paint; Class “C” is energized electrical equipment such as appliances/power tools; Class “D” is combustible metals such as magnesium/lithium; and Class “K” is cooking grease/cooking oils mainly in kitchen settings.  Extinguishers must be inspected and tagged annually by a certified, often third-party agency.  The most common type/class of extinguisher is ABC. 

I would like to invite you, the members of our community, to consider joining our team.  We take great pride in providing life safety and property preservation, not only for our residents, but of those who visit our community.  Joining is a great way to meet new people, make new friends, help those in need, and possibly make a little money along the way.  Training is provided at no cost to you – all we ask of you is your time and talents.  Don’t let an exciting and rewarding opportunity pass you by!  Call, email or visit us today!  To schedule an appointment and learn more about becoming a member of the Waubeka Fire Department, call 262-692-2656; email chief@waubekafd.com  or visit our website at www.waubekafiredept.com