This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com.
Eastside Fire and Rescue (EFR) crews have responded to multiple generator fires in recent days, leaving one person dead. According to PowerOutage.us, more than 250,000 people are still without power in Washington as of Thursday afternoon. An “atmospheric bomb” ripped through Western Washington on Tuesday, downing power lines and destroying trees.
As crews continue to fight fires Thursday, officials are warning people not to bring generators indoors.
“Do not store fuel for your generator in your home,” EFR said on Wednesday via X. “Before refueling the generator, turn it off and allow it to cool.”
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On Wednesday, crews responded to a fire in Woodinville at a home on 176th Avenue Northeast. EFR reported that one person died in the fire and the incident is currently under investigation by the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Another fire occurred Wednesday at 192nd Place Southeast and is also under investigation by the sheriff’s office. Fortunately, all occupants and pets were able to get out safely.
Crews responded to another fire the next day.
Eastside Fire official: ‘They are not using safe fueling practices’
EFR’s Catherine Breault spoke with KIRO Newsradio on Thursday. She said at least six fires in the past 48 hours are believed to have been started by generators.
“We have had at least six or seven generator fires in our response area since the storm began and we expect to continue to respond to these calls as long as the power outages continue,” Breault said.
Some houses have been destroyed by the fires.
“We’ve had a few where, quite simply, the outside of their house burned,” Breault said. “But we’ve had a few that were total losses.”
She said many people buy generators but don’t know how to use them properly. Generators are often placed right next to houses or rubble and can cause flames.
“They put them next to their houses,” Breault explained. “They don’t use safe fueling methods. They leave fuel next to them. They don’t make sure it’s cool when they fill up.”
She said to take your time and read the directions when using generators. It can save your life.
“All these little things that you think might not be a big deal result in these house fires,” she added.
According to Breault, generators should be stored at least 15 feet away from any structure and should not be stored near windows, doors or anywhere where carbon monoxide is present.
Heather Wong of the Bellevue Fire Department also spoke to KIRO Newsradio. She said the problem is that people try to improvise when the power goes out.
“Bringing grills inside or camping stones inside to stay warm or to cook is really dangerous,” says Wong.
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Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly: Important Tips for Using a Generator
Burning charcoal, propane and other fuels can release carbon monoxide, which can kill you if the room is not properly ventilated.
Wong said if someone uses a gas generator to power their home, they should move it out of the garage and away from the windows. The same goes for running car engines while you’re charging or trying to warm up devices, for example.
“Do not assume you are safe,” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says on its website. “Carbon monoxide from generators is completely colorless and odorless, so you don’t know if it is there. It can kill your family and your pets.”
If you start to feel dizzy, sick, or weak while using a generator, get fresh air immediately, according to the Red Cross.
FEMA added not to use generators indoors or in partially enclosed areas, including homes, garages and crawl spaces. Additionally, using a fan will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup and will not store fuel for generators in your home.
“Before refueling the generator, turn it off and allow it to cool,” FEMA said. “Gasoline or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts can ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator pilot light or by arcs from electrical switches in the unit.”
The agency also recommends installing battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors in homes and following the manufacturer’s recommended placement. When connecting appliances to generators, FEMA says to always use heavy-duty extension cords. The agency also warns that connecting a generator directly to your home can kill the people in your home.
“Connecting your generator directly to the home power supply may increase voltage or cause an overvoltage to external power lines, which could injure or electrocute an unknowing lineman,” the agency said. “It also bypasses some of the built-in protection devices for household circuits.”
FEMA also said to hire a qualified electrician to install the proper equipment in accordance with local electrical codes, or ask your utility to install an appropriate power switch.
Contributing: Jillian Raftery and Heather Bosch, KIRO Newsradio
Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.
