Jackson Bell
Fires started by flammable liquids hurt four people this month, so
firefighters want to remind residents how to protect themselves.
A baby sitter and the 3-year-old boy she was watching were hurt
Nov. 12 by a fire, sparked by gas fumes and a water heater in a house
on the 300 block of West Broadway, said Capt. Carlos Guerrero, the
department's spokesman.
The boy is still hospitalized at Torrance Memorial Hospital's burn
center, and recovering from second- and third-degree burns on half of
his body, Guerrero said, adding that the injury was not
life-threatening.
On Tuesday, two women were using acetone to clean hardwood floors
at a home in the 400 block of East Acacia Avenue, where it ignited
and caused a flash fire. The women were rushed to a local hospital to
treat burns on their legs and feet, but Guerrero did not know their
condition Wednesday.
"Improper and careless use of flammable liquid can cause serious
injuries to people and substantial damage to property," he said. "And
you should never use flammable liquid as a cleaning agent."
The danger in flammable liquids comes from the vapors, which are
highly combustible and can cause a fire and subsequent explosion if
they come near an ignition source, he said.
Ignition sources include water heaters, stoves and dryers.
Other pointers for prevention flammable-liquid fires:
* The fluid should be kept in specially designed containers with
airtight seals that don't let the liquid or vapors to escape.
* Store the liquid in a cool place so vapors do not overheat.
* Keep them away from children.
