We are all responsible for fire prevention. However, it’s often one of those things we don’t think about until something goes wrong. Lieutenant Eleanor Johnston is the Fire Prevention Officer with Palmer Fire and Rescue. She wants you to take a few steps in your home that can help keep family and property safe from fire.
Johnston has been with Palmer Fire and Rescue for 14 years, including five years in fire prevention. Her work includes public education, community outreach, equipment checks, and helping residents understand how to reduce the risk of fire.
One important thing you can do is check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms regularly. Johnston reminds you to test every detector in the house individually. A detector needs attention or replacement if it begins to chirp or doesn’t sound during testing. Smoke detectors need to be replaced every seven to ten years. The timing depends on the manufacturer and model.
Palmer Fire and Rescue offers smoke detector installation to Palmer home owners if they need help. Homeowners can apply online at palmerak.org/fire-rescue. Firefighters determine how many detectors are needed in your home and can install them. The program is supported through a partnership with the American Red Cross.
The department can conduct a home safety inspection to identify potential fire hazards. They can explain the Firewise program. That program focuses on creating defensible space around homes to reduce wildfire risks.
Johnston reminds residents to have wood stoves and chimneys cleaned and inspected at least once a year. You can prevent chimney fires by keeping heating equipment in good condition.
Fire extinguishers are an important safety tool. Knowing how to use one—and when not to—is essential. Johnston teaches the PASS method of using an extinguisher. The steps are: P for pull the pin, A for aim at the base of the fire, S for squeeze the handle, and S for sweep from side to side. And of course, call 911.
A small fire extinguisher can handle a limited amount of fire. Be careful not to use an extinguisher in a way that could spread burning material out of a pan in a stovetop fire. Get out and let firefighters handle it if a fire grows or threatens your safety.
Johnston discussed lithium-ion batteries. They can catch fire through a process called thermal runaway. Johnston says Palmer has not encountered many electric-vehicle battery fires.
One last fire prevention message is about charging lithium-ion batteries. Johnston says use the correct charging equipment. Charge batteries on a hard surface. Keep them where they can be monitored. Lastly, unplug them or remove them from chargers once they’re fully charged. She adds, avoid charging electric scooters inside the home.
Johnston’s message is simple. Prevention begins with small, regular actions. Check your alarms, maintain your heating equipment, use batteries safely, and make sure you know what to do if a fire starts.
For more information about smoke detector installation and home safety programs, contact Palmer Fire and Rescue. If you are not a homeowner in the Palmer Fire and Rescue Service area, the Red Cross provides smoke detector installation as well. Email smokealarm@redcross.org or call 907-290-2960.
Take a few minutes today to check your home safety equipment. It could make all the difference tomorrow. October is fire prevention month. Let’s all do something to reduce the risk of fire.
Mike Chmielewski interviewed Lieutenant Johnston last week. The interview is posted on bigcabbageradio.org. Look in podcasts under Inside the City.
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Mike Chmielewski reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tuesday October 27, 2026.
Image credit: Palmer Fire and Rescue