Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services

Cherokee County Firefighter, Eddie Barajas, was promoted last Thursday night at the Cherokee County Fire Training Complex, located just south of Holly Springs. After a brief welcome from Cherokee County Fire Chief, Tim Prather, Barajas was asked to come forward to receive his promotion warrant. Barajas, surrounded by family and numerous firefighters, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Since becoming a firefighter, Barajas has become a Smoke Diver and has completed the Fla...mes course, too. He has also completed his training to become a Paramedic. Barajas, who came to the fire department in 2015, lives in Douglas County with his wife, Dalis. Refreshments were held afterwards in honor Barajas’ promotion. Congratulations to Eddie Barajas for being promoted to Sergeant

Smoke and flames poured from the burn building at the Cherokee County Fire Training Facility as the latest group of fire recruits spent Monday getting hands-on experience. With full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) on, fire recruits got their first experience with live fire. The fire recruits got to experience the different stages of fire which include: 1. Ignition: Fuel, oxygen and heat join together in a sustained chemical reaction. At this stag...e, a fire extinguisher can control the fire. 2. Growth: With the initial flame as a heat source, additional fuel ignites. Convection and radiation ignite more surfaces. The size of the fire increases and the plume reaches the ceiling. Hot gases collecting at the ceiling transfer heat, allowing all fuels in a room to come closer to their ignition temperature at the same time. 3. Fully developed: Fire has spread over much if not all the available fuel; temperatures reach their peak, resulting in heat damage. Oxygen is consumed rapidly. 4. Decay (Burnout): The fire consumes available fuel, temperatures decrease, fire gets less intense. Live fire training can reduce the number of injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Plus, it can help to reduce property damage, too. Fire recruits will have numerous hours of live fire training before they graduate from firefighter recruit school next year.

During the holiday season, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services will be participating in the Keep the Wreath Green campaign from starting today and going through January 1st, 2021. One green bulb on the wreath will be replaced by a red bulb for every structure fire that occurs in Cherokee County during that time period. The purpose of this campaign is to remember to practice fire prevention during the holidays. It’s the time of year when we enjoy festive meals with fam...ily and friends, deck our halls with colorful decorations and listen to squeals of delight as children open their brightly wrapped presents. Use this checklist to ensure everyone has a safe holiday. Decorate with kids in mind: Move ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks towards the top of the tree and put things that are ok to touch at the bottom. Be sure to water your natural tree often to prevent dry needles from becoming a fire hazard. Discard your tree as soon as possible after the holiday. Check your lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets. Never leave lit candles unattended. Store matches and lighters away from children. Keep harmful plants like mistletoe berries, holly berries and Jerusalem Cherry away from children and pets. If an accident does occur call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Buy toys appropriate for children’s ages. Check for choking hazards. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any other object. Be careful about having a fire when stockings are hung on the fireplace. Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping. If traveling this season, be sure everyone in the car is safe. Have your car seats checked before you hit the road. For appointments visit www.safekidscherokeecounty.org Plan for your trip to take longer with little ones. Getting a new bike this holiday? Don’t forget the helmet. Keep a 3-foot kid-free zone around the oven and stove. Check your smoke alarm batteries. Sleep with your bedroom doors closed to prevent spread of fire. Review your family fire escape plan and have a meeting place outside the home in case of fire. Teach your guests your fire escape plan. When attending holiday celebrations designate a driver to get everyone home safely. According to Senior Fire Educator, Lisa Grisham, Last year we had 11 structure fires. This year we hope the wreath stays totally green. The fire stations where the wreaths are placed are Station 4 in the Free Home, Station 12 in Waleska, Fire Station 16 in Canton, Fire Station 19 at Ridge Mill Court, Fire Station 21 near Airport Road, Fire Station 22 on Bells Ferry Road and Fire Station 23 on Vaughan Road in Hickory Flat, Cherokee County Fire Headquarters and Cherokee County Government Offices at the Bluffs in Canton.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Cherokee County until 7:00 AM Tuesday morning. Total accumulations are still expected to amount to less than one (1) inch. This could cause some roadways to become slick this evening through tomorrow morning. Please use caution when traveling.

The risk for winter weather in Cherokee County has been downgraded to "Trace Amounts" of snow possible at elevations above 2000 feet, this evening and clearing overnight. However, temperatures dropping into the freezing range could affect bridges and overpasses.