Winslow Fire Chief Michael Duran hosted Good Morning Winslow last week, the Winslow Chamber of Commerce’s monthly networking event for local business and community members. Duran spoke directly to business owners to ensure they are meeting requirements and keeping their workplaces as safe as possible.
Duran said that when he began at the department about a year and a half ago, they were conducting inspections of all the schools. Since then, they have completed school inspections twice and are now making their way through various businesses. He emphasized that fire safety inspections aren’t about finding violations and punishing businesses but about ensuring they follow proper procedures before a tragedy occurs.
He said kitchens are where the biggest issues often arise, either due to improper ventilation or unsafe material storage. He encourages all kitchens in the city to reach out for inspections if they want to improve their safety. However, the fire chief plans to visit businesses regardless.
Duran advised businesses to ensure there are no padlocks on exterior doors or inventory blocking important exits, entrances, or footpaths. He also highlighted the importance of heavy fire doors in hallways, which can block fire for several hours. He often finds these doors propped open with wedges or other items and stressed that, while it may be tedious to keep opening a heavy door, it is crucial to keep it shut.
Ceiling tiles were another concern he raised, noting that people often don’t realize how much they can help in a fire. He explained that a single missing ceiling tile can create an easy path for fire to spread into the attic and engulf an entire building.
Duran also said he is looking into applying for grants to install a Knox Box, a secure key box that allows the fire department to access building keys. He noted that for minor issues, firefighters often need the building owner to come unlock the door so they can assess the situation. A Knox Box would allow them quicker access, which could mean the difference between catching a fire early or it spreading further.
Duran also spoke about assisting Little Colorado Medical Center with fire safety. The hospital has provided special key cards to the fire department, allowing them to enter as needed in an emergency. Travis Udall, CEO of the medical center, praised Duran and his crew for their collaboration. Udall recalled a small fire in the hospital’s kitchen where staff struggled to use the large fire extinguishers. Though they eventually put out the fire, Duran has since worked with the staff to develop a fire response plan better suited to them, including smaller, more manageable extinguishers and fire blankets for quick suppression.
Duran highlighted the many entities his department assists in improving safety. He mentioned making rounds at events where food trucks are present, taking a quick look inside to ensure best practices are followed. He also said he is willing to do home visits with homeowner consent, but this could be a great way for homeowners to get specialized advice on keeping safe in their home. For more information on fire preparedness, contact the Winslow Fire Department.
