Fire Investigator Trainer Blows the Whistle on Smart Technology Causing FiresBy Catherine J. Frompovich Recently, I received an email from one of my readers who had to attend a fire safety training session for their job. That instructional course was given by none other than a Delaware County, Pennsylvania Fire Investigator, who was quite explicit in his presentation about certain fire causes. Heres what the email said for which this sender gave permission to share: He [the trainer] mentioned in the beginning of his presentationhow fire deaths were down, but house fires were up dramatically across the nation. [CJF emphasis added] Later during the QA, I asked him in front of the whole group [what were] the causes of these fires. He mentioned all the electronics WiFi/Bluetooth gadgets, cheap phone chargers, iPads, wide screen TVs,etc. I interrupted to say how about smart meters to which he replied: Anything smart is a fire hazard. This [smart] technology is so new, andthey havent tested or developed it adequately enoughyet. He went on to poke fun at smart wired houses having everything linked and what a hazard that can cause. Then after the presentation, I commented how I heard that as this technology ages, it becomes even more potentiallyhazardous, which he affirmed, and also mentioned that More car fires occur because of all the electronic gadgetry now. All the above information is yet another confirmation with implications for Consumer Protection Law(s) at local and state levels regarding smart consumer appliances and fires, which insurance companies especially AMI Smart Meter fires are declining coverage for! But there is even more serious damage happening every minute of the day from microwave technology, which smart appliances operate on. Its called electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs/RFs) that emit non-ionizing radiation which cause adverse health effects known as non-thermal effects. Consumers, when they really learn the downside of smart technology, obviously will have to beef up their activism to get the protection they need for their health and properties, as the industries involvedand more sadlystates public utility commissionsreally dont give a hoot about the harms caused, otherwise they would be enacting legislation to deal with them. And then theres this information that I received from readers whose privacy I respect and honor, but will share their information. In sharing information like the following from a reader in Canada, it is that consumers become aware, physically safer plus empowered: People need to be getting documentation about all of these fires. Media articles are often the starting point, but they are anecdotal. Once there is what sounds like a smart meter fire, request and obtain the official fire report from the state or provincial fire commissioner. Find out what the legal reporting and investigating requirements are. If the fire is believed to be electrical, who does the investigation and how is he informed about the fire? Are the laws being followed? Are meters being removed? It takes time and digging but I cant find anyone else who is getting this sort of info for fires in their areas. It is only when this documentation is obtained for many fires and patterns are found that things will be taken seriously. In the US the Consumer Affairs Dept. [1] has agreed to gather reports on smeter fires. I have sent her a few because the ITRON meters we use are the same used in many places in the US. But in Canada our meters are not considered consumer goods since the utilities own them. This agency should be informed but it requires full documentation not just media reports. [2] Note that heres what I think our kind and thoughtful Canadian neighbor is referring to: The US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) is a federal agency that will take complaints on utility smart meters from all US states. If you have or had smart meter electrical or fire problems CALL: (800) 638-2772 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET or submit your complaint by email. [1] However, I must caution a consumer that, if or when you experience an AMI Smart Meter (smeter) fire, immediately after the fire has been extinguished and it is safe to do so, take photographs with your cell phone and a regular camera, so you can have secured documentation because things can get lost in cyberspace! Remember to attach copies of those photos with the smeter fire report you file with the US Consumer Products Safety Commission. Additionally, I must share that Ive heard stories that the power company immediately removes the fire-damaged meter and does not allow consumers access to it or to keep a fire-damaged meter as proof for insurance purposes. It seems that games are being played, and insurance companies buy into them too! Fire safety regarding all smart technology should be enforced by consumer products safety commissions, municipalities and code enforcement departments at local and state levels. Obviously they are not doing that when it comes to AMI Smart Meters made with heat-sensitive plastic parts. Analog meters were made of glass and steel parts. Learn how to protect yourself from smart technology EMFs/RFs and fire hazards. References: [1] http://emfsafetynetwork.org/smart-meters/smart-meter-fires-and-explosions/ Resources: ZigBee Radio Transmitter: How Many Do You Have? A Journeyman Not An Apprentice Electrician Explains Faulty Smart Meters Smart Meter, Wi-Fi And Microwave Radiation Information Consumers Need To Know Microwave Technology: The Gift That Keeps Sharing Your Information That Is Image Credit Catherine J Frompovich (website) is a retired natural nutritionist who earned advanced degrees in Nutrition and Holistic Health Sciences, Certification in Orthomolecular Theory and Practice plus Paralegal Studies. Her work has been published in national and airline magazines since the early 1980s. Catherine authored numerous books on health issues along with co-authoring papers and monographs with physicians, nurses, and holistic healthcare professionals. She has been a consumer healthcare researcher 35 years and counting. Catherines latest book, published October 4, 2013, is Vaccination Voodoo, What YOU Dont Know About Vaccines, available on Amazon.com. Her 2012 book A Cancer Answer, Holistic BREAST Cancer Management, A Guide to Effective Non-Toxic Treatments, is available on Amazon.com and as a Kindle eBook. Two of Catherines more recent books on Amazon.com are Our Chemical Lives And The Hijacking Of Our DNA, A Probe Into Whats Probably Making Us Sick (2009) and Lord, How Can I Make It Through Grieving My Loss, An Inspirational Guide Through the Grieving Process (2008) Catherines NEW book: Eat To Beat Disease, Foods Medicinal Qualities 2016 Catherine J Frompovich is now available Smart meters are bad news, thanks for the good article. 