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A rat recently built its nest in an engine compartment of a government vehicle. Pictured here are the remains of nesting debris - leaves, twigs, grass and other combustible material - that caught on fire when the engine got hot. Photo courtesy of Emergency Management and Response (EM&R)

Lab rats run amok

Rats at the Laboratory are responsible for two recent vehicle fires. During a severe cold spell earlier this month, field rats climbed into warm engine compartments and decided to call them home, building nests made of combustible material. Two of the vehicles - one a brand new government truck - caught fire as a result of the nesting material. Employees were able to control the fires with fire extinguishers.

Emergency managers ask that Lab employees look for small twigs, weeds, leaves and grasses, and other typical nesting materials that might be visible in their vehicles. If vehicles are parked for extended periods of time, employees should open the hood and inspect the engine compartment for possible rodent nests.

If nests are found, Laboratory workers can call the KSL Services pest control at 4-0530 to remove the nests. Employees should never remove the material by themselves.

Emergency managers also advise Lab workers to take fire extinguisher classes so they know how to properly operate the different types of extinguishers.

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