Summer Fire Safety Tips

By: Tom Hartel

Summertime is for fun in the sun! However, some summer activities come with serious fire hazards. Keeping summer fire safety in mind is important, especially during a season with so many intentional fires. Recreational fires, fireworks, and grilling especially will come with a few risks. While these are more likely to start fires outdoors, what usually follows are structure fires and thousands in property damage. Take a few summer fire safety precautions while enjoying yourself this summer.

Grilling

Fire safety is crucial for cooking, and grilling is no exception. Never use propane and charcoal grills inside. It may be tempting if you do not have a yard, but take your grill to a public park or campground that allows it. Grills should also be kept at least three feet from the walls of your home. Keep children and pets away from the grill. A good summer fire safety rule of thumb is to have a bubble of space around your grill that is three feet in all directions. After you start the grill, it should never be left unattended. If you are attending the grill in a shirt with sleeves, roll them up and keep them away from the flames. Keeping your grill clean is also important. Scrape grills after using them and clear ash between uses.

Fireworks

It is not hard to believe that summer fires peak around the Fourth of July. Remember a few basic summer fire safety tips during celebrations and avoid becoming part of the statistics. It should go without saying, but do not buy amateur fireworks. Even reputable fireworks are extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. They are known to cause property damage, injury, and in extreme cases, death. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show. Keep an eye on children when they are around fireworks or are using sparklers and other small fireworks. These should always be lit outside away from any structures or flammable materials and with a parent’s supervision.

Recreational Fires

Recreational fires are great for gathering with friends and camping. But before you light the fire, check local rules and regulations. Some areas prohibit fires, usually for a good reason. Check with your campground, HOA, or local fire authorities to find out what the recreational fire policies are, and any summer fire safety tips they suggest. If there has been a draught or you live in a dry area, it is usually better not to light a fire at all.

When allowed, create a pit to prevent the fire from spreading. You can do this by digging a shallow pit and surrounding it with large rocks. It helps to keep logs from rolling and will contain the ash. Choose the location of your fire pit well away from tents, buildings, or trees with overhanging branches. Start fires away from dry grass and shrubs. You should also be aware of the sparks and where the wind can carry them. Once a fire is started, you should have a means of extinguishing it ready, such as a pale of water and a shovel to bury the ashes.

Fire Sprinkler Service

While you are having fun this summer, keep these summer fire safety tips in mind. Your barbeques and camping will be safer for it. At Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing, we can help protect your property from whatever summer may throw your way. Give us a call, and we can get you started on a quote for a sprinkler system!

Related Topics: Fire Protection // Fire Safety
By: Tom Hartel
I acquired my expertise by directing day-to-day operations of the business for over 20 years. Continuous hard work helped me become a nationally recognized speaker and expert on fire protection, fire sprinklers, special hazards, and plumbing systems. In this blog, I share my knowledge that will hopefully help you make better decisions for your projects.

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