Fire Safety and the Warmer Months

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know that summer sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year?

In the summer, people typically look forward to all the extra free time with family. It’s a reminder that the days are long—and an invitation to go outdoors. With summertime comes barbecues and camping trips with roasting marshmallows, but it also means an increase in fire activities. 

Did you know that summer sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year? Just by paying attention, though, you can do your part in preventing fires this summer. 

What to Pay Attention To 

• Fire pits. Fire pits create the best ambiance for friends to gather, laugh and tell stories. But it is also important to play it safe. Remember not to ever leave your kids unattended around a fire. Keep a bucket of water near the fire pit or drag a water hose close to the pit. You should also never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers. 
• The grill. BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers…they all remind us of a hot summer day, but the grill is also the biggest risk for fires. The combination of flames, heat, grease and gas can make things escalate quickly. Before you start the grill up, check to make sure the grill is in proper working order, is placed at least three feet away from everything, and is cleaned before each use. Cleaning the grill before use is the best tip there is, because almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning. 
• Chimneys and dryer vents. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned out rather than waiting until winter. This helps avoid a dangerous buildup of ash and coal. Clean your dryer vent pipes as a once-a-year checkup for trapped lint. This also helps maintain your dryer and helps it last longer!