Safety Tips for Your Fall Bonfires | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
This time of year is always welcome after a hot and humid summer. Fall is here, and that means pumpkin spice, football Sundays and enjoying more time in the crisp outdoor air.
One way to enjoy the changing seasons is by curling up next to your bonfire in the backyard. While that is certainly a cozy way to relax, you always run the risk of starting an out-of-control fire whenever flame is present outside.
Our SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties team explains some easy fire safety tips to follow this fall so that you and your family can enjoy the crackling flames without the risk of starting a large blaze.
Do make sure your location is safe for a bonfire. Permanent pits should already be on level ground far away from your home and any outbuildings, but you can still make sure any debris or log piles are moved out of the way.
Do keep a water source ready for any emergencies or wandering flames. A hose or a bucket full of water can extinguish any flames immediately to get you back in control of your situation. If you are in a remote area or camping and don’t have easy access to water, keep a shovel nearby in case you need to snuff out your flames with dirt or sand.
Do watch the forecast and obey any burn bans. Less-than-ideal conditions like windy days or dry vegetation can spark an unwanted fire in seconds. Know the conditions and choose another day for your fire if necessary.
Don’t ever use gas or lighter fluid on a fire to get it going or revive it. These unpredictable substances are flammable but can also cause your fire to get too large or grow too fast to be able to contain.
Don’t let your children play near your fire, especially if they are unattended. Burns can occur in seconds, or a curious child could be poking the fire with a stick that eventually causes the fire to catch and spread beyond the pit.
Don’t let your fire get too large to control. Small fires are more easily managed as they can be manipulated or extinguished almost immediately. Keep your flames small so that you can stay in control.
Don’t head inside for the night until your fire and embers are completely out. Pour water all over the logs and ashes until everything is cold. Do one final check before turning in for the night.
Mother Nature can cause all kinds of dangerous situations that can spark wildfires, but unfortunately, most wildfires are caused by human error or negligence. Reduce your risk by always maintaining control of your flames and by staying close by to handle emergencies quickly.
We know that fire is unpredictable, which is why we are here 24⁄7 to respond to your fire emergency. Call us and we will be there to help restore your home right away.
If your home or property is ever damaged by a fire, SERVPRO® is "Here to Help." Call us right away for fast and efficient restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.