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Starting an Outdoor Fire Safely | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
The weather is finally starting to cool off, which means fall is finally on the way. Sweatshirts, crunchy leaves and pumpkin-everything make fall a favorite for most of us—and even if you have no interest in any of that, the break in the heat and humidity is always a welcome change.
Many of us start spending more time outdoors this time of year, including gathering the family around the fire pit for s’mores and endless stories. If you are going to have a fire outside, make sure to do it safely so you can enjoy your time without worry.
SERVPRO® is here to help when a disaster strikes, but we also want to help you take every step possible to keep things safe.
As you get things planned and head out to start your fire, there are few things you should do:
Do find a place that will be safe to have your fire in. Pick somewhere that is free of overhangs, away from structures and away from debris.
Do keep water for emergency use nearby. A bucket or a hose that you can turn on quickly can take care of rogue flames or sparks before they become a problem. Sand or dirt are another option, and a good idea to have on hand when you fire is down to embers.
Do watch the weather. Don’t just check for rain, though; spend some time watching the wind out and choose a different day if things are frequent or high. Even a fire pit with a cover can become very dangerous when the wind picks up. Check for any burn bans in the area as well. These can change daily, so make sure you check the day of your fire.
Once you get things going, keep in mind a few things you don’t want to do:
Don’t keep the fire going with anything except treated, approved wood. Gas and lighter fluid are dangerous to use on open flames and should never be added to a fire pit or campfire. Tossing in trash or any other substances can cause higher and hotter flames then you are prepared for.
Don’t let anyone play near the fire. Keep yard games far away, and make sure the kids understand there is no running or walking close to the fire to avoid accidents.
Don’t make a fire bigger than you can handle. It is tempting when you get things started to build it big enough that it won’t need tending too, but keep it small. One flying ember can lead to a scorched backyard.
Don’t leave your fire unattended, even when it is down to just embers. Red, glowing embers can catch on fire easily. Stay close by until everything is completely out.
Most wildfires start because of human error. When you have a fire outside, you need to do what you can to prevent it from getting out of control. Keep it small, stay close by and only use the right materials.
If you do ever experience damage after a fire on your property, call SERVPRO. We are available around the clock to get your life back on track quickly and completely.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.