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Keeping Bonfires Safe | SERVPRO of Houston County
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Houston County has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
Which season is your favorite? As we edge ever closer to cooler temps and changing leaves, for many the fall season is one of the best times of year. The humidity breaks and we are finally able to get out the pumpkin decorations while we drink and eat pumpkin-flavored everything.
Fall is also the perfect time for getting outside with the family, gathering around the fire pit to eat too many marshmallows and share plenty of stories. While you melt a little more chocolate, make sure you are also practicing fire safety.
SERVPRO® may have all your restoration needs covered when a disaster strikes, but we also want to help you stay safe and prevent one from ever happening in the first place.
Before you actually light your fire, keep a few things you should do in mind:
Do find a location that will be safe to have your fire. It should be in an open space clear of overhangs, loose limbs and a good distance from any structures.
Do keep water nearby. Put a bucket of water close to where your fire will be, or attach a hose that you can turn on quickly. You can also grab a shovel and keep sand or dirt handy to smother out any rouge flames or add to embers when they are still glowing red.
Do take a look at the weather ahead of having your fire. Check the forecast for storms, but also take a look outside and watch for wind. Even a covered fire pit can be dangerous on a windy day. Check for local burn bans the day of your fire so that you can follow county regulations.
Once you have gotten your fire safely going, there are a few things you don’t want to do:
Don’t keep your fire going with anything other than treated, approved wood. Lighter fluid and gasoline are dangerous on open flames, and tossing in anything else can cause flames that are higher and hotter than you are prepared for.
Don’t play around the flames. Keep kids, dogs and yard games away from the fire to avoid potential accidents.
Don’t create a bigger fire then you can tend to. It can be easy to build the fire up big enough that you won’t have to tend to it much, but one flame going the wrong way can result in a scorched backyard and put your home at risk.
Don’t ever leave a fire unattended, even when it is just down to red-hot embers. Pour water over it and stick around until it has cooled completely.
Unfortunately, the majority of wildfires are started by human error. If you are going to have a fire outside, it is your duty to not only protect your family and your home, but the environment as well. Use the right materials, don’t make it too big and put it completely out before you leave.
If you do ever have damage from a fire on your property or in your home, call SERVPRO. We are available 24⁄7 to respond to your property and get life put back together fast.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.