During the fall, it’s common to light fires to keep warm or roast marshmallows. Remember to practice good fire safety whenever a fire is lit.
Fall is a beautiful time of the year, and many people are excited to welcome its arrival. It does, however, bring with it some fire safety risks that everyone should be aware of. Understanding these risks and how to mitigate them is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others by practicing safe habits and being smart while dealing with fall fire safety risks.
Bonfires/Campfires
During the fall, bonfires, and campfires, are at their most frequent, and it should come as no surprise that these pose a significant fire safety risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands are sent to the emergency room with burns from campfires every year.
All open fires should be limited to clear areas. If possible, find an area without overhangs or nearby shrubs, and clear away any debris that could potentially ignite. In addition, the fire should be at least 25 feet away from any structures to mitigate the risk of them catching fire. The more open and clear the area, the better.
It can be tempting to set a big fire fast with kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid, or other flammable liquids—do not do this. This is a major safety risk due to the uncontrolled nature of the fire’s ignition. Instead, use a match or lighter to start the fire slowly with dry twigs, leaves, sticks, and branches.
Always have a way to quickly extinguish the fire nearby. Whether it’s a hose, a shovel with a pile of loose dirt, or even a bucket of sand—have it ready to go before you start your bonfire or campfire. This will allow you to act quickly if the fire gets out of hand, and it also makes it easier to put the fire out when you’re done with it. Always make sure that the embers are completely out before you leave. Any small sparks could reignite and lead to devastating consequences.
Keep a close eye on any children or pets that are near the fire to protect them from getting too close and suffering from burns.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces make the colder months a lot more bearable, and they add a cozy ambiance to any home. Unfortunately, they’re also a fire hazard. Never leave your fireplace unattended while in use, never overload it with logs or debris, and always use a screen or guard of some kind to keep children and pets away from the fire. Just like with bonfires and campfires, make sure all of the embers are out completely before walking away from your fireplace. Don’t forget to have your fireplace inspected every year to ensure that it is in good condition and working properly.
Home Furnaces
Home furnaces are a marvel of the modern world, but they can also be dangerous if left unchecked. Some simple steps to maintain a safe working furnace include changing the filter regularly and keeping the burner area clear. It’s important to have a professional come out each year to inspect your home heating system to make sure there isn’t any damage or unseen problems that could pose a fire risk.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting
people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.