Summer Safety Series: Fireside Safety

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fire at camp site.

One of the best summer pastimes is sitting outside by the fire, enjoying a beautiful night. The familiar smells, marshmallows for s’mores slowly roasting over the flames, maybe a cold beer, and some good company. Whether you are out camping or you’ve got a fire pit in your backyard, the comfort of sitting around a warm fire with friends and family is a real treat. While you are out enjoying your time, its important to remember some basic fire safety tips to keep your friends and family safe.

What to have on hand:

Ideally, they safest way to start a fire is to use small kindling and rolled up newspapers. A starter log is also another safe bet. Try to avoid using lighter fluid. If you are finding yourself in need of an accelerant, it may mean your wood is too wet, or the conditions are too windy. Never start a fire if the conditions are too windy. It is very easy for embers to get picked up in high winds and spread to areas that could catch fire. We recommend having a bucket of water or a garden hose on hand at all times when building and enjoying a fire.

What to avoid:

Never use an accelerant such as kerosene or gasoline. They are too volatile to be used around open flames. Even pouring a little gas in the bottom of the pit and dropping a match from a distance is very dangerous, as the fumes will ignite first, potentially blowing hot air or flame at your person.

Make sure your fire pit is far enough away from any structures and is not covered by low hanging tree branches.

Make sure you and your guests are seated a safe distance from the fire pit.

When you are finished with the fire for the evening, be sure to properly extinguish it. Stir the ashes and douse thoroughly with water.

From all of us at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls, have a safe and fun summer!