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The Basics of Outdoor Fire Safety | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of West Milwaukee has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
Oh, how we love the fall season here in the Milwaukee area! The air has a certain crispness to it, the Packers are back on our TVs and the fall decorations are out. We also love spending more time outside enjoying the warmth and coziness of an outdoor bonfire.
Bonfires at this time of year can be a lovely way to enjoy the changing seasons, but they still carry a risk when it comes to the possibility of starting an out-of-control fire.
Our SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee team explains more about fire safety below and offers some easy ways to maintain your fire so you can avoid any dangerous situations.
Do pick a safe spot for your bonfire pit. Bonfire pits that are permanently in the ground may not be moveable, but you can ensure log piles or flammable objects aren’t anywhere near it. If you have a portable pit, place it on a level surface that is far away from outbuildings, sheds or the side of your house.
Do have a way to put out the fire quickly. A hose that is unraveled and lying nearby or a full bucket of water can easily be used to douse the flames. If you are in a remote area without access to water, keep a shovel nearby that you can use to pile sand or dirt on the fire in an emergency.
Do watch the weather and obey any burn bans. Windy days or current drought conditions can increase the likelihood of starting a dangerous fire, so watch the conditions and pick a different day to burn if necessary.
Don’t use an accelerant to keep the flames going. Matches, lighters and tinder are the only things you should be using. Gas or lighter fluid may light on fire quickly, but they are unpredictable and can start an overwhelmingly large fire in seconds.
Don’t let your kids play around the flames. Accidents can happen in seconds and cause serious injury or a dangerous situation that leads to a spreading fire.
Don’t let your fire get too big. It can be fun to sit around the flames and feed them with whatever is nearby, but a large fire is unpredictable and it can lead to sparking or spreading flames easily.
Don’t go to bed or inside until you are sure the fire is out. You are responsible for any fire on your property, so be sure the flames are extinguished and you have run water over the logs until they are cold to the touch.
Wildfires can start at any time and for a variety of reasons, but most wildfires are usually started by human error or negligence. Do your part to maintain your flames, and be aware of any changing conditions that would increase your risk of starting a wildfire.
If your home or property is damaged by fire, get us on the phone right away. Our team will help you recover faster and more efficiently.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.