Flames and Fun: Staying Safe | SERVPRO of Bartow County

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Bartow County.

Making family memories is a cornerstone of the summer season. Grilling, s’mores and bonfires are all fun activities that can be enjoyed in our backyards.

In order to have these fun times and make memories, fire is used frequently! We use it for bonfires, meals, pest control or as a way to stay warm when the sun goes down.

Even when we practice safe fire practices, lighting a fire always carries some element of risk. The National Park Service states that nearly 85% of wildfires are started by humans.

Understanding fire risk doesn’t mean you can’t still have bonfires, enjoy grilled corn or burn your yard debris. With some simple measures taken to ensure you are burning responsibly every time, you can continue to safely enjoy your backyard fires.

Recreational Fire Risks

Any time an open flame is used, it carries a risk, but grills, campfires, fireworks and portable fire pits carry the largest risk for starting unwanted outdoor fires. On average, grills start 8,800 home fires each year. These fires are mostly started due to user error, so being very careful and checking on gas lines and propane tanks before lighting anything is a great first step.

If you are enjoying a campfire, build it with approved wood only and choose a safe location away from any buildings or wood piles. Keep it simple with matches or lighters, and put down that tempting gas can.

Portable fire pits have increased in popularity over the years, so if you are an owner of one of these convenient pits, it should never be placed on a wooden surface or below an overhang.

You should only be burning approved firewood, even though it can be an easy way to get rid of debris or paper waste as well.

Even though the 4th of July holiday has already passed for the year, if you are using fireworks for any upcoming celebration, practice proper firework safety. Georgia law allows firework use any day of the year, with certain limitations.

Other Fire Risks

If you live on a property that has a lot of trees and leaf drop in the fall, it can be necessary to burn off this debris in order to stay on top of the yard work.

Before starting any fires, make sure you are checking the local burn bans and avoiding the summer months when most of the counties in Georgia are in a burn ban.

Keeping a clear yard and cleaning out dead grass and foliage is an essential part of protecting your home from unwanted flames. Understanding what to burn and following basic fire safety regulations can lower your risk.

Gasoline in your garage can also be a source of a fire. Only use approved containers to store and dispense it, and you should always make sure it is out of reach of your children. Gasoline should never be used for anything other than fuel for your cars or lawn equipment.

Lastly, make sure you are checking weather conditions and avoiding burning on a very windy day or when it is particularly dry. Skip the project and wait for better conditions.

If you do experience a house or garage fire, give SERVPRO of Bartow County a call. Our trained crews know how to properly tackle any fire damages and we will get you back into your home as quickly as we can.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.