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Outdoor Fire Safety Basics | SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
It might be hard to believe with the hot weather we have experienced this summer, but fall is quickly approaching. For us, that means milder temperatures, fall decorations and plenty of pumpkins.
It might also mean spending time around the fire pit for many of us. Cooler nights make for a great time to gather family and friends and share stories and marshmallows while relaxing to the beautiful, crackling glow.
At SERVPRO®, we are always available to help put things back together after a fire has left them damaged, but we also want to help you be able to take every step possible to prevent a disaster from ever happening.
Do find a location that will be the safest spot possible for your fire. Make sure there are no overhangs, debris or structures anywhere in the vicinity.
Do keep water close. A bucket full or a hose you can turn on in a hurry can make the difference between a single rogue flame and an out-of-control blaze. Dirt or sand are good alternatives, and also a great choice for making sure everything is completely out at the end of the night.
Do take a deep dive into the weather. Check the forecast for any kind of wind advisories, and reschedule your fire for another day if the wind is blowing hard. It doesn’t take strong winds to create a big problem. Take a look at local burn bans as well. These can change rapidly depending on the weather situation, so make sure you look at the day of your fire.
Don’t put anything on your fire except for treated, approved wood. Gas and lighter fluid are dangerous on open flames, and tossing in other materials can result in flames you are not prepared for.
Don’t play around the fire. Set up chairs a safe distance, and keep any yard games, children and pets away from the flames to prevent accidents.
Don’t make a big fire. You don’t need a tall bonfire to dance around; instead, create a small, manageable fire that you can easily put out if things go the wrong way. One rogue hot ember can catch just about anything on fire.
Don’t walk away from the fire, even when there are only embers left. Put water on your flames when you are done melting chocolate for the night, and stick around until nothing is glowing red.
It is an unfortunate fact that most wildfires were started by humans in what should have been preventable situations. If you are going to enjoy your evening with a fire, take every safety step possible. Keep your fire small, don’t add the wrong fuels and always stick around until everything is out.
If you do have property damage after a fire, call SERVPRO. We can respond to your property day or night and start your recovery right away. We will get things put back together so you can get back to enjoying all the pumpkin the season has to offer.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.