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Staying Safe During Your Fall Bonfires | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
Can you believe that we are already entering the fall season here in the Buffalo area? We are certainly glad to see the seasons changing, and we look forward to all of the fun holidays and family time ahead.
In addition to all of the fall decorations, apple orchards and pumpkin patches, one common fall activity is a good bonfire. While fall bonfires can be a cozy way to welcome in the changing seasons, the risk of starting an out-of-control fire is always there.
Our SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda team wants you to enjoy this time of year with a small, crackling fire, so read on to learn more about responsible bonfire practices.
Do choose a safe location for your fire pit. Portable pits can be moved around to find a level surface far away from buildings or garages, but permanent pits aren’t as mobile. Remove any brush or log piles that are too close, and trim any trees that are hanging over the pit.
Do have a water source nearby for emergencies. An unraveled hose or a bucket full of water can easily snuff out a quickly growing fire. A shovel and some dirt is also a reliable option if you aren’t near any water sources.
Do keep an eye on the conditions. Windy days or dry conditions can make it more dangerous to have a fire, so obey any local burn bans and choose another day to start a fire.
Don’t use any sort of accelerant to start your fire or keep it going. Gas and lighter fluid may be flammable, but they can be unpredictable and downright dangerous to use.
Don’t let your children play too close to the flames, and keep your pets away from the fire pit. Accidents can happen in seconds and either lead to serious injury or a quickly spreading fire.
Don’t let the flames get too high. Large fires are much harder to control, so keeping yours small allows you to quickly extinguish any fire situation that is getting out of hand.
Don’t go inside or leave your fire pit until the flames and embers are completely extinguished. Pour water over everything until the logs and ash are cold to the touch.
While wildfires can start by lightning strikes or other acts of nature, most wildfires are actually caused by humans. In order to reduce your risk, stay close to your fire, keep it small and maintained, and never burn on any days where the conditions aren’t right.
Remember, fire can be unpredictable and cause all kinds of damage even if you follow all these tips. Call us right away for a complete fire damage restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.