Open Fire Camping and Grilling Safety

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

As we step into spring and the days get longer the weather temperature begins to rise to melt away our winter wonderland. Melting snow and spring showers water blooming flowers. With temperatures heating up and the perfect conditions for outdoor gatherings and activities, the temptation to spark up an open flame and share stories becomes enticing. The smell of food on the grill, a nice warm breeze, and your favorite song create the perfect mixture for some good times at your home or favorite campsite. But with great grilling power comes great responsibility so here are some tips for controlling your open fire for the upcoming seasonal festivities.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that an average of 8,800 home fires are caused by grills and barbecues. One out of every seven residential fires involve a grill as the ignition source. Grilling statistics from NFPA states that between 2014-2018 on average 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year with almost 20,000 patients going to the ER from grill-related injuries. If you know anything about fires then you probably know Smokey Bear, a character in the longest-running public service announcement in the United States. Smokey Bear’s informational public website state” In the United States, nearly nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people not being careful. These numbers could be shocking so we’ve gathered some information to keep you safe around the grill and campfire during these seasonal changes.

Let’s start off with some Campfire rules. The first step is finding somewhere that allows you to safely maintain a fire. Dig a pit and create a 10-foot radius down to the dirt, far from overhanging branches or anything that could catch fire. Circling the pit with rocks and stacking extra wood upwind away from the fire prevents the fire from spreading. When starting your fire be sure to have lots of water and dispose of the match used to start the fire into the fire. Remember, never leave a campfire unattended and never put anything but wood into the fire. When putting your fire outspread the pieces of fuel and dump a liberal amount of water on it, stir it with water, and add more water as needed. Once the water is cold to touch, you’ll be able to leave the site.

Some grilling tips that are good to have are similar to the campfire rules listed above. Propane and charcoal barbeque grills should only be used outdoors and away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Grills should be clear of any grease or fat build-up. Propane grills should be checked for hose leaks at least once before using each year. When starting charcoal grills be sure to only use charcoal starting fluid and never add fluid to an open fire. Grills should never be left unattended and when finished grilling, allow the coals to completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container. We hope these tips help you stay safe this upcoming season and remember for all your fire, water, and restoration needs call your local SERVPRO professionals