Don’t Let These 3 Fire Risks Ruin Your Summer

Just because summer temps heat up doesn’t mean you can extinguish your efforts toward fire safety this season. You may no longer be using the fireplace to warm up your property or cooking large family meals in the kitchen for the holidays. Still there are plenty of times when fire is used during months of June, July, August, and September that can lead to injuries, loss of property, and even death. Learn about the three common summer fire risks and the safety precautions you need to take to prevent your season from getting singed. 

Summer Fire Risk #1: Outdoor Cooking

To keep the indoors cool when the temps skyrocket outdoors, a good option is to swap cooking with your stove top and oven for your grill instead. But the grill gets more play this season beyond the every-night meal. It becomes the star of any gathering, be it a barbecue with friends, a tailgate at the ball game, or heating up eats when camping.

Fire Up Summer Safety: 

• Keep and use your grill at least 10 feet away from your home or other structures, such as garages, sheds, and tents, and always on a level surface.
• Always leave your grill open when starting. Instead of lighter fluid use a charcoal or chimney starter for non-propane grills. But if lighter fluid is a must, soak the charcoal and let sit for a few minutes before using a long match or a long-neck fire starter to ignite.
• Be prepared to put out the fire in a snap by keeping a spray bottle with water for small fires, a lid or other source to cut of oxygen to a grease fire, or a fire extinguisher for any kind of flame. And of course, call 9-1-1 immediately if the fire is beyond your control.
• Clean your grill after each use, making sure grates and open flame sources are clean of debris, grease, and food droppings.

Summer Fire Risk #2: Fireworks

When you light up the summer night sky with fireworks, make sure the response is “ooh” and “ah” and not “ouch.”

Fire Up Summer Safety: 

• Before setting fireworks ablaze, make sure to have a working hose or bucket of water nearby to use in case of a mishap.
• Keep fireworks out the reach of children. When allowing children to hold sparklers, make sure they do so only under adult supervision to avoid injuries.
• Only ignite fireworks at a safe distance away from structures, and never ignite a fuse when standing over the top of the fireworks device. Also, never relight fireworks that have already been lit.  

Summer Fire Risk #3: Fire Pits and Patio Heaters

Fire pits and patio heaters create ambiance for great gathering spaces when a nip in the summer night rises as the sun sets. But they don’t come without a few risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), outdoor fire pit and patio injuries nearly tripled from 2006 to 2012, increasing from 1,330 to 3,608.

Fire Up Summer Safety: 

• Location is key. Like a grill, keep a fire pit at least 10 feet away from your home or other buildings. Never place it on a flammable surface or beneath a covered porch or tree with low hanging branches. For propane heaters, always follow manufacturer recommendations regarding clearance, which is typically at least three feet on all sides.
• Never leave a fire pit or running patio heater unattended. If it’s windy outside, avoid using either.
• Take proper precautions when lighting a fire pit or propane patio heater. Do not use lighter fluid in the fire pit, and always follow manufacturer directions for the patio heater.

Summer Fire Damage Occur?

Let your summer heat up the right way by keeping fire safety top of mind. Should the flames get out of control and leave your property damaged, we’re here to help. At A&J Property Restoration, our skilled fire damage restoration professionals are here to return your home to pre-loss condition fast so you can get back to enjoying the season. 

We provide 24/7 emergency services for homes, businesses, and commercial buildings around Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Portage, Milwaukee, Brookfield, WI Dells, Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, West Allis, and surrounding Dane County Wisconsin areas.