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Keep Backyard Fires From Getting Out of Hand | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County
7/21/2022 (Permalink)
Relaxing by the campfire in your own backyard is a wonderful way to spend a warm summer evening with your family. S’mores, hotdogs and scary stories are just a few ways you can make memories on this special night.
We use fires in our backyards and campgrounds for our own entertainment, to prepare a meal, to keep bugs away or to clear out yard trimmings, but even what we think is the most contained fire can still pose a threat. The National Park Service states that around 85% of wildfires are ignited by humans.
In North Carolina, around 4,500 wildfires occur annually, with the most severe fires igniting from February to May. Careless debris burning is one of the most common ways these flames are spread.
Of course, you can still use your tiki torches, burn your yard debris, toast your marshmallows and barbecue your burgers if local laws allow it. Making sure to follow safety guidelines every time you burn can allow you to prevent the spread of flames and relax by the fire.
Any outdoor fire has its own set of hazards, but campfires, grills, fire pits and fireworks are some of the most prevalent ways outdoor flames are ignited. Grills are responsible for around 8,800 home fires annually, usually caused by user error. Before lighting up your grill, make a point to check gas lines and propane tanks, and be sure to always supervise your grill even after you’re done using it.
When constructing your campfire, locate it in a safe area away from any buildings or trees, and only use a match or a lighter to light your fire. Once your campfire is ready, be sure to only use wood to feed the flame, and always keep an eye on ashes even after you’re done roasting marshmallows.
Fire pits are a simple way to recreate the feeling of relaxing by a campfire, but this equipment should be used with the same safeguards as a conventional campfire. If you’re able to move your fire pit, never place it on top of a wood deck or near your home’s overhang.
While it may seem like a convenient way to eliminate construction or household debris, you should only burn approved firewood.
Fire and flammable materials still serve a purpose even with their hazards. During the fall, if your yard collects a number of leaves and you don’t have a disposal or pickup option, burning your debris might be the only way to keep your yard tidy.
Before burning anything, check with your local authorities to ensure you’re allowed to burn debris, to begin with. In Winston-Salem, burning is only allowed in areas that do not provide a yard waste pickup. Burning is only allowed no earlier than 8 a.m., and trash or construction materials are illegal to burn.
Clearing your yard of dead leaves or yard trimmings is actually a smart way to protect your home from wildfires, as well as strategic landscaping to slow flames before they get close to your property. Knowing what you can burn and adhering to the basic fire safety principles can help you keep any fire from getting out of control,
We all store items like gasoline in our sheds or garages, but irresponsible storage can have a devastating impact. Be certain to only use gas-approved containers to keep gas in, and locate your container in a place where kids are unable to reach it.
Gas should only be used for its intended purpose, so even if you’re having trouble loading a backyard fire, don’t turn to your gas can for any help!
Before lighting any outside fire, make sure to check the local weather forecast in our area. If conditions are very dry or windy, reschedule that campfire and save the s’mores for a better day.
If your home is damaged by outdoor flames, contact our specialists at SERVPRO. Our experienced team has the tools to repair any damage after a fire, and strives to finish the job just as fast as they arrived!
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today at 336-946-1131 to get restoration started faster.