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Tips for Safe Fall Bonfires at Home | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
While the temperatures outside may not reflect it, the fall season is right around the corner! We are so excited to welcome in a new season and (hopefully) get a break from these crazy hot temperatures. One way that many people in our community enjoy the changing seasons is by hanging out by a bonfire.
Fall bonfires are a great way to relax and spend time with your loved ones, but they can also lead to extensive fire damage if you aren’t careful.
Our SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties team explains more below about fall fire safety and what to do to keep your fire controlled and enjoyable for all.
Do choose a safe and level location for your pit. Portable pits can be moved around to find a flat, nonflammable surface, while permanent pits should be cleared of any nearby brush or logs. You should also make sure any trees are trimmed that are hanging over your pit.
Do keep a source of water ready to use at a moment’s notice. Buckets of water or your garden hose are both reliable ways to extinguish errant flames quickly. If you are too far away from a water source, be sure to keep a shovel nearby if you need to pile dirt or sand on top of the flames in an instant.
Do respect the weather and any local burn bans. High winds or dry conditions can make even the smallest fire dangerous, so choose another day if the conditions are less than ideal. Checking with local authorities is always recommended because burn bans can change by the day.
Don’t use any gas or lighter fluid on your fire at any point. Flammable substances can light a quick blaze, yes, but they are really unpredictable and can lead to a rapidly spreading fire or one that becomes too large to control.
Don’t let kids or pets play near the flames. In addition to accidents and severe burns, curious children can easily pick up burning sticks and cause your fire to spread beyond your pit.
Don’t let your fire get too large or out of control. It can be fun to feed your fire and watch things burn, but large fires are much harder to control and extinguish fast, so keep it small to keep it safe.
Don’t go inside until a responsible adult has extinguished the flames and embers. Pouring water over everything is vital until all of the logs and ashes are cold to the touch.
Wildfires can start in any manner of ways and can lead to widespread destruction and even death in serious situations. While nature can be responsible for some of these fires, most wildfires are human-caused. You can directly decrease your risk of starting a wildfire with every responsible fire safety decision you make. Doing all of these tasks while you enjoy your bonfire will help keep our community safe.
Fire can be unpredictable, and we know that accidents can occur at any point. Call us right away if your home has been damaged by smoke or flames.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.