24/7 Emergency Service
Keeping Any Backyard Fire Contained With These Safeguards | SERVPRO® of Westfield
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Westfield.
There’s no better way to spend the summer evening than relaxing by the fire with your family in your own backyard. S’mores, scary stories and hot dogs are just a few ways you can enjoy this special night.
We use these backyard fires and campgrounds for many reasons, such as our own entertainment, preparing a meal, keeping bugs away or as a way to clear our yard of debris, but even the most contained fires still have their own set of hazards. The National Park Service states that nearly 85% of wildfires are ignited by humans.
Texas is the second most common state in the United States for wildfires to burn. In 2021, there were around 5,600 wildfires. Many of these fires are started by careless debris burning, but dry conditions allow these flames to get even more out of control.
Of course, you’re still able to burn your debris, toast your marshmallows, light your tiki torches and barbecue your burgers, if local laws allow it. Having safeguards in place every time you burn can allow you to minimize the accidental spread of flames and enjoy your backyard fires.
Any open flame can be hazardous, but campfires, fire pits, grills and fireworks are some of the most prevalent ways outdoor fires are ignited. Grills are responsible for an average of 8,800 home fires annually, usually caused by improper usage due. Before starting up your grill, check the gas lines and propane tanks that fuel it, and always be sure to supervise your grill before and after use
When constructing a campfire, place it in a safe area away from any buildings or vehicles, and only use a match or lighter to light your fire. Once your campfire is started, make sure you only use wood to keep the flames going, and always watch the embers even after you’re done with your fire.
Fire pits are an easy way to create a camp-like feel in your own backyard, but this equipment should be used with the same precautions as you would a normal campfire. If you’re able to move your fire pit, keep it off of a wooden deck and away from areas with an overhang.
While it may seem like a convenient way to get rid of construction or household debris, you should only burn approved firewood.
And if plan on lighting fireworks to celebrate, make sure to set them off in an open area and give them room to land away from vehicles, buildings or other debris. Westfield’s firework laws allow you to buy and possess fireworks, but you should refrain from using them in certain areas, like near hospitals, churches and schools.
Fire and flammable materials still have a purpose even with their hazards. During the fall, if your yard collects a number of leaves and you don’t have a convenient way to dispose of them, burning your yard debris may be the easiest way to keep a tidy yard.
Before you begin burning, make sure your local authorities allow you to burn debris in the first place. Understand your area’s burn bans, and apply for a permit if necessary. In Westfield, conditions are particularly dry at the moment and officials have issued a burn ban until further notice. So, hold off on burning until local regulations say it’s safe to do so.
Clearing your yard of dead leaves and yard trimmings is actually a beneficial way to safeguard your home from wildfires, as well as strategic landscaping to slow the spread of flames before they reach your home. Knowing what is safe to burn and understanding the basic fire safety principles can help you keep any outdoor fire contained.
We all utilize our sheds and garages to store materials like gasoline, but irresponsible storage can have a devastating impact. Be sure to only store your gas in approved containers, and keep these containers in an area where kids can’t reach them.
Gas should only be used for its intended purpose as well, so even if you’re having trouble lighting that backyard fire, don’t turn to your gasoline can for any help.
Before lighting any fire outside, check our local weather forecast and regulations. If conditions are very dry or if winds are strong, save your marshmallows for a better day and reschedule your campfire.
And if a backyard fire inflicts damage on your home, contact our experts at SERVPRO. Our team has experience in dealing with the damage left over from smoke and flames, and we make it our goal to restore your home to its pre-fire condition as fast as we can.
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.