Remember These Precautions When Lighting a Backyard Fire

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County.

Backyard Fire Damage Caused When Lit

Sitting around a backyard fire with your family is a great way to spend a summer evening. S’mores, scary stories, and hotdogs are just a few activities you can enjoy around the fire.

Backyard fires can be helpful for enjoyment, preparing a meal, controlling insects, or clearing out yard debris. However, even the most contained fires still have their hazards. The National Park Service states that humans ignite around 85% of wildfires.

Wildfires create fire damage in heavily forested areas of Mahopac. The leading cause of these outdoor fires is improper open-burning, which leads to the spread of flames.

Of course, if local laws permit, you can still burn your debris, light your tiki torches, toast your marshmallows, and grill your burgers. As long as you practice proper fire safety measures every time you burn, you can still enjoy your backyard fires and prevent the spread of flames.

Recreational Fire Hazards

Every open flame comes with its own set of hazards. Still, barbecues, campfires, fire pits, and fireworks are some of the most prevalent causes of outdoor fires. Grills are responsible for around 8,800 home fires each year, usually due to improper usage. Before firing up your grill, check the propane tanks and gas lines, and always supervise your grill even after you’re done using it.

When creating a campfire, locate it in a safe spot away from buildings or vehicles, and only use a match or lighter to ignite the flame. Once your campfire is burning, use only wood to fuel the flames. Never leave your fire unattended, even after you’re roasting marshmallows.

Fire pits are a simple way to create a camp-like feel in your backyard, but this equipment should be used with the same precautions as a regular campfire. If your fire pit is movable, make sure to place it away from an area with an overhang and off of wooden decks.

While it may seem like an easy way to get rid of construction or yard trimmings, you should only burn approved firewood.

If you plan to celebrate with fireworks, set them off in an open area and give them room to land away from trees, vehicles, or other debris. In Mahopac, some fireworks, like wood-based sparklers, are legal, but firecrackers and cherry bombs are not. Even though the 4th has already passed, ensure to only light legal fireworks when celebrating.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Fire and flammable materials can still be put to good use, even with their hazards. In the fall, if your yard collects many leaves and you don’t have a street pickup or garbage disposal option, burning your debris might be the only way to keep your yard tidy.

Before burning anything, make certain local authorities allow you to burn debris in the first place. Stay aware of any burn bans and apply for a permit if necessary. In Mahopac, a burn ban has been put in place until further notice, so you should refrain from burning until given the green light.

We all use our sheds or garages to store materials like gasoline, but irresponsible storage can have a disastrous impact. Only keep your gas in approved containers and reserve your container in an area where kids are unable to reach it. It would help if you only used gasoline for its intended purpose. If you’re having trouble lighting that campfire, don’t turn to your gasoline can for help.

Before lighting any outdoor fire, check the local weather forecast and your area‘s regulations. If conditions are dry or there are severe winds, reschedule your campfire and save your marshmallows for a better day.

If an outdoor fire impacts your home, contact our experts at SERVPRO. Our team has experience restoring fire-damaged properties and can repair your home as quickly as possible.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090 to get restoration started faster if you have experienced fire or smoke damage.