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Practice fire safety this spring

  • Published
  • Scott Fire Emergency Services Flight
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Spring is here and outdoor activities are in full swing: backyard barbecues, camping, etc. The Scott Fire Emergency Services Flight would like to provide some facts, figures and safety tips on how to avoid LP-gas mishaps and outdoor fires.

The leading equipment involving LP-gas home structure fires are hibachis and barbecue grills.

U.S. fire departments respond annually to an average of 1,170 home structure fires involving LP-gas grills. These fires result in an average or 34 deaths, 135 injuries and $48 million property damage.

Sparks, embers or flame from operating cooking equipment was the leading heat source for LP-gas residential structure fires. The leading area of origin for these fires was the kitchen or cooking area. The leading factor contributing to ignition was a gas leak or faulty equipment.

LP-gas safety tips

· Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside the home.

· Ensure all hoses are clear of debris, firmly attached, and leak-free.

· Do not store spare propane cylinders indoors, near a heat source, or open flame.

· Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.

· Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when lighting a pilot.

· If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home.

· Ensure you have a 5-10 pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher within reach while cooking.

· Make sure all combustible material is a safe distance away when cooking.

· Portable LP-gas cylinders shall not be stored in facilities.

Charcoal grills

· Never add lighter fluid to freshen a fire (use dry kindling).

· Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents, or campers.

· After cooking, soak the coals with water before disposing.

· Charcoal produces Carbon Monoxide fumes--until charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store grill indoors with freshly-used coals.

· Do not use gasoline in place of charcoal fluid.

General outdoor fire safety

· Locate barbecue grills at least 15 feet from buildings, overhangs, combustible fences, trees, or other combustible materials.

· Never use water to control grease fire flare-ups on gas barbecue grills.

· Do not place log burners closer than 15 feet from any structures or combustible materials, to include combustible fencing. When in use:

· Never leave unattended; supervise constantly by an adult at all times.

· Maintain a water extinguisher or charged garden hose in the immediate area until the fire is completely extinguished.

· Do not wear loose clothing; watch dangling apron strings & shirttails.

· Do not use when wind speed is greater than 10 miles per hour.

Lawnmowers

· Ensure the lawnmower is free from debris.

· Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled
with the motor turned off and cool, and be at least 10 feet from buildings.

· Never leave a mower running unattended. A mower left running unattended can be fascinating to a child. If the mower has an electric start, the key should never be left in the ignition.

· Never operate a mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed, or basement.

Camping

· Use flashlights or battery operated lanterns in or near tents; do not use matches or candles.

· Build campfires down wind and far away from tents.

· Keep all liquid fuel away from tents and children.

Camp fires

· Campfires at Scott AFB FAMCAMP and Scott Lake are prohibited without approval from 375th CES Fire Protection Flight, 256-5130, except for the following authorized exceptions:

· Cooking fires in portable or provided grills in assigned camp site.

· Campfire pit located behind bathhouse does not require a permit.

· In all cases, open burning is prohibited when wind speed exceeds 10 mph, and wood should never be burned in portable or provided grills.

· Constant adult supervision is required.

· Never leave a campfire unattended.

· Do not store firewood closer than 15 feet to any structure.

· Make sure the fire is out before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.

For more information call Scott's Fire Prevention office at 256-3378.