Fire Department offers safety tips Published May 6, 2009 By 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department 375th Airlift Wing SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Fire Department offers safety tips Summer brings additional fire safety concerns. Below are some tips to make the outdoor season safer. Barbecues Gas grills - Ensure all hoses are clear, firmly attached and without leaks. - Before having a propane cylinder filled, check it for dents, gouges, rust or other signs of damage. - Spare propane cylinders should not be stored indoors or near a heat source or open flame. Charcoal grills - Gasoline should not be used in place of charcoal starter fluid. - Lighter fluid should not be added to freshen a fire (use dry kindling). - Charcoal should not be burned inside homes, vehicles, tents or campers. - After cooking, coals should be soaked with water. - Charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes until charcoal is completely extinguished, thus grills should not be stored indoors with freshly used coals. General Information - Barbecue grills should be located at least 15 feet from buildings, overhangs, fence, tree or other combustible material. - Water should not be used to control grease fire flare-ups on gas BBQ grills. - Log burners should not be located closer than 25 feet of any structures or combustible materials, to include combustible fencing. When burning: - Children should not be left unattended and constantly supervised by an adult at all times. - Maintain a water extinguisher or charged garden hose in the immediate area until the fire is completely extinguished. - Should not be used when wind speed is greater than 10 miles per hour - To prevent burns use long-handled utensils and flame retardant mitts. - Loose clothing should not be worn and dangling apron strings and shirttails should be watched. - It's a good practice to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Lawnmowers - Ensure the lawnmower is clean of debris. - Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool. - Mowers should not be left running unattended. A mower left running unattended can be fascinating to a child. If the mower has an electric start, the key should not be left in the ignition. - A mower should not be operated where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement. Flammable Liquids - Flammable and/or combustible liquids should away from any open flame/heat source. - Any spills should be cleaned immediately. - Fuel lawnmowers or other gas power equipment should be kept at least 10 feet from buildings and allow time for equipment to cool prior to refueling. Camping - Tents should be made of fire retardant material. - Use flashlights or battery operated lanterns on or near the tent instead of matches or candles. - Build the campfire down wind and far away from the tent. - All liquid fuel should be kept away from the tent and children. Camp Fires - Campfires at Scott FAMCAMP and Scott Lake are prohibited without approval from the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron which can be reached at 256-3378. The following are authorized exceptions: - Cooking fires in portable or provided grills in assigned camp site. - Wood should not be burned in portable or provided grills. - Campfire pit located behind bathhouse does not require a permit. - Open burning is prohibited when wind speed exceeds 10 mph. - Constant adult supervision is required. - Camp fires should not be unattended. - Fire wood should not be stored closer than 15 feet to any structure. - Fires should be put out before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Landscaping - Trim tree limbs so they don't hang over your roof. - Eaves and gutters should be free of leaves and debris. - Weeds, brush and other combustible vegetation should be kept 30 feet from all structures. - Local authorities should be contacted before burning trash/debris. Burning on Scott is prohibited. For additional information, call the Scott Fire Prevention office at 256-3378.