Outdoor fire safety

Published May 7, 2008
By 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Summer is near, and it is time to start making plans for outdoor activities. Children are out of school, baseball is in full swing, and the weather is terrific...this is the time when family and friends gather to enjoy the great out doors and fire-up the barbecue grill.

With summer, it brings along a few additional fire safety concerns. Please take a moment to review these fire safety tips and make your summer season a fire safe one!

Barbecues
o 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.
     - Never store spare propane cylinders indoors or near a heat source or open flame.
o Charcoal grills
     - Never use gasoline in place of charcoal starter fluid.
     - Never add lighter fluid to freshen a fire, but instead use dry kindling.
     - Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents or campers.
     - After cooking, soak the coals with water.
     - Charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes until charcoal is completely extinguished. Do not store grills indoors with freshly used coals.
o General information
     - Barbecue grills should be located at least 15 feet from buildings, overhangs, fences, trees or other combustible materials.
     - Never use water to control grease fire flare-ups on gas barbecue grills.
     - To prevent burns, use long handled utensils & flame retardant mitts.
     - Do not wear loose clothing and watch dangling apron strings and shirttails.
     - Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Lawnmowers
o Ensure the lawnmower is clean of debris.
o Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool.
o 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.
o Never operate a mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement.

Flammable liquids
o Store flammable and combustible liquids away from any open flame or heat source.
o Clean-up any spills immediately.
o Fuel lawnmowers or other gas power equipment at least 10 feet from buildings and allow time for equipment to cool prior to refueling.

Camping
o Buy a tent made of fire retardant material.
o Use flashlights or battery operated lanterns on or near the tent. Never use matches or candles.
o Build the campfire down wind and far away from the tent.
o Keep all liquid fuel away from the tent and children.

Campfires
o Only burn in pre-designated camp fire pits around Scott Lake.
o Fire permits are required from Scott Fire Department, which can be reached at 256-5130.
o Consistent adult supervision is required.
o Never leave a camp fire unattended.
o Do not store fire wood closer than 15 feet to any structure.
o Make sure fires are out before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
o Campfires at the Scott AFB Family Campground are prohibited without approval from the Scott Fire Department at 256-3378 or 256-5130.

Landscaping/gardening
o Trim tree limbs so they don't hang over roofs.
o Keep eaves and gutters free of leaves and debris.
o Clear weeds, brush and other combustible vegetation 30 feet from all structures.
o Check with local authorities before burning trash or debris. Burning on Scott Air Force Base is prohibited.

Enjoy and have a fire safe summer. Remember, fire safety begins with you.

For additional information, call the Scott AFB Fire Prevention office at 256-3378.