Summer’s warmer weather makes it a perfect season for spending time outdoors; however, many dangers associated with outdoor summer activities  can lead to unwanted fires. It’s important to be knowledgeable about summer fire safety while camping, grilling, boating, setting off fireworks, swimming, and beyond. Consider these summer fire safety tips for summer 2022.

Camping/Bonfires  

If your campsite or bonfire location does not have a designated fire pit, make sure that you are allowed to have a fire there. Then choose a spot with no overhanging tree branches that’s no less than 10 feet from anything flammable, clear away all vegetation, dig a pit, and surround it with stones. Once lit, stay at least 30 inches from the fire to avoid burn. No matter the location of your bonfire, have a bucket of water or access to a hose or other water source, or an appropriate extinguisher close by.

Fireworks

More fires are reported on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.  47% of these reported fires are caused by fireworks. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) suggests that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional display.

However, should you choose to set off fireworks yourself, it’s good to:

  • Make sure you’re only using legal fireworks.
  • Store them in a cool, dry place.
  • Exercise extreme caution and avoid intoxication while setting them off.
  • Stay as far as possible from surrounding buildings.
  • Dispose of the fireworks properly, after they have fully cooled down.
  • Keep water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.

It is illegal to set off fireworks within 100 yards of certain industrial facilities, but if your business is located in a residential area, the dangers of your building catching fire increase. It’s important to make sure your business/warehouse has the appropriate fire detection and suppression technologies in place, should fireworks nearby ignite a fire at your facility. 

BBQ

July is also a peak month for grill fires. When grilling this summer, always make sure to start with a clean grill to help avoid grease fires. Only use your grill or smoker outside and keep it safe distance from any nearby structures, including tree branches. Before fully lighting up your gas grill, check to make sure that it is working properly. While letting your grill heat up, cooking, and while the grill cools down, do not leave it unattended. As a precaution, keep a hose, bucket of water, and/or extinguisher close by.

It’s important to also note that at a gathering where grills or other heat sources are used, a designated person should be in charge of staying with the grill and making sure it’s not knocked over or left turned on. In the bustle of an outdoor parties, the dangers may be enhanced.

Boating Fires

As the number of boats on the water increases, so does the number of boat fires. Most boat fires are caused by electrical and/or fuel systems issues. This makes it important to keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher onboard. Many types of boats are required by law to have an extinguisher on board. Should a fire occur on board, the US Coast Guard recommends that you:

  1. Locate the fire.
  2. Inform all passengers and don life vests in the event of needing to abandon ship.
  3. Make a distress call to the US Coast Guard.
  4. Shut off power to electrical systems.
  5. Restrict and extinguish the fire.
  6. Monitor for reignition, using water to cool the area if necessary.
  7. Cancel your distress call if you no longer need assistance.

Swimming Pools 

You may not think of fires when you think of swimming, but both the chemicals and the machines used to maintain water quality can create a ripe environment for fire. Be prepared by having a regularly maintained portable fire extinguisher, regularly maintained pump systems, and properly storing any pool chemicals.

Get prepared with Fire Systems, Inc.

Summer is also a great time to make sure your business is prepared for the heat and added fire risk that summer can bring. Not sure where to get started? Fire Systems, Inc. is an all-services fire protection company in the Atlanta-area. If you have any questions or would like to work with us for your business’ summer fire safety needs, visit our website or give us a call at 770-333-7979.