Keeping Your Campfire From Becoming a Disaster | SERVPRO of Marietta West

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Marietta West.

A backyard fire is one of the great enjoyments of being a homeowner. Sitting around the flames while telling stories and eating good food is a believed summer memory for many people!

Many people use fires for cooking meals, keeping bugs away and as a way of burning excess debris. However, even fires that seem harmless can actually quickly become a danger. The National Park Service reports that humans are responsible for nearly 85% of wildfires.

In Georgia, people often believe that wildfires aren’t a real threat to us, but this is simply not true. Our high levels of heat and luscious forests provide the perfect environment for wildfires to sprout up and be sustained for long periods of time.

This reality doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy a fire at home or that we shouldn’t burn dead leaves. It tells us that we all should take the proper safety measures and never take additional risks when attempting to have a controlled fire on our own property.

Recreational Fire Hazards

All types of fires come with some risk, but fireworks and grills are two of the most common ways outdoor fires begin. Grills alone start approximately 8,800 fires each year, mostly due to user error. It’s crucial to double-check that the propane is off and that the gas lines are secure before using the grill.

If you decide to have a fire, pick a location that is away from your home, vehicles or any excess piles of wood. Additionally, you should only burn wood in the fire and pay attention to the area surrounding the fire so that embers don’t ignite something else.

Many homeowners use a backyard fire pit on their property, but it’s important to continue following safety procedures just like any other fire. Portable fire pits should never be placed on top of flammable material, and make sure the flames are not on a porch or under an overhang.

It might seem like a smart idea to get rid of construction materials or general waste with fire, but this can cause serious health problems or allow the fire to spread more easily. You should only burn approved firewood to reduce your level of risk.

While fireworks are legal here in Georgia, it may be smarter for you to attend an official show and reduce the risk of injury or of starting a fire. Although the 4th of July has passed, there will be fireworks shot off all summer long. If you do make the decision to launch some yourself, always follow proper safety guidelines.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Given the risks that fires can have, they still serve a purpose in our daily lives. Areas like ours that see high levels of dead debris in the fall and winter may need to use fires to prevent the build-up of leaves.

In Georgia, we have a burn ban in place between May 1 and Sept. 30. This prevents casual summertime burns from turning into major disasters.

Making sure your property is clear of excess debris can significantly increase your protection against wildfires. Most importantly, knowing what to burn and adhering to fire safety guidelines can help you reduce the risk of suffering damage.

As stated previously, it’s best to avoid adding extra risks when dealing with fire, and this includes gasoline. Using accelerants can cause the fire to expand rapidly and get out of hand faster than you can react. You should never resort to adding gas to a fire, and make sure the gasoline is stored properly in certified containers.

It’s a smart idea to check your weather updates for any reason not to have a fire. High winds and dry conditions mean that your fire has a greater chance of spreading beyond your control, and you should think about postponing it.

If you do experience fire damage, call SERVPRO of Marietta West right away. We have 24⁄7 availability with a quick response to any kind of disaster. We always attempt to restore as much of your home as possible as soon as we possibly can.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.