6 Tips for Preventing Outdoor Fires

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

As summer approaches, people are spending more time outdoors in their yards. While enjoying the Central Oregon weather, this is a great opportunity to get rid of fire hazards outside your home and create a fire-safe space.

Here are some simple things that you can do that will greatly reduce the risk of fire around your home: 

1.) Place your grill three feet from siding, deck railings, and overhanging branches.

Things like siding, deck railings and overhanging branches are fire hazards and should not be within a three foot vicinity of your grill. All it takes is a single spark for any of these things to catch fire. 

2.) Keep fire pits, wood piles and propane tanks 5-30 feet from your home.

Fire pits, wood piles, and propane tanks are extremely flammable. You want to keep these a minimum of five feet (more if possible) from your home. This will provide a buffer zone between your the objects and your home if one were to catch fire.

3.) Only light a gas grill if the lid is open.

You want to make sure to always open the lid of the grill before lighting it. If you light it with the lid closed, this can create gas buildup that could cause an explosion.

4.) Trim any branches that are within 5 feet of your home.

It is a good rule of thumb to trim any branches that are within five feet of your home. This creates a buffer zone if one of the trees were to catch fire. 

5.) Clear leaves and branches from roofs, gutters, porches and decks.

Leaves and branches are flammable, and you don't want them accumulating on your roofs, gutters, porches or decks. You should periodically clear these areas throughout the summer. 

6.) Remove dead plants, leaves and branches within 10 feet of your home.

It is also good practice to remove any dead plants, leaves and branches within 10 feet of your home. This creates a defensible space from fires.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions about fire damage or creating a defensible space, please do not hesitate to call the SERVPRO of Bend office at 541-385-7044.

Source:
U.S. Fire Administration