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How to Keep Your Backyard Fire Safe & Contained | SERVPRO® of Beaver County
7/21/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Beaver County.
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 just one of the ways you can use it.
Many people use fires for cooking meals, keeping bugs away and obviously as a way of burning excess debris. However, these fires that seem harmless are actually a great danger to the surrounding region.
The National Park Service reports that humans are responsible for nearly 85% of wildfires.
In Pennsylvania, we see a high risk of wildfires, due to the high heat in the warmer months combined with our thick areas of forests and foliage. This means that we need to be extra cautious when lighting fires outdoors, otherwise we could start the next outdoor disaster.
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.
As we mentioned previously, every kind of fire comes with risks, but fireworks and campfires are two of the leading causes of wildfires. On average, grills start 8,800 home fires each year, typically caused by improper use. It’s important to check the propane or coals before leaving the grill unattended after use.
When constructing a campfire it’s important to pick a spot with ample space around it so that nothing else catches on fire. Ensure at least a 30-foot buffer between any structure or vehicle, and only use wood to keep the fire going so that you can reduce the risk of a spread.
Additionally, if you have a backyard fire pit, it’s important to treat this equipment with the same caution as any other fire. This includes keeping it away from any overhangs and only placing it on rocks or dirt.
Many people choose to get rid of their household or construction waste with fire, but you should never do this—only burn approved firewood to reduce your personal risk.
Fireworks are legal in Pennsylvania, but this doesn’t mean you should carelessly launch these dangerous explosives. Make sure that your fireworks are only being launched on your own private property, and watch where the debris falls so that you can reduce the risk of an outdoor fire.
Although fires can be risky, they can still be useful in our area. We see a lot of falling leaves during the fall, and this can significantly increase the chance of wildfires when the buildup becomes too much.
Because of this, burning your debris might be the most effective way to keep your property clean and safe from fires.
Our local government has some complex ordinances set up to prevent wildfires from occurring, which can make it difficult to legally burn your debris. Here is a page from the Beaver County Fire Department that can help you perform an outdoor burn without breaking the law or putting our region at risk.
Along with clearing dead debris from your property, landscaping your yard to stop the spread of flames can greatly reduce the chance of suffering wildfire damage near your home. Most importantly, knowing what to burn and adhering to the safety guidelines can help you stay safe with fires.
Many people keep their extra gasoline or oil stored in the garage or shed. However, this can actually put your home at a greater risk of suffering a fire. Make sure that you only store these dangerous materials in proper containers with safety locks that guard against leakage or curious children and animals.
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 Beaver County 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.