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Stay Safer Around the Campfire & Reduce Your Risk | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen
7/26/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen.
Everyone can enjoy the warmth of a fire during a cool summer night. Cooking hotdogs and roasting marshmallows while cherishing each other’s company is a great experience.
Fires are used both in campsites and backyards for a number of reasons, including heat, pest control and the removal of flammable debris. However, our National Park Service has identified that about 85% of wildfires are started by humans, so it’s important to follow safety guidelines, even when you think you have a fire under control.
In New Jersey, we face a medium risk of outdoor fires, but our hazards grow as temperatures rise into the warmer months. Here in Bergen County, we face a relatively low chance of wildfires, but we should still prepare for this disaster.
Preparing for outdoor fires doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have fires when we want to, but it does mean that we need to be cautious. Following the right safety measures and never leaving fires unattended can keep fires safely contained without putting our region at risk.
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 leaving your grill after cooking.
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 have decided to implement a backyard fire pit to 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 you need to make sure the flames are not under a porch or overhang.
It might seem like a smart idea to get rid of construction materials or general waste with a 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.
Although fires have risks associated with them, they can still be a useful tool for us in more rural areas. When leaf buildup happens fast, using controlled fire to eliminate the debris may seem like the most efficient way.
But in order to reduce the risk of wildfires erupting, our state government issued this ordinance that bans the burning of any kind of refuse, whether it’s plant debris or waste. You can take your excess plant debris to a facility for disposal, or request a fire prevention burn from your local fire department.
Many people also choose to store gasoline in their garage or shed, but these accelerants can create massive problems in short order. Be sure that your containers are approved for gas storage and that no animals or children are able to come into contact with them.
When you want to have an outdoor fire, it’s always best to check local weather alerts first. If the winds are high or there is a dry spell occurring, postpone the fire for next time and avoid unnecessary risks.
Unfortunately, fire damage happens every day. If you suffer from a fire, call SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen. Our restoration experts will get straight to work and restore as much of your home as quickly as possible.
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.