From Family Handyman · Noelle Devoe · · 1m 50s
Bonfire Safety Tips for Fall
Fall bonfire safety: 11 key rules to avoid fires and injuries.
In brief
Fall bonfire safety: 11 key rules to avoid fires and injuries. Backyard fire builders should check local permits, keep fires at least 25 feet from structures, and use only wood to prevent injuries and property damage. Originally reported by Family Handyman.
DO: Make Sure It’s Legal
Notify local fire department about plans to get permit, minimum distance from structures, fire size restrictions, and brush burning rules.
“One phone call to the fire marshal’s office takes two minutes”
DO: Choose the Right Location
Pick flat, open spot at least 25 feet from houses, barns, trees, and ground vegetation to prevent embers from igniting structures.
“Radiant heat and drifting embers are what ignite a deck railing, a vinyl fence or the mulch bed against the house”
DON’T: Forget About the Smoke
Build fire downwind of home, close windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering and triggering alarms.
“Even a small amount of smoke reaching an indoor smoke detector is enough to set it off”
DON’T: Burn on Windy Days
Reschedule bonfires on windy days as wind can carry embers up to a mile, causing wildfires or house fires.
“Wind can carry embers up to a mile, which means a bonfire on a windy day can easily end with a wildfire or house fire”
DO: Choose Wood Wisely
Use kiln-dried wood or seasoned hardwoods like oak, cedar, and hickory for cleaner, longer, hotter burns than soft woods.
“Kiln-dried wood is the best. Seasoned hardwoods like oak, cedar and hickory are particularly good because they burn cleaner, longer and hotter”
DON’T: Use Accelerants
Avoid gasoline and other accelerants as they cause burn injuries, out-of-control fires, and noxious fumes.
“Steer clear of gasoline or other accelerants, as they too often lead to burn injuries, out-of-control fires and noxious fumes”
DON’T: Burn Anything Other than Wood
Do not burn newspaper, cardboard, paper products, or items with adhesives, plastics, and chemicals.
“Avoid newspaper, cardboard and other paper products, which tend to break down into large flying embers”
DO: Keep Water Within Arm’s Reach
Set up water source before lighting fire to extinguish embers and prevent unattended fires.
“A fire that’s left alone for ten minutes while everyone goes inside for more drinks is the one that ends up on the local news”
DO: Designate a Fire Supervisor
Assign someone to supervise flames, keep kids and pets away, and wear protective clothing like fire-resistant gloves.
“The most common injuries I’ve seen are from people falling into the fire, and young children are vulnerable to this because they may want to play in the area where everyone is hanging out by the fire”
DO: Pay Attention and Have a Plan
Watch for loose sleeves, blankets, and combustibles near fire; know how to stop, drop, and roll if clothes catch fire.
“The old advice that we were told years ago is still true: stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch fire”
DO: Put It Out Cold When You’re Done
Drown embers twice to ensure they are cold to the touch before disposing of ashes.
“Embers can easily reignite hours or even days later, so the best practice for putting out a bonfire is to drown it, stir the ashes, and then drown it again”
The one thing
Backyard fire builders should check local permits, keep fires at least 25 feet from structures, and use only wood to prevent injuries and property damage.
