Fall Plans That Require Fire Safety | SERVPRO® of Fenton/South Ballwin

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Fenton/South Ballwin is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

It’s autumn again, and it’s easy to tell—temperatures are lower for longer, trees are showing their loveliest colors and the Tigers are back on the field on Saturdays. Pumpkin arrangements are popping up at the local market, and you might even be shopping for Halloween costumes already.

But some of our favorite fall activities can present fire hazards if we’re not careful—so let’s review some of the most common.

Campfire Safety

Fall is the perfect time for a weekend on the campground, but it’s crucial that you know how to build and finish your campfire properly.

Make sure any open flame is at least 25 feet from tents or structures of any kind, and use a pre-built pit if one is available. Never accelerate your fire with kerosene or lighter fluid—stick to the slower but safer method of igniting kindling with a match or lighter.

Embers can stay hot and reignite for a very long time, so make absolutely sure that your ash pile is cool to the touch before you break camp, dousing every last ember with water.

Leaf Burning

If leaves are falling and piling up, you could have them hauled away, or you could, as some residents do, create a burn pile and get rid of them the old fashioned way. First you’ll need a permit from the Fenton Fire District, then you’ll want to let your local fire station know you’ll be hosting an open flame.

Don’t burn anything besides organic yard waste like leaves, trimmings and small limbs—building materials or garbage are both dangerous and illegal to burn.

Use a metal barrel to burn your trimmings if you have one—if not, make sure you’re 50 feet from your house or any buildings, and out from under any low-hanging tree limbs that could ignite. A dirt area is best as well, because there’s less likelihood of any fire spreading with no grass for it to consume.

Halloween

Decorating for fall and Halloween are favorite pastimes for many, but always respect the danger of live candles, especially if any decorations are hanging—those cobwebs are especially prone to catch fire. And if you hang any lights for outdoor parties, be sure to unplug them when not in use, and avoid extension cords if possible.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.