Fire Safety Tips to Enjoy the Summer in Utah

Summer is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy the outdoors, with sunny days, warm nights, and plenty of outdoor activities, but it also comes with the risk of fire outbreaks. Fire outbreaks can be caused by various factors, such as dry vegetation, lightning strikes, human negligence, or arson. Fire outbreaks can have devastating consequences for people, animals, and the environment. Therefore, it is important to take some precautions to prevent and reduce the risk of fire outbreaks during summer. Utah is especially prone to wildfires due to its dry climate and vegetation. According to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, there were 1,547 wildfires in Utah in 2020, burning over 300,000 acres of land and costing over $60 million in suppression costs. Most of these fires were human-caused and could have been prevented with some simple precautions.

Fire Safety Measures this summer

• Check fire restrictions before you go!

Before you plan any outdoor activity that involves fire, such as camping, hiking, or picnicking, you should check the current fire restrictions in your area. Fire restrictions are imposed by local authorities when the fire danger is high or extreme, and they may prohibit or limit certain activities that could spark a fire. For example, you may not be allowed to use open fires, charcoal grills, fireworks, or target shooting in certain areas or during certain times of the year.

You can check the current fire restrictions in Utah by visiting https://utahfireinfo.gov/fire-restrictions/ or calling 1-800-323-BURN. You can also download the Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (uWRAP) app on your smartphone, which allows you to view fire restrictions and fire danger ratings for any location in Utah.

• Use fire safely and responsibly!

If you are allowed to use fire in your outdoor activity, you should follow some basic guidelines to ensure that you use it safely and responsibly. Here are some of them:

1.  Choose a site that is away from flammable materials, such as dry grass, leaves, or branches. Clear a 10-foot radius around your fire and remove any debris that could catch fire.
2. Use a fire ring or a metal container to contain your fire. Do not build a fire directly on the ground or on vegetation.
3. Keep your fire small and manageable. Do not use gasoline, diesel, or other flammable liquids to start or maintain your fire. Use only dry wood or charcoal as fuel.
4. Never leave your fire unattended. Always have a bucket of water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher nearby. Keep children and pets away from the fire.
5. Extinguish your fire completely before you leave. Drown your fire with water, stir it with a shovel, and feel it with your hand to make sure it is cold and out. Do not bury your fire with dirt or sand, as it could smolder and reignite.

• Be careful with fireworks.

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate summer holidays, such as Independence Day and Pioneer Day. However, fireworks are also a major cause of wildfires in Utah. In 2020, fireworks caused 122 wildfires in Utah, burning over 2,500 acres of land.

If you want to enjoy fireworks without causing a fire outbreak, you should follow these rules:

– Only use fireworks that are legal in Utah. You can find a list of legal fireworks at https://firemarshal.utah.gov/fireworks/. Illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and aerial devices that travel more than 15 feet into the air.

– Only use fireworks in designated areas that are approved by local authorities. You can find a map of approved areas at https://firemarshal.utah.gov/fireworks/. Do not use fireworks near dry vegetation, buildings, vehicles, or power lines.

– Only use fireworks during the allowed dates and times. In Utah, you can only use fireworks from July 2 to July 5 and from July 22 to July 25, between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., except on July 4 and July 24 when the hours are extended to midnight.

– Always have an adult supervise the use of fireworks. Do not let children handle or light fireworks. Wear eye protection and gloves when using fireworks.

– Have a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher ready in case of an emergency. If a firework does not ignite or function properly, do not try to relight it or pick it up. Soak it with water and dispose of it safely.

How to enjoy this summer in Utah

Grilling Safety

Grilling is a great way to prepare delicious meals and enjoy the backyard. But it can also cause fires if not done properly. Follow these grilling safety tips to avoid accidents:

– Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house, deck, trees, or anything flammable.

– Clean your grill regularly to remove grease and fat buildup that can ignite.

– Check your gas grill for leaks before using it. If you smell gas, turn off the grill and call a professional.

– Never leave your grill unattended and keep children and pets away from it.

– Use long-handled utensils and oven mitts to avoid burns.

– Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.

Camp Fire Safety

Campfires are a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, roast marshmallows, and tell stories. But they can also cause wildfires if not handled with care. Follow these campfire safety tips to protect yourself and the environment:

– Choose a safe location for your campfire, away from dry grass, leaves, or branches.

– Use a fire pit or ring to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

– Keep your campfire small and manageable. Don’t use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or fuel it.

– Never leave your campfire unattended and always have water or sand nearby to put it out.

– Extinguish your campfire completely before leaving or going to sleep. Douse it with water, stir it with a shovel, and make sure no embers are glowing.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate holidays like Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. But they can also cause injuries and fires if not used safely. Follow these fireworks safety tips to enjoy them responsibly:

– Only use legal fireworks that are approved by your local authorities. Avoid homemade or illegal fireworks that can explode unpredictably.

– Follow the instructions on the fireworks package and never modify them.

– Only light fireworks outdoors in a clear and open area, away from people, animals, buildings, or vehicles.

– Wear eye protection and gloves when handling fireworks and never point them at yourself or others.

– Light one firework at a time and move away quickly after lighting it.

– Never relight a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in water.

– Dispose of used fireworks safely by soaking them in water and placing them in a metal trash can.

We hope these fire safety tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable summer. But if you do experience a fire emergency, don’t hesitate to call PuroClean of Bluffdale at (801) 254-6204. We are available 24/7 to provide fast and professional fire damage restoration services. We will clean up the smoke, soot, odor, and water damage caused by the fire and restore your property to its pre-loss condition. Contact us today for more information or an estimate.