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Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping,
family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also
brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor grills. Annually
more than 8,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and grill fires.
More than half these injuries occur during the first week of July.
The United States Fire Administration's National Fire Data Center
estimates that yearly outside cooking grills cause more than 6,000
fires, over 5 fatalities, more than 170 injuries, and $35 million in
property loss. Gas grills alone cause over 2,700 fires, 80 injuries,
and $11 million dollars damage. Most of the gas grill fires and
explosions were caused by gas leaks, blocked tubes, and overfilled
propane tanks.
In addition to outdoor cooking, improper use of fireworks causes
more than 6,000 fires and more than $8 million in damage.
Families also enjoy camping in the summer. It is important to
follow the park's rules for the use and extinguishing of campfires.
Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories.
Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone
have a safe summer.
Fireworks
Safety
- The best way to enjoy
fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by
professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
- If you plan to use
fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.
- Never light fireworks
indoors or near dry grass.
- Always have a bucket of
water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the
fire extinguisher properly.
- Do not wear loose
clothing while using fireworks.
- Stand several feet away
from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over
it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
- Always read the
directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not
marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not
light it.
- Supervise children
around fireworks at all times.
Barbecue
Safety
- Before using a grill,
check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line.
Make sure the venturi tubes - where the
air and gas mix - are not blocked.
- Do not overfill the
propane tank.
- Do not wear loose
clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
- Be careful when using
lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the
flame can flashback up into the container
and explode.
- Keep all matches and
lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any
loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise
children around outdoor grills.
- Dispose of hot coals
properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to
ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or
wooden containers.
- Never grill/barbecue in
enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
- Make sure everyone knows
to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch
fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants
serious medical attention.
Campfire
Safety
- Build campfires where
they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
- Keep campfires small,
and don't let them get out of hand.
- Keep plenty of water and
a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done. Stir it and
douse it again with water.
- Never leave campfires
unattended.
Related Publications (Download)
 Topical Fire
Report Series: The Dangers of Fireworks (PDF, 148 Kb)
Topical Fire
Report Series: Grill Fires (PDF, 139 Kb)
Topical Fire
Report Series: Lightning Fires (PDF, 117 Kb)
Links of Interest
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