HomeFamily Fire SafetyProgramsWinter Fires and HeatingSenior Fire SafetyFire Prevention Week EventsResidential Sprinkler SystemsThe BureauFire TimelineKnox County Fire StatisticsFire FightsGrills and FireworksThe ABC's of Fire ExtinguishersHeat Lamp Fire HazardsWater Safety
Grills and Fireworks

Summer Fire Safety

DSC0798-1.jpg

 

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.


USFA'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.

Knox County Fire Code Section 300 Open Flames

308.3.1 Open-flame cooking devices.  Charcoal burners and other open flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

308.3.1.1 Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices. LP-gas burners having an LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Barbecue Safety

  • Position the grill well away from siding,deck railings, and out from under eaves. Remember, the grill must be 10 feet away from any combustibles and can not be used on balconies or patios of Multi-Family Dwellings. Multi-Family Dwellings includes apartments and attached condos. 
  • 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 or have leaks. 
  • 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.
  • Use proper lighting techniques. An accumulation of gas when lighting can result in a serious explosion.
  • 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.

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.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher handy this summer