Seasonal Fire Safety
Spring
Safe Grilling: Avoid grilling in enclosed areas or near buildings. Dispose of hot coals properly by dousing them with water. Never place warm coals in plastic, paper, or wooden containers.
Outdoor Burning: When cleaning your yard, throw away small sticks, leaves and pine cones instead of throwing them into a burn pile. These light items can burn quickly and float away to other areas of your yard.
Summer
Lighting Fireworks: Read the directions and warning labels on fireworks before using. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it. Put it out with water and dispose of it safely. Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
Tending Campfires: Build small campfires away from dry areas keeping water and a shovel nearby to put out the flames before you leave camp or go to bed.
Fall
Holiday Decorating: Inspect holiday decorations each year for frayed wires, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive wear. Do not use any damaged lights.
Christmas Trees: If you're planning to display a natural Christmas tree, do not place it close to a heat source. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited. Make sure the tree stand is always filled with water and when the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
Winter
Portable Heaters: Make sure your space heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Heaters should not be used as dryers or tabletops.
Wood Burning Fireplaces: Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Never wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.