Fire Safety
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Introduction > Take the Test > Fire Prevention > Be Prepared > Special Considerations > Smoking and Fires > Fire Safety Quick List
Fire Prevention: Outdoors
- Only use grills outdoors in flat, open spaces.
Never use a grill indoors. Make sure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your house or any building and not underneath a porch, tree branches, or any other covering that could catch fire. Make sure it's on a stable, level surface so it won't tip over. - Never leave a grill unattended while lit or hot.
Make sure your grill is completely extinguished and cool before leaving. - Make sure your grill is in good shape and follow the manufacturers' instructions.
If you have a gas grill, make sure that the hoses are clear and in good condition and check the tank for leaks prior to starting the grill. - Light grills properly and keep flammable objects away from grills.
Keep lit cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from gas grills. With charcoal fires, use a charcoal lighter fluid (not gas or kerosene, which can explode.) Once a charcoal fire is started, never add additional lighting fluid to the grill. Make sure you have oven mitts that are made to resist fire and long-handled utensils to use when cooking or handling the grill. - Never go near downed power or telephone lines.
These lines can have very strong electrical currents running through them. If you notice an electrical or telephone line has been damaged, immediately contact your local utility company. Also, make sure others within the area are warned of this danger, especially children. - Don't light fires or burn leaves without checking burn regulations.
Most areas only allow you to burn things outside during certain times. If the weather has been particularly dry, avoid lighting any outdoor fires. Be sure you have a way (water hose or bucket of sand) to put out a fire before lighting it. If the region is dry, don't light a fire at all. Always check with a ranger before lighting a campfire or the local fire department before burning leaves, twigs or other things outdoor. You can be fined or even put in jail if you light a fire illegally. And remember, never leave an outdoor fire unattended! - Store firewood, flammable liquids, etc. at least 30 feet from your home.
Make sure they aren't near other heat or electrical sources. Be particularly careful with flammables in hot weather.
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