Bonfire Safety Tips

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Cold weather is ideal for bonfires, and it is an activity that many people enjoy during the colder months. You may be planning a barbecue or a bonfire party, and we know you and your guests will have an awesome time, but we also know that accidents can happen if good safety practices are not observed at these types of events. With that in mind, we are going to share some bonfire safety tips with you today so that you can be sure that your event is memorable for all the right reasons. 

Never Leave Bonfire Unattended

Most bonfire accidents happen quickly, so don’t step away from the fire for even a few minutes. Keep a bucket of dirt or a hose nearby to deal with any incidents immediately. Being vigilant will let you address any problems before severe fire damage happens. We recommend that you wear hard-soled shoes around the fire, too, for protection from flying sparks.

Build In A Safe Location

Choose a location well removed from any flammable materials. Prepare a patch of bare dirt, dig a small depression, and surround the perimeter of your fire with stones; these steps will prevent your bonfire from spreading unexpectedly. Make sure there are no dry grasses, trees, shrubs, fences, sheds, cables, or wires around or above the bonfire. 

Choose Proper Materials

An ideal bonfire should be built only from wood, charcoal, paper, sticks, and other organic materials, and you should never use accelerants like lighter fluid or gasoline on the fire. These can cause the bonfire to quickly spread and even to explode. Once the fire is going, avoid throwing batteries, fireworks, and other combustible materials into the fire, and don’t burn items such as tires, furniture, or other things that are man-made, since the materials used in their construction can be toxic when burned. 

Extinguish Fire Properly

Even when a bonfire burns down, it still contains a lot of heat. Many fire damage incidents happen because a smoldering bonfire reignites long after everyone is gone. To put a fire out properly, spread the ashes out with a rake or shovel to let them cool, and gently pour water over the ashes until no burning or hot areas are left. If the fire is properly put out, you will not feel any heat if you extend your hand over the area above it. 

If you experience damage from fire, water, or a weather event, keep in mind that the team here at SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids is ready to help at a moment’s notice. We are disaster restoration experts, and we have all the skills and tools necessary for mold prevention and remediation, too. 

This SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.