Page 58 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2021

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
FIRE SAFETY
story by Victoria Snyder
It’s warm again – maybe you’re planning on enjoying the nice weather by going to a bonfire, lighting up the grill, or shooting some celebratory fireworks. When lighting a fire of any kind, it’s important to know some fire safety basics so that you and whoever you’re with don’t get hurt – or start a much worse fire.
Keep in mind that during hotter and drier months, there is much less water in the air and on the ground. “When the environment is drier, sparks caused by human activities are more likely to turn into bigger, and more difficult to control, fires,” Long Beach Fire Prevention Officer Lieutenant Tim Darden explains. It is important to make sure that any outdoor fire is never left unattended.
If you plan to have a bonfire
or any sort of burn pile, make sure that it is kept small and manageable in a safe area away from other structures. “Never use
gas or other flammable liquids to ignite a fire,” Inspector Darden says. “If possible, kindling or paper is recommended and is much safer. If a lighting fluid is required, use only proper lighting fluid and use it sparingly.”
When cooking outdoors, practice safe grilling by maintaining a three-foot brush-free zone around outdoor grills and propane tanks, never grilling under or near a flammable structure, and keeping children and pets at least three feet away from the grill when it is hot. “Make sure to keep your grill clean so leftover fat and grease will not catch fire.”
If you’re looking to shoot fireworks, make sure that they are legal where you live. If they are, keep in mind that: they should be discharged away from combustible materials, onlookers should stay upwind and a safe distance away, and only light one at a time from
a safe base – you should never
shoot them out of your hand. “It is always safer and cheaper to attend public fireworks displays,” reminds Lieutenant Darden. Most professional firework displays are sure to be more impressive than any fireworks you could set off at home.
With a fire of any kind, make
sure that you have a water source nearby and/or a fire extinguisher on hand. “Know how to use your fire extinguisher. If you have several, check the operating instructions for each – they do differ.”
Before starting a fire, make sure to check that weather is not dry or windy because either of these conditions can quickly cause
the fire to spread out of control. “If in doubt, call your local fire department. Your local authority having jurisdiction can tell you
if it is safe and legal to have a controlled burn at that time.”
“When the environment is drier, sparks caused by human activities are more likely to turn into bigger, and more difficult to control, fires.”
— Long Beach Fire Prevention Officer Lieutenant Tim Darden
58 | July 2021 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
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