Fire doesn’t take a vacation
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Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service’s tips for
summer fire prevention
Whether you are enjoying time in your backyard, taking a break to go camping or heading to the cottage, fire prevention and safety precautions should be included in your plans. Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has the following tips to help ensure you can enjoy outdoor fires, barbecues and other activities, safely.
Smoking
safety
- Extinguish cigarettes and cigars in metal containers, not in plant pots or on the ground, as dry grass, plants and fertilizer can be highly flammable.
- Never empty contents of an ashtray directly into garbage bins. Place a drop of water in the ashtray, then leave it to cool down fully.
- Do not smoke around combustible materials.
- Never smoke in bed – dozing off and setting the bed on fire is a possibility.
Barbecue safety
- Ensure all burner ports are free of rust, dirt or cobwebs. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear them of any obstructions.
- Check hose and cylinder connections to make sure they are in good condition. To look for leaks, brush a mixture of 50 per cent soap and 50 per cent water onto all hoses and connections and look for bubbles. Never use a match or lighter to check for leaks. Replace, repair or tighten any connections until no bubbles are present.
- Clean out grease traps and keep grill areas free of debris.
- Place the barbecue on firm, level footing in a safe area away from combustibles as well as buildings and fences. Radiant heat from a barbecue can damage siding.
- Always light the barbecue with the lid open. Open the valve at the cylinder, turn the barbecue on at the grill controls and then light the burner. If your barbecue is not equipped with an igniter button, insert the flame from a long match or barbecue lighter through the side burner hole. Have the match lit before you turn on the gas at the grill controls.
- Turn off the gas and wait five minutes if the burner does not ignite. Keep the lid open, then try again.
- Stay by the grill when cooking and keep kids and pets a safe distance away.
- Turn off all burner controls and tank valves after each use.
Outdoor
fireplaces, chimineas and fuel-burning appliance safety
- Ensure the required permit to burn an open fire is obtained from the Fire Prevention division and the City’s Fire Burn By-Law 149-99 (PDF), 395-2002 and 72-2005 is followed – outdoor fireplaces or fire pits might not be allowed in certain areas. Note: chimineas and enclosed fires do not require a permit.
- Store combustible material and flammable liquids away from all fuel-burning appliances.
- Maintain a minimum of three metres between the fireplace and combustible objects and surfaces to prevent ignition from radiant heat and ensure all chimneys and vents are free from debris. Check the unit regularly for cracks or other physical deterioration.
- Use appropriate insulating material between the unit and the wooden deck if the unit is being used on a wooden patio.
- Burn clean, dry firewood only and limit the amount of firewood being burnt to ensure that the flames are confined to the unit and do not extend into the chimney.
- Constantly supervise the fire unit when in use and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
- Keep a method of fire extinguishing nearby (e.g. fire extinguisher, pail of water, garden hose, etc.) and do not use an outdoor fireplace in high winds.
RV, trailer
and camper safety
- When transporting propane cylinders, ensure they are secure and upright, keep cylinder valves closed and protected, and plug or cap cylinder outlets.
- Ensure cylinders are upright and secure on a firm footing and are kept away from flame, heat and exits when in use.
- When using propane in your RV or camper, keep all combustion exhaust vents on the exterior wall and ensure they remain clear of obstructions.
- Ensure your RV or camper is properly ventilated to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm and propane leak detector.
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