Greenfield Fire Department's Summer Fire Safety Part 2

Editor's note: to see Monday's tips on safe grilling, .

Fire Pits

In recent years, there has been a new concern for the fire service: fire pits. Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambiance. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. 

There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit.

• Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
• Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
• Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
• Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not wear flammable or loose-fitting clothing such as nylon. 
• Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that will likely pop and throw sparks. Use of seasonal hardwood is suggested.
• Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
• Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.

Campfires

When choosing a spot to build a camp fire, follow these safety tips:

• Do not build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions. Do not build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires.
• Find out if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also beware of low-hanging branches overhead. 

When you're ready to put out your fire and call it a night, follow these guidelines:

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour lots of water on the fire; drown all embers, not just the red ones.
• Pour until hissing sound stops.
• Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
• Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
• Stir and make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch.
• If you do not have water, use dirt.  Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Do not, however, bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.
• Remember, if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!