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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Practice Fire Safety This Fall | SERVPRO® of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

A small campfire burning bright in the dark night Be mindful about the fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

The sweltering sizzle of summer is subsiding, and the relief of fall that many of us have hotly anticipated is finally here. Football and pumpkin spice are everywhere, the trails are calling and spooky season is around the bend, so it’s time to make the most of the cooler weather.

Every season, however, presents its own fire safety challenges, so let’s make sure we go over a few of the most important ones.

Campfire Safety

Camping is darn-near perfect this time of year, so get out and enjoy it, but make sure you know the proper and safe way to build and extinguish your campfire.

Fires need a wide berth—give at least 25 feet between your fire and the nearest structure, including your tent. Keep it out from under any low branches as well.

Stick to the old-fashioned method of a handheld lighter or matches and simple kindling; never light or accelerate your fire with kerosene or lighter fluid, which can create a fire problem you’re not ready to deal with.

You’re not finished at your campsite until you’ve fully put out your fire, either. Any leftover embers create a potential spark for wildfire, so make sure you use buckets of water to completely soak the fire, and continue to smother it until no glowing embers remain and the ash is cool to the touch.

Leaf Burning

Although fire pits and bonfires are allowed in Kirkwood with the proper permits and attendance, burning leaves and yard waste is actually illegal. Certain unincorporated areas of St. Louis County allow leaf burning, however, so it might be worth checking.

Any open burning should be kept 50 feet away from any structure, and all precautions should be taken. Burning of garbage or household waste is always prohibited (and dangerous.)

Halloween

Fall decor may include hanging lights and decorations, and of course all the pumpkin-scented candles. Be careful, though, as these can all present fire hazards.

Hanging lights should always be unplugged when not in use, and candles should be kept three feet away from anything flammable—especially hanging decorations like nylon or cotton spider webs.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

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