Spring is here,
remember your open burning permits
IN THE CITY
by Adam Rider
Spring is upon us and people are beginning to clean up wood debris in their yards.
Remember to stop by the Presque Isle Fire Department and get a new open burning permit for the 2011 season. Remember that big fires start small! We have had campfires that have escaped into neighboring tree farms or fields causing major damage. The permit holders are responsible for the fire if it escapes and may be liable for suppression costs up to $10,000.00 as well as any damages caused to other property.
A few safety points for open burning are as follows:
• Keep campfires small;
• Winds for burning grass should be 5 mph or less;
• Winds for burning brush piles should be 10 mph or less;
• Never leave any fires unattended;
• Always have adequate help for open burning; and/or
• Whenever possible have a garden hose or buckets of water available.
Grilling is another popular activity in the summer season. Every year dozens of people are injured and hundreds of fires are reported because of grilling accidents. With the growing popularity of outdoor cooking, the problem promises to get worse before it gets better.
The leading cause of injuries and fire from gas grilling is leaking fuel lines. Improperly connected hoses, cracked or broken hoses, misaligned venture tubes can release unlit propane that can quickly build up and cause an explosion. When it comes to out-of-control gas grill fires, identify the source of the fire. If the fire is in the grill itself then carefully turn off the control knobs and let the fire die down. If the fire is under the grill and you can get to the fuel tank, turn off the tank. This should kill the fire almost immediately. If it does not, or if you cannot get to the tank valve, get away from the grill and call the fire department.
Charcoal presents its own risk due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Burning charcoal produces a lot of this gas. There were over 20 deaths in the United States last year alone from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with charcoal grilling. The leading cause of injury related to the use of lighter fluids, is attempting to relight charcoal. Pouring lighter fluid onto hot coals causes the fluid to quickly vaporize. These vapors become extremely flammable. Without a strong wind the explosive vapors will not dissipate and will wait around for you to light the match.
Remember to test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plans. Let’s have a safe year.
Adam Rider is deputy chief with the Presque Isle Fire Department. He can be reached at 769-0881 or via e-mail at pifire@maine.rr.com.
