SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Spring is here and summer is around the corner, with backyard barbecues happening practically every weekend, the Scott Fire Emergency Services Flight would like to provide some facts, figures and safety tips on how to avoid Liquefied Petroleum-gas (LP-gas) mishaps and outdoor fires.
The leading equipment involving LP-gas home structure fires are hibachis and barbecue grills.
In the United States fire departments respond annually to an average of 1,170 home structure fires involving LP-gas grills. These fires result in an average of 34 deaths, 135 injuries and $48 million property damage.
Spark, ember or flame from operating equipment was the leading heat source for LP-gas home structure fires. The leading area of origin for these fires was the kitchen or cooking area. The leading factor contributing to ignition was a gas leak or faulty equipment.
LP-gas Safety Tips
- Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside the home.
- Ensure all hoses are clear of debris, firmly attached, and leak-free.
- Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than a pound inside the home.
- Do not store spare propane cylinders indoors, near a heat source, or open flame.
- Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
- Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when lighting a pilot.
- If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home.
- Ensure you have a five to 10 pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher within reach while cooking.
- Make sure all combustible material is a safe distance away when cooking.
- Portable LP-gas cylinders should not be stored in facilities.
Charcoal Grills
- Never add lighter fluid to freshen a fire (use dry kindling).
- Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents, or campers.
- After cooking, soak the coals with water before disposing.
- Charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes; until charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store grill indoors with freshly-used coals.
- Do not use gasoline in place of charcoal fluid.
General Outdoor Fire Safety
- Place barbecue grills at least 15 feet from buildings, overhangs, fences, trees, or other combustible materials.
- Never use water to control grease fire flare-ups on gas barbecue grills.
- Do note place log burners closer than 25 feet from any structures or combustible materials, to include combustible fencing. When in use:
- Never leave unattended, and supervise constantly by an adult at all times.
- Maintain a water extinguisher or charged garden hose in the immediate area until the fire is completely extinguished.
- Do not wear loose clothing; watch dangling apron strings and shirttails.
- Do not use when wind speed is greater than 10 miles per hour.
Lawnmowers
- Ensure the lawnmower is free from debris.
- Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool, and be at least 10 feet from buildings.
- Never leave a mower running unattended. A mower left running unattended can be fascinating to a child. If the mower has an electric start, the key should never be left in the ignition.
- Never operate a mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed, or basement.
Camping
- Buy a tent made of fire retardant material.
- Use flashlights or battery operated lanterns in or near tents, do not use matches or candles.
- Build campfires down wind and far away from tents.
- Keep all liquid fuel away from tents and children.
Camp Fires
- Campfires at Scott AFB FAMCAMP and Scott Lake are prohibited without approval from 375 CES/Fire Protection Flight, 256-5130, except for the following authorized exceptions:
- Cooking fires in portable or provided grills in assigned camp site.
- Campfire pit located behind bathhouse does not require a permit.
- In all cases, open burning is prohibited when wind speed exceeds 10 mph, and wood should never be burned in portable or provided grills.
- Constant adult supervision is required
- Never leave a camp fire unattended.
- Do not store fire wood closer than 15 feet to any structure.
- Make sure the fire is out before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
For more information, call Scott's Fire Prevention office at 256-3378 and remember to always dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency.
Following these safety tips should lead to a fire safe season.