Backyard Fires & Fun This Summer | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan.

The summer months are sacred in the Midwest, and it is no different here in Gillette, Sheridan. Spending quality time with family in your backyard enjoying bonfires, barbecues and s’mores can make for precious seasonal memories.

We utilize fire often with all kinds of summer activities. We light campfires, grill out for dinner and burn yard debris often—and we need a reliable fire for all of these things.

However, even if we are being responsible with our fire use, there is always the risk of sparking an unwanted fire. The National Park Service estimates that about 85% of wildfires are started by humans.

Armed with this knowledge, you should still be able to enjoy a responsible campfire at Canyon Lake Park, enjoy a summer barbecue or burn your leaf-drop in the fall. You just need to adopt some safe fire practices and you can continue the fun.

Recreational Fires and Their Risks

Whenever a fire is lit, there is always a certain amount of risk associated with it. When it comes to grills, bonfires and fireworks, that risk seems to grow exponentially. Ensuring that all of your equipment is in good shape and not cracked or broken can help reduce your risk, and be sure to always have someone responsible for the fire at all times.

If you have bonfires or campfires often, choose a location that is a safe distance away from buildings or vehicles, and only light your fires with matches or lighters. Avoid using gasoline as a starter or accelerant as that will only increase your risk of starting an uncontrollable blaze.

If you own one of those portable freestanding fire pits, they actually carry a similar risk as a bonfire pit. These pieces of equipment should never be lit on a wooden surface and should not be placed under an overhang or inside an enclosed space.

Once your fire is established, stick to only firewood as your fuel and move all of your furniture out of harm’s way to prevent it from accidentally catching fire.

If you are planning to celebrate anything this summer by lighting off fireworks, keep in mind that all fireworks are prohibited within city limits other than novelty fireworks like sparklers and party poppers.

Yards and Fire Risk

If you are considering burning your yard debris, check the National Weather Service website to see if our county is at a high fire risk or not. It is always important to follow all regulations, even if the risk is low.

Keeping your lawn clear and free of excess grass clippings and leaves actually reduces your risk of contributing fuel to a wildfire. Learn how to burn debris properly and be careful to follow all regulations.

If you are a frequent user of a lawn mower or other gas-using power equipment, chances are that you have a gas can in your garage. Improper storage of these cans is one of the most common reasons for house fires to start. Only use gas as fuel for your equipment, and avoid using it as any sort of fire accelerant.

If you take into consideration all of the suggestions above and decide to continue with your activity or project, do one final check on the weather conditions to make sure it will be safe. Any windy days or really dry conditions should warrant you to choose a different day.

If you do wind up with fire damage for any reason, call us at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan. We are ready to help you with your fire damage and we will work hard to get your home back to normal as quickly as we can.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.