6/28/2012 - Dry Weather Intensifies Outdoor Fire Hazard

Date: 6/28/12

For Immediate Release:

For More Information:
Contact: Rick Anderson 
Assistant Fire Chief
(660) 665-3734

DRY WEATHER INTENSIFIES OUTDOOR FIRE HAZARD

(Kirksville, MO) –The hot dry weather can lead to an increase in outdoor fires of all types. A lack of rain has dried out yards, wooded areas, highway right-of-ways, wooden roofs and outdoor structures to the point of being very easily ignited even by the smallest of sparks.

Area residents are urged to be especially aware of the dangers posed by barbeques, vehicles, lawnmowers, fireworks, and smoking materials. Under the current conditions a small fire can quickly get out of control and spread to other areas. The following tips can help reduce the incidence of outdoor fires.

General Tips

  • Never leave barbeques or other outdoor cooking appliances unattended. 
  • Make sure outdoor cookers are in good repair and have a metal drip pan underneath to catch fallen embers or hot grease. 
  • Park on paved surfaces because exhaust systems on vehicles can easily ignite dry grass.
  • Clear away grass that collects around lawnmower engines because worn out lawnmower mufflers can emit sparks 
  • Allow your lawn mower to cool before refueling. Gasoline produces more vapors that are ignitable.

Fire Works
To help consumers use fireworks more safely, the following are some recommendations:

  • Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
  • Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay. 
  • Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials. 
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off. 
  • Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away. 
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. 
  • Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container. 
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. 
  • Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions. 
  • Observe local laws. 
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting. 
  • Don't experiment with homemade fireworks. 
  • Call 911 in the event of an emergency

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