Keys to Summer Fire Safety

Summer is finally here, and Florissant residents are spending more time outside  around the grill, fire pit and campfire. These staples of summer, while fun, also pose their own dangers.

It might seem like common sense that a flame should never be left unattended, but safety isn’t always at the front of everyone's mind when they're having a good time.

Stephen Gettemeier, fire marshal for the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District, wants to make sure everyone understands the simple steps they need to take in order to ensure fire safety throughout the summer.

Gettemeier has put together a “Summer Safety” memo that he has placed on the district’s website. In it, he outlines the basic safety points Florissant residents should follow while grilling, using a fire pit or starting a campfire.

“While grilling, whether you’re using propane or charcoal, make sure you are safely operating the grill,” Gettemeier said. “There should be nothing combustible around. Avoid grilling on wood decks and keep a reasonable distance away from the house.”

In the memo, Gettemeier recommends using a charcoal chimney over lighter fluid to start a charcoal grill. Only a few pieces of newspaper and in twenty minutes the coals will be hot--and parents won’t have to worry about hiding the lighter fluid from the kids.

As for propane, Gettemeier advises that you always make sure the lines are tight. You can use a soap and water solution to look for bubbles along the connections, or even just sniff around the connections to see if you can detect a gas odor.

For fire pits, the fire cannot be over three feet in length, and a fire extinguisher should always be nearby. Gettemeier writes that the biggest concern with these has to do with amount of smoke created. He notes that if neighbors deem your fire to be “a nuisance or raise concern,” state law mandates that it has to be extinguished.

“When camping, make sure you follow the park's rules and guidelines,” Gettemeier said. “While we’ve had plenty of rain lately, making everything green and lush, it’s not the same around the state. It’s drier elsewhere, so pay attention to postings telling you what you can and can’t burn, or if you can even burn there in the first place.”

Overall, Gettemeier said he encourages Florissant residents to keep a cool head and practice common sense.

“Most of the calls we get are just simple accidents, like slipping on wet concrete or falling out of tree,” Gettemeier said. “Inattention is the biggest enemy. Just slow down, take your time and enjoy your summer.”