Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky 12th District: County Urges Fire Safety Due to Dry Conditions.

 

Due to a lack of recent rainfall, the County is urging residents to follow safety precautions to reduce the risk of fires breaking out in Westchester. Residents should use caution when grilling or using fire pits and camp fires.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has declared a High Fire Danger Warning for Westchester County and most of the state. This is the second highest fire danger level and it means that Westchester is at high risk.

Here are some practical tips that cover how to safely use a grill or fire pit at home, or a camp fire in wooded areas where they are permitted:

Barbeque Safety Tips:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors
• Grills should be placed well away from the home and deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches, and away from steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves
• Keep grills clean by removing grease and prevent grease from building up on grill grates or drip trays
• Never leave a working grill unattended
• Always make sure the gas grill lid is open before lighting it
• When cooking is finished on a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container and place the container away from the house and any dry brush

Fire pit safety tips:

• Never burn on a windy day
• Ensure your fire pit is on an even surface to reduce the risk of fire spilling out on to the ground
• Clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 to 15 feet around the fire, and keep the fire pit this same distance from the house or other structures (for example, a backyard shed)
• Remember to think vertically as well -- there should be nothing above the fire pit, such as a tree branch, an awning or a covered patio
• Never put the fire pit directly on a flammable surface such as a wood deck
• Keep piles of material to be burned small, adding small quantities of material as burning progresses
• Always have a garden hose, shovel, water bucket or other means to extinguish the fire close at hand
• Never leave the fire pit unattended

Camping safety tips:

• Use existing campfire rings where possible
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves.
• Pile extra wood away from the fire
• Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs and other flammable materials
• Never leave a campfire unattended -- even a small breeze can cause the fire to spread quickly
• Drown the fire with water, making sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet
• Check rocks for burning embers underneath

Please stay safe!