(WFRV) – We’re in the thick of summer and with that comes the promise of barbecues, campfires, brush burns and many other fire-related summer activities, which is why it’s important that people know and practice fire safety.
According to UW Health, every year patients are taken to the emergency room with preventable injuries from fires that occur during these fun summer activities.
“Patients say they can’t believe the burn happened so quickly,” said Lori Mickelson, nurse and program manager, UW Health Burn and Wound Center.
Mickelson added that children are particularly at risk and should never play with toys or balls near a fire or be left alone near a fire even after it is out.
“Remind children that they cannot play in the embers and ashes of a campfire even after it has been extinguished for hours,” she said. “Coals and ashes can stay hot enough to cause a burn for up to 12 hours.”
In an effort to limit fire-related injuries this summer, Mickelson has provided fire safety tips to follow:
- Never burn with gasoline, diesel or kerosene as they can have the same explosive power as dynamite.
- Only burn dry materials and do not put anything other than wood or brush on the fire.
- Before lighting a fire, remove any contents that could cause an explosion, such as paint, spray cans, or fireworks.
- Build a fire in a designated fire pit or pit at least 15 feet from any flammable objects.
- Designate a sober, responsible adult to tend a fire and make sure others stay at least three feet away.
- Do not light a fire on windy days.
- Check with local fire departments for burning prohibitions before starting a fire.
- If you are physically unable to get away from a planned brush fire, reconsider the burn or appoint someone who is able to complete the job safely.
- Have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy and completely extinguish the fire before leaving it by putting out the fire, stirring the ashes and wetting it again.
