Safety Tips from the Heart of America Metro Fire Chiefs Council

Outdoor Fire Safety

Do your summer plans include camping or outdoor cooking? If so, make sure your plans also include outdoor fire safety measures. Each year, careless visitors start hundreds of brush and forest fires at parks and forestry areas.

Many fire dangers and safety problems are associated with outdoor fires. Burn injury and fire losses occur from recreational bonfires, campfires, and barbecues. Adults who have experience constructing and managing large outdoor fires should supervise recreational bonfires. Sometimes a permit for legal burning is required. If in doubt, call the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department's Fire Marshal’s Division at (816) 513-1700.

Using a campfire

Select a site downwind and away from buildings, grass or trees
Make a clearing 10 feet around the fire area
Place rocks around a campfire
Don't use gasoline; insead, ignite the fire with kindling or fire starter
Wear tight-fitting wool or cotton clothing while working near a campfire
Extinguish a campfire completely when retiring at night or leaving the area
Keep a pail of water or sand nearby

Using a gas barbecue grill

Check for leaks or loose fittings
When you locate a site for a barbecue, make sure nothing hangs overhead.
When lighting, light the match first. Then, turn on the gas supply and place match in ignition hole
Never store propane or butane in the house, garage or inside a recreational vehicle
Shut the fuel off at the bottle when done using the grille

Other precautions while camping

Use a tent that is flame resistant
Use only battery-operated lights inside
Place your tent upwind and away from cooking area or campfire
Fill a stove or lantern before use. Wipe away spills and allow to air dry before lighting
Wait for a stove or lantern to completely cool before refilling

Using a recreational vehicle (RV)

Use only electric or battery-operated lights inside recreational vehicle
Keep combustibles away from heat sources
Make sure there is a smoke detector installed
Have a fire extinguisher close at hand

Contacts:
Floyd Peoples, Chief Fire Marshal, Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department, 816-784-9100
Heart of America Metro Fire Chiefs Council, 9550 W. 95th St., Overland Park, Kan. 66212