Happy first day of summer! Whether going on a road trip to a cottage, camping or just spending time in your backyard this season, make fire prevention a part of your plans. Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has the following tips to help you enjoy outdoor fires, barbecues and other activities safely.

Outdoor fireplaces, chimineas and fuel-burning appliances

• Before lighting an outdoor firepit or chiminea in your yard, be sure to obtain the required permit and ensure the City’s Fire Burn By-law 149-99 (PDF) is followed.
• Store combustible material and flammable liquids away from all fuel-burning appliances.
• Maintain a minimum of three metres between the fireplace and combustible objects and surfaces to prevent the ignition from radiant heat and ensure all chimneys and vents are free of debris. Check the unit regularly for cracks or other physical deterioration.
• Use appropriate insulating material, such as a metal or stone fire pit pad, between the unit and wood if it is used on a wooden deck.
• Burn clean, dry firewood only and limit the amount of firewood burning to ensure the flames are confined to the unit and do not extend into the chimney.

Constantly supervise the fire unit when in use and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Just in case, keep a method of fire snuffing nearby (e.g. a fire extinguisher, pail of water, garden hose, etc.) and avoid using an outdoor fireplace in high winds.

Barbecues

• Use barbecues outdoors only. They produce carbon monoxide, a scentless, poisonous gas that can be fatal in an enclosed space.
• Ensure all burner ports are free of rust, dirt or cobwebs. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure they are clear of any obstructions.
• Check hose and cylinder connections to make sure they are in good condition. To look for leaks, brush a mixture of 50 per cent soap and 50 per cent water onto all hoses and connections and look for bubbles. Replace, repair or tighten any connections until bubbles are gone. Never use a match or lighter to check for leaks.
• Clean out grease traps and keep grill areas free of debris.
• Place the barbecue in a safe area away from combustible materials, buildings and fences. Radiant heat from a barbecue can damage the siding on the exterior of a home or shed.
• Turn off the gas and wait five minutes if the burner does not ignite. Keep the lid open, then try again.

When using charcoal grills, only use charcoal briquettes (a compressed chunk of coal dust or charcoal) explicitly designed for that purpose and charcoal lighting fluids to ignite. Sprinkle the briquettes with lighter fluid and allow it to soak in, then wait approximately 10 minutes. Never add fluid after igniting the barbecue, and never use gasoline to light a barbecue.

Smoking

• Extinguish every cigarette or cigar fully – dispose of cigarettes in a proper ashtray that won’t tip or burn.
• Never empty the contents of an ashtray into garbage bins – this can cause a fire. Place a drop of water in the ashtray, then leave it to cool down fully.
• Never put cigarettes out in potted plants – moss, shredded wood or fertilizer found in soil can catch fire. Make sure potted plants are watered regularly and planted in clay pots to avoid fires.
• Never smoke around combustible materials, such as fences and trees.
• Never smoke in bed – falling asleep and setting the bed on fire is a possibility.
• Be extra cautious when smoking while drinking alcohol or taking medication.

RVs, trailers and campers

• Install a working smoke alarm inside the vehicle and test it at least once a month.
• Ensure propane cylinders are upright and secure when transporting, keeping the valves closed and protected.
• Ensure cylinders are on a firm footing and are kept away from flame, heat and exits when in use.

When using propane in your RV or camper, keep all combustion exhaust vents on the exterior wall and make sure they are clear of obstructions. Your RV or camper needs to be adequately ventilated to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide. It’s always a good idea to install a carbon monoxide alarm and propane leak detector.

For more information about fire tips and prevention, visit vaughan.ca/fire. 

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