Outdoor Fire Safety: Enjoy the Outdoors, Protect Your Community

Outdoor activities like grilling, campfires, yard work, and holiday celebrations bring people together—but they also increase the risk of fire. Fires that start outdoors can spread rapidly, threatening homes, property, and nearby natural areas. By taking a few simple safety precautions, you can enjoy outdoor fun while helping prevent fire emergencies.

Grilling Safety

1. Use Grills in Safe Locations

• Keep grills at least 10 feet away from homes, garages, decks, railings, and overhangs.

• Never grill indoors or in enclosed areas such as garages or tents.

2. Stay With the Grill

• Never leave a grill unattended while in use.

• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.

3. Prepare and Maintain Your Grill

• Clean grease and fat buildup regularly.

• Inspect gas grill hoses for cracks, leaks, or loose connections.

• Open the lid before lighting a gas grill to prevent flare-ups.

4. Charcoal Grill Safety

• Use only charcoal starter fluid—never gasoline or other flammable liquids.

• Allow coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.

Campfire and Fire Pit Safety

1. Choose a Safe Location

• Build fires at least 15 feet from tents, trees, brush, or structures.

• Use designated fire rings or pits when available.

2. Keep Fires Manageable

• Keep campfires small and under control.

• Never leave a fire unattended.

3. Extinguish Completely

• Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until the area is cool to the touch.

• Never assume a fire is out based on appearance alone.

Yard Debris and Open Burning

1. Follow Local Laws

• Check for local burn bans or regulations before burning debris.

• Obtain required permits if necessary.

2. Burn Safely

• Burn only natural yard waste like leaves or brush.

• Keep a hose, water bucket, or fire extinguisher nearby.

• Choose calm, wind-free days to prevent fire spread.

• Never burn trash, plastics, or hazardous materials.

Fireworks Safety (Where legal)

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

• Keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, and dry grass.

• Light fireworks one at a time and back away quickly.

• Keep a hose or water bucket nearby.

• Never try to relight malfunctioning fireworks (“duds”).

Wildfire Prevention

1. Maintain Your Property

• Remove dry leaves, brush, and flammable debris from around your home.

• Clean roofs and gutters regularly.

• Store firewood at least 30 feet away from structures.

2. Use Equipment Safely

• Avoid mowing, welding, or using chainsaws near dry grass on hot, windy days.

• Sparks from tools and machinery can ignite wildfires.

General Outdoor Fire Safety Tips

• Always have a charged hose or fire extinguisher accessible.

• Wear non-flammable, fitted clothing when working near flames.

• Never leave any fire—grill, fire pit, or campfire—unattended.

• Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 in case of emergency.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely

Outdoor fun should never turn into a fire emergency. With just a few precautions, you can keep your family, your home, and your community safe from preventable outdoor fires. Make safety part of every outdoor activity.