Focus on Safety to Avoid Backyard Fire Hazards and Property Damage from Grills, Fire Pits, and Candles

6/28/2024 (Permalink)

Open flames are hazardous year-round, and the transition to warmer weather brings additional fire hazards to your backyard. As our community continues to navigate the global pandemic, outdoor gatherings in small groups have become more common, making our outdoor spaces more active than ever. BBQs, fire pits, portable heaters, and other open flames, while enjoyable and useful, pose significant risks for accidental damage.

Spring and Summer Fire Hazards in Your Backyard

Summer is a season of fun, family gatherings, pool parties, and vacations, but it's also a prime time for home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 350,000 and 400,000 home fires occur annually in the U.S. Understanding common causes of residential fire damage and taking preventive measures is crucial to ensuring your safety.

Common Causes of Residential Fire Property Damage

Grilling: Summer often begins with firing up the grill for holidays and barbecue dinners. Grilling is a popular activity, but it comes with risks. Each year, approximately 5,700 home grill-related fires occur, leading to significant property damage and potential injury.

• Prevention Tips: To prevent barbecue fires, always check for gas leaks before use. Regularly clean your barbecue to avoid grease build-up that can ignite. Designate a safe barbecuing area that is free of clutter, away from structures, and out of reach of children.

Fire Pits/Heaters: Fire pits provide warmth and a cozy atmosphere on cool summer nights. Their popularity has surged, but so have fire-related injuries and accidents.

• Prevention Tips: When using a fire pit, place it at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, including your house and overhead tree branches. Ensure children and pets stay at least 3 feet away from the fire. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is completely extinguished before going inside.

Electrical Fires: Residential air conditioners cause about 2,300 fires each year. These fires often result from inadequate wiring, heavy electric loads, short circuits, or other electrical malfunctions.

• Prevention Tips: Using fans can help manage your thermostat settings, potentially allowing you to set your A/C a few degrees higher. Adjusting fan blades clockwise can direct airflow downward, preventing hot air from rising and triggering the A/C unit unnecessarily. Regular maintenance and inspections of your electrical systems can also help prevent these types of fires.

Candles/Torches: Candles and torches add ambiance and help fend off mosquitoes, but they also pose significant fire risks.

• Prevention Tips: Place torches at least 6 feet away from the house and other structures. Avoid placing them under trees or overhangs. Never leave an open flame unattended. Always keep an eye on any flames and ensure they are entirely extinguished before retiring for the night.

Be Prepared: Fire Safety Measures

Being aware of fire risks is essential, but being prepared is equally important. Regularly check the batteries in your smoke detectors and ensure you have functioning fire extinguishers accessible. In case of a fire emergency, professional help is crucial for effective recovery.

The Damage Caused by a Property Fire

Fire damage is complex and multifaceted. Recovering from a fire involves addressing immediate damage as well as preventing further harm from smoke and soot. Professional intervention is key to managing this process efficiently and effectively. SERVPRO of Medford offers expert fire damage restoration services, helping to assess and mitigate damage, remove and restore items, and document losses. Their IICRC certified specialists are ready to assist in restoring your home and property to their pre-fire condition.

Why Choose a Professional Disaster Restoration Company Like SERVPRO?

SERVPRO of Medford provides comprehensive emergency restoration services tailored to your specific needs. Their experienced team understands the importance of a rapid response to minimize damage and begin the recovery process. Here’s what they offer:

• Full Damage Assessment: Their crews will thoroughly assess the extent of the damage, identifying areas that need immediate attention and potential hidden damages.
• Inventory and Documentation: They will conduct a complete inventory of all items removed from your property, taking photos and detailed documentation. Salvageable items will be carefully restored and returned after the restoration process.
• Swift Restoration: Technicians work quickly and carefully to restore your property, aiming to minimize disruption and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
• Comprehensive Services: SERVPRO provides a wide range of services, including smoke and soot damage restoration, water removal, and structural repairs.
• Insurance Coordination: Their team can work directly with your insurance company to streamline the claims process and address any concerns you may have.
• Construction and Rebuild: Experienced construction managers can seamlessly handle repairs to both interiors and exteriors, ensuring your property is fully restored.

By hiring a trusted leader in fire and water damage restoration, you ensure that your home repairs are handled professionally and effectively. It’s essential to find a reliable and experienced fire restoration expert capable of offering a full range of services to address all aspects of fire and water damage.

Fire safety is a critical consideration for every homeowner, especially during the warmer months when outdoor activities increase. By understanding common fire hazards and taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents. If you do experience a fire, professional restoration services like those offered by SERVPRO of Medford are vital for a successful recovery. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and enjoy your backyard safely this summer.