Fire Safety Article

Fire Safety During the Summer Months

Although more fire deaths occur during the winter, Montana State Fire Marshal Allen Lorenz urges Montanans to be aware that many outdoor summer activities carry potential fire hazards.

"Children often spend more time alone or with less adult supervision over the summer," Lorenz said, "so parents need to make sure children know how to call the emergency services number to report a fire or injury, never to touch matches and lighters, and to get out and stay out of their homes if there's a fire inside."

Barbecue Safety

NFPA statistics show that, in 2002, gas and charcoal grills caused 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined property loss of $30 million.

• When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when it's in use.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills.
• With charcoal grills, use only charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a grill repaired by a professional if necessary.

Camping Safety

• Always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.
• Use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.
• Always build your campfire down wind away from your tent. Clear all vegetation and dig a pit surrounded by rocks before building your campfire.
• Store liquid fire starter away from your tent and campfire, and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Always put out a campfire when going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish the fire, cover it with dirt or pour water over it.