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The original item was published from 5/9/2018 1:30:00 PM to 5/14/2022 12:00:06 AM.
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Posted on: May 9, 2018[ARCHIVED] Outdoor Fire Safety Reminders
Village of Westmont
Date Issued: May 9, 2018
A backyard fire pit or bonfire can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Unfortunately, outdoor fire accidents send thousands of people to the emergency room with burn injuries each year.
“Sometimes an impulsive moment and a bad decision can turn into a tragedy,” said Westmont Fire Department Public Education Director Larry Kaufman. “It’s important for people to keep simple safety precautions in mind when they are planning to use fire pits or creating bonfires.”
Before you gather around your backyard fire this season, remember these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
- Before starting the fire, check with your local fire department to make sure it is permitted
- Start the fire at least 25 feet away from a structure or anything that can burn
- Clear away dry leaves, brush, and overhanging low branches and shrubs
- Avoid burning on dry, windy days - it is easier for the fire to spread and get out of control when the conditions are not favorable
- Keep the fire small for better control
- Watch children while the fire is burning - never let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire
- Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids on a campfire
- Always have a bucket of water, a garden hose, or shovel and dirt ready to put out the fire
- Before you leave, make sure the fire is completely out
- Never leave a fire unattended
- If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll back and forth until the fire is out
- Treat a burn right away - Cool the burn with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes, cover with a clean, dry cloth, and seek medical help if needed
If you have additional questions regarding fire safety, please contact the Westmont Fire Department at 630-981-6400.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
