STATE FIRE MARSHAL OFFERS OUTDOOR COOKING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr reminds Oregonians to be fire safe during summer barbeques and cookouts to avoid tragedy during summer activities. From 2003 through 2007, there were 214 barbeque-related fires in Oregon. These fires caused more than $2.2 million in property loss.
"Cooking outdoors can be fun and following a few basic fire safety tips will help keep it that way," says State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr. "There are steps everyone can take to be fire safe when cooking outdoors."
. Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors. If used indoors or in any enclosed space they pose a fire hazard and expose occupants to toxic gases.
. Place the grill away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
. Place the grill a safe distance from play areas and foot traffic.
. Keep children and pets away from the grill area; declare a three-foot 'safe zone' around the grill.
. If you use lighter fluid, never add it to a lit fire.
"It's easy to prevent fires from improperly disposed coals and ashes, says Orr. "Douse them with water and stir them until they are cool to the touch. Placing ashes in plastic, paper or wooden containers is a recipe for a fire."
In May, improperly disposed of ashes resulted in a fire at a Tualatin apartment complex causing $10,000 in damage. On June 28, in Vancouver a fire caused by ashes placed in a paper bag and stored on a wooden deck destroyed a 24-unit apartment complex and left 50 people without homes.
"These incidents were preventable," says Orr. These fires are examples of how carelessness can produce devastating results."
