|
 “With cooler weather comes increased fire risk and
we want everyone to stay safe and fire free this fall,” said Fire
Marshal Matt Perez. “It is important that people stay alert for
potential fire hazards and practice fire safety while enjoying the
cooler weather.”
This Fall, be sure to remove leaves and debris such as sticks,
branches and shrubs from the roofs and gutters of homes as they act
as fuel to a fire. These items should also be cleared before
lighting a bonfire. It is recommended that all recreational fires,
such as bonfires, be contained in a pit, with sidewalls, and do not
exceed 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall.
Avoid burning leaves and debris on windy days, as wind can cause a
fire to get out of control quickly. Always follow your local
ordinances when burning and disposing of yard waste and remember,
embers from burning leaves can spread and start a larger fire. All
fires are recommended to be a minimum of 15 feet from structures and
combustible materials and should remain attended at all times. This
helps ensure the fire is controlled and prevents it from spreading. [to top of second
column] |
Make sure all Fall and holiday decorations are flame retardant
and use a battery light instead of a candle in jack o' lanterns.
Anyone opting to use a space heater to keep warm should be sure
it is placed at least three feet away from other objects, such as curtains, and
always be sure to unplug it when it’s not in use. According to the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) space heaters account, annually, for 43 percent of
U.S. home heating fires.
All fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected before use to ensure everything
is in proper working order. Utilize a fireplace screen to keep sparks from
floating out of a fireplace and always put out a fire before going to bed or
leaving the house.
Additional fire safety tips can be found on the NFPA website or on the Office of
the State Fire Marshal website.
[Illinois State Fire Marshal] |
