Labor Day Outdoor Fire Safety Tips for Tulsans

Always keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Many Tulsa area residents are off work today…enjoying the lake…or planning a cookout in the backyard.  With all the Labor Day fun and relaxation, it may be easy to forget about safety, especially Outdoor Fire Safety. Countless forest fires as well as house fires are started every year because of campfires and barbecues. “Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans and can be prevented,” the Oklahoma Forestry Services reported.  In addition burn centers across the state see numerous patients every year injured because of preventable fire mishaps.

In order to have a fun and (the safe kind of) memorable Labor Day, remember these few outdoor fire safety tips: 

·   Make sure you know when and where burning is allowed. You can call the Tulsa Fire Department’s non-emergency line for more information.
 ·   Have tools like a shovel and water or a fire extinguisher on hand and ready to use. Always keep children and pets away from a fire.
 ·   Avoid playing games where objects are thrown around campfires or grills.

Oklahoma Outdoor Grilling Safety

·         Consider using a propane stove or barbecue grill instead of an open fire when it’s dry and windy.

·         Put barbecue grills over bare dirt or other fire resistant surfaces and away from dead grass and weeds. 

·         Never transport a barbecue pit or grill with live coals.

·         Build campfires in open, level spots away from trees and overhanging branches and preferably in designated fire rings or fire receptacles.

·         Never leave a campfire or cooking fire unattended. 

·        Completely extinguish the fire with water before leaving it. The ashes and coals are not safe to leave until they are cool enough to touch.  Wait until your grill cools before you put it away for storage.

·       Keep the grill away from siding or railings.

·       If you’re using a gas grill, check the gas supply line for damages and replace, if needed.

Camping Safety

·         Use flame-retardant tents.

·         Heating or cooking appliances should never be used inside or near a tent.

·         Tents should be pitched at least 15 feet upwind from fires and grills.

·         Maintain a clear area of at least 3-feet around all tents and grills.

·         When building a campfire, clear away a 10-foot diameter space, removing grass and debris.

·         Use a fire pit or other designated campfire space when available.

·         Make sure your campfire is downwind from your tent and other supplies.

·         When cooking over your campfire, always wear close-toed shoes and snug-fitting clothes to prevent burns and clothing fires.

·         Douse your campfire with water when you are done and make sure it is completely extinguished.

·         Make sure there are no low overhead branches or flammable materials around your campfire or grill.

·         Do not use gasoline to start your fire. Use kindling or fire starter.

Have a safe and fun Labor Day with these Outdoor Fire Safety tips from Mac Systems, Inc.

 (SOURCE: Oklahoma Forestry Services, CapitolBeatOK, American Burn Association, 2002,

 INTEGRIS Paul Silverstein Burn Center, and Metro Family Magazine)

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