Holiday Fire Safety Tips from the Fire Marshal

With the Labor Day holiday approaching, many people find may find themselves with a long weekend, and spending time with family and friends may be on your agenda. If a grill is involved Buncombe County Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton hopes safety plays a part of your day.

Did you know

• Grill fires cause an estimated $37 million in property loss each year.
• Almost half of home grill fires happen between 5-8 p.m.
• 58% of home grill fires occur during the months of May, June, July and August.
• Patios, terraces, screened-in porches, and courtyards are leading home locations for grill fires.

Top safety tips

• Only use grills outdoors, away from siding and deck railings.
• Clean grills often and remove grease and/or fat build-up.
• Make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting.
• Have a 3-foot safe-zone around grills and campfires. 
• Keep kids and pets away from the grilling area.
• Dispose of coals after they have cooled in a metal can.
• Never leave grills, fire pits, and/or patio torches unattended.

Planning a recreational fire? Buncombe County Commissioners recently approved a new section of the Fire Prevention Ordinance for open burning. Highlights include:

Bonfires and Recreational Fire

Bonfires 

• Stacked with a machine and are taller than six feet 
• Used as public events 
• Doesn’t include agriculture clean-up
• Must have fire department truck and personnel per the fire codes

Recreational Fires

• Typically, less than six feet in height & not contained by a fire pit 
• Attended as a public event & requires fire supervision

Exceptions and approved container and devices:

• A backyard fire at a private residence does not require permits
• An approved container is any device that keeps the fire from spreading at ground level 
• Must be 15 feet from a structure if the fire is under three feet in diameter and 25 feet if the fire is larger than three feet in diameter
• Must be constantly attended until it is extinguished or out