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