Fire Marshal shares BBQ, firepit safety tips for dry conditions to avoid rapid fire spread

June 7th, 2023 | By Ryan Genova

The Jenkintown Fire Marshal recently shared a list of tips and suggestions to avoid the rapid spread of fires due to the dry conditions our area is currently experiencing.From the Borough's Facebook post:

Due to extremely dry conditions, the Jenkintown Borough Fire Marshal would like to remind everyone to use extreme caution using any open flame. Our region is currently lacking over 5" of rain leaving brush, grass, and trees extremely dry and vulnerable to rapid fire spread.

Barbecue Safety Tips

– Propane and Charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

– The grill should be placed away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Keep grills away from steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves.

– Keep the grill clean by removing grease and prevent grease from building up on grill grates or in trays below the grill.

– Never leave a working grill unattended.

– Always make sure the gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

– When cooking is finished on a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container. Place the metal container away from the house and any dry brush.

Fire pit safety tips

– Never burn on a windy day.

– Ensure your fire pit is on an even surface to reduce the risk of fire spilling out on to the ground.

– Clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 to 15 feet around the fire, and keep the fire pit this same distance from the house or other structures (for example, a backyard shed).

– Remember to think vertically as well. There should be nothing above the fire pit, such as a tree branch, an awning, or a covered patio.

– Never put the fire pit directly on a flammable surface such as a wood deck.

– Keep piles of material to be burned small, adding small quantities of material as burning progresses.

– Always have a garden hose, shovel, water bucket or other means to extinguish the fire nearby.

– Never leave the fire pit unattended.

Please also remember to discard smoking materials in proper containers and ensure they are fully extinguished. Lastly, The Borough receives complaints every year for fire pits. Be respectful to your neighbors, especially those with respiratory sensitivities. Any questions, please contact the Fire Marshal at (215) 885-0700. Thank you and have a fire safe summer.

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