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Don’t Allow Your Poughkeepsie Backyard Fire to Become a Disaster | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County
8/10/2022 (Permalink)
Fire Prevention outside is just as important as inside your Poughkeepsie home!
Everyone loves the atmosphere around a fire. Sitting at your Poughkeepsie home with your family roasting marshmallows or telling stories all night long is a great way to enjoy your property.
Fire is used in a variety of ways, such as cooking food, controlling bugs and removing dead plant debris, but every fire carries inherent risks. The National Park Service states that humans cause nearly 85% of wildfires.
In New York, we face a medium risk of wildfires. Although we don’t have crazy wildfires like some states, 95% of New York wildfires are caused by humans. This tells us that we face just as much risk as anywhere else because our actions are causing the fires.
However, this does not mean that you should avoid burning leaves or having a campfire with the family. If you follow the proper safety procedures and treat every fire with a high level of caution, you can enjoy the benefits of a contained fire while reducing the risk of disaster.
Fires of all kinds carry natural risks, but it’s been seen that campfires, grilling and fireworks are among the most frequent causes of outdoor fires. Approximately 8,800 home fires begin from the use of grills annually, so it’s important to double-check every part of yours before walking away from it.
When putting together a campfire, it’s key to select a spot at least 30 feet from any structure or vehicle. Beyond this, stick to using wood for fuel, as adding other flammable material could increase the chance of your fire spreading out of control.
Many homes have added fire pits to their backyard, as it gives a campsite feel while still on your own property. These pits carry similar risks to other kinds of fire, though, so make sure that you follow the same precautions that you would with any flame.
Additionally, a lot of people choose to get rid of household or construction debris with a fire, but this is dangerous to both your home and your health. Only burn approved firewood to reduce your risk of starting the next natural disaster.
In New York, fireworks legislation is generally left up to the county governments to decide. In Dutchess County, the government has approved the sale of small fireworks like bottle rockets and sparklers for civilian use. However, if you want to see some real explosions, you’ll have to attend an official firework show that is permitted by our local ordinances.
Given the risks that fires can have, they still serve a purpose in our daily lives. Areas like ours that see high levels of dead debris in the fall and winter may need to use fires to prevent the buildup of leaves.
Outdoor burning is legal in the state of New York, but there was a mandatory burn ban from March 16 through May 14 to help prevent wildfire disasters. Even though our burn ban period is relatively short, you should always use extreme caution when burning a large area fire.
Making sure your property is clear of excess debris can significantly increase your protection against wildfires. Additionally, you can use landscaping techniques that will help prevent a wildfire from spreading to your home. Most importantly, knowing what to burn and adhering to fire safety guidelines can help you reduce the risk of suffering damage.
Using accelerants like gasoline can cause a fire to expand rapidly and get out of hand faster than you can react. You should never resort to adding gas to fire, and always make sure the gasoline is stored properly in certified containers.
Before you decide to light that nighttime fire, check our local weather updates for any signs that a fire could be a bad idea. High winds and a lack of rain can create the perfect chance for a campfire to become a regional disaster.
If you are unfortunate enough to experience fire damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County. We have an expert team with training in every part of fire damage restoration, and it’s always our goal to have you back in your restored home as soon as possible.
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.