Safety precautions prevent fires Published April 21, 2009 By John Martin Fire Inspector, March Fire Department MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Significant weather shifts change the types of fires we see each year. Outdoor fires predominate in the spring and summer, structure fires peak in the winter, and vehicle fires are highest in the summer months and fairly constant the rest of the year. Nearly half of reported fires are outside fires, which accounts for much of the variation in the total number of fires throughout the year. Outdoor fires occur with increased frequency during the holidays. Open flame fires--those started by matches, embers, or campfires--are the leading the cause of outdoor winter fires. The longer days and warming temperatures of spring are responsible for the highest incidence of fire among the four seasons. This elevated fire risk is largely tied to a substantial increase in outdoor fires, which includes grass, tree, and brush fires. High winds and low relative humidity in the spring warm the ground and dry out fallen leaves and other fuels. Lightning also begins to present a problem in the spring. Once started, stronger winds can fan an outside fire. Not all of these fires are due to natural causes. Warm weather brings people outside, and some of their activities--campfires, rubbish fires, outdoor grill fires--contribute to accidental fires. Children playing with matches, incendiary, smoking, other heat, and natural fires are at their highest in the summer. A large spike in summer fires occurs around the 4th of July. Natural fires due to lightning strikes are at their highest in the summer months, and the increasing use of gas and electric grills contributes to the summer fire problem. Fireworks sold for July 4th celebrations pose one of summer's greatest fire risks. State laws regulating the sale of fireworks have a direct impact on the incidence of loss. A large number of states have imposed stringent laws on the sale and use of fireworks or have outlawed them altogether. Most lightning strikes in the United States occur from June through August, igniting trees, brush, grass, or other outside materials. Overall, grill fires have increased. Charcoal grill fires have decreased as the popularity of gas and electric grills has soared. Gas grills (liquid propane and natural gas) have a higher percentage of mechanical failures/malfunctions that result in fires than charcoal grills. Let's take a closer look at safety precautions that can be taken before operating grills. Gas grills: · Inspect the cylinder of your propane tank for bulges, discoloration at the neck, dents, gouges, corrosion, leaks, or evidence of extreme rusting. Also, examine the hoses on your grill for brittleness, leaks, holes, cracks, or sharp bends. If you find any of these problems, it is time to replace the equipment. · Be sure to keep propane tanks upright, and move gas hoses away from dripping grease and hot surfaces. · Never use cigarettes, lighters, or matches near your gas grill, whether it's in use or not. You can't be sure that there's not a slight gas leak somewhere in the unit, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. · Propane tanks require sophisticated valve equipment to keep them safe for use with grills. Never try to remove the valve from your propane tank, because you'll risk an explosion. In addition, always close the tank valve when you're finished using it. · Never bring your propane tank indoors, and never store spare gas containers under or near your grill. Don't store other flammable liquids, such as gasoline, near propane tanks. Keep your barbecue covered when it's not in use to prevent hazardous situations. · If you must transport your propane tank for any purpose, be sure you choose a relatively cool day. Keeping containers or any other grill parts that are under pressure in a hot car will cause an increase in the pressure of the gas, which could cause an explosion. · Never dispose of your propane tank by throwing it in the trash. Check to see if there are municipal programs for collection in your area. If your grill uses a disposable tank, take care to use up all the residual gas before discarding it. Charcoal grills: · Operate charcoal grills only outdoors, never inside an enclosed area. Even if you've finished grilling, and you assume all the coals are extinguished, they're still producing carbon monoxide, so keep your charcoal grills outside at all times. · Don't wear loose clothing, especially long sleeves, while grilling. · Charcoal grills tend to flare up, so keep a fire extinguisher handy. · Use charcoal lighter fluid to light new coals only; don't use it on coals that are already lit. BBQ season is just around the corner. Enjoy the warm weather, friends and family, and good food while always thinking of safety first.