Don’t let your summer go up in smoke

Take some simple precautions at the cottage and with barbecues, fire chief says

Yorkregion.com
June 24, 2019
Deryn Rizzi

The summer is a special time of year. It is known for trips to the cottage, barbecues in the backyard and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. But the summer also has some very real fire safety risks. With the proper fire prevention, you can help ensure your summer doesn’t go up in smoke.

If you have a cottage, it’s important to treat it like your home. That means installing smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. If there is a fuel-burning appliance, furnace or water heater, a wood or gas fireplace, or an attached garage or carport, you must install carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas. Not only is it the law to have working alarms, it can be the difference between life and death.

If you have an RV or boat, check with Transport Canada to see what fire-detecting and firefighting equipment are recommended or required to be onboard.

At home or at the cottage, make sure your barbecue is in proper working order by thoroughly cleaning and inspecting it. Empty the grease traps and use a pipe cleaner or wire to remove any obstructions, such as rust, dirt or cobwebs, from the burner ports. Before turning it on, check that the hose and all cylinder connections are in good condition. This is easy to do by brushing or spraying a mixture of 50 per cent soap and 50 per cent water onto all hoses and connections and looking for bubbles. Replace, repair or tighten any connections until the bubbles are gone. Remember to place your barbecue in a safe area away from combustibles, buildings and fences. Many people do not realize that radiating heat from a barbecue can be strong enough to damage siding.

Open flames are another thing that some people may underestimate. From candles and tiki torches to chimneys and campfires, all open flames can be unpredictable and must be handled with care. Never leave an open flame unattended, and always put it out when leaving the area and before going to bed. For the safety of everyone, keep a method of fire extinguishing nearby, like a fire extinguisher, pail of water or garden hose. Always get a permit from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service before any open-air burning and check the City’s Fire Burn By-law 50-94 as outdoor fireplaces or fire pits might not be allowed in certain areas.

With a few easy steps you can help safeguard your summer, so you can keep your mind on sun, sand and sprinklers. On behalf of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe summer.