Summer Fire Safety Tips

As the weather warms up and we are spending more time outdoors, fire safety should be just as important outside as it is when we are inside our homes.  

Careless cooking is the leading cause of fires in Regina and during the summer, a lot of families take their cooking outdoors to the barbecue. When barbecuing, keep these fire safety tips in mind:

• Barbecue on a solid surface at least one metre away from buildings and decks, with no trees or shrubs overhanging.
• Always light the barbecue with the lid open.
• Once the barbecue is lit, do not move it or leave it unattended. 
• Never use or store a barbecue indoors or in a garage.

Regina has firepit safety regulations in place to ensure the safety of your family when enjoying a relaxing evening in front of a fire:

• Fires must be contained and placed at least three meters from any buildings, decks, structures or tree branches.
• At all times, have a means to extinguish the fire close by.
• Only burn seasoned wood, manufactured fire logs or charcoal. NEVER garbage or paper products as that can throw embers and spark a fire.
• Don’t transport firewood as it could be infected with invasive beetles.
• Never leave a fire pit unattended or alone with children or pets.
• If smoke from an outdoor firepit or fireplace hinders the enjoyment of another person’s property, the fire must be extinguished.

Cigarette butts lead to dangerous situations if discarded improperly. Be sure your cigarette is fully extinguished before discarding:

• Use a non-combustible metal container partially filled with sand or gravel.
• NEVER butt out in flowerpots or planters. The peat moss can smolder for hours or days before catching fire.
• Do not toss butts on the ground or out vehicle windows. When conditions are dry, it could spark a fire.

Check your smoke alarms and always have an escape plan. Learn more about fire safety at Regina.ca