County Executive asks residents to be careful when grilling or using campfires and campfires
White Plains
Due to the lack of rain recently, County Executive George Latimer urges residents to follow safety precautions to reduce the risk of fires in Westchester.
“The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has declared a High Fire Danger Warning for Westchester County and most of the state,” Latimer said. “This is the second highest level of fire danger and means that Westchester has a very high risk of fire.”
Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie of the Department of Emergency Services said Westchester has seen an increase in wildfires in the past week. He noted that fires in forested areas have occurred on extremely hot days and in difficult terrain.
“Fires in wooded areas pose many challenges for the fire service. Access to fire can be difficult, terrain can be uneven or hilly, and water sources are limited. We are grateful to our firefighters in Westchester for the work they are doing to keep these fires from spreading so we can all stay safe.”
With no significant rain in the immediate forecast, Latimer urged residents to follow some practical advice provided by DES staff. The tips cover how to safely use a grill or fire pit in the home or a fire pit in wooded areas where they are allowed.
[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]BBQ Safety Tips[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]
- Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be positioned well away from the house and deck railings and away from eaves and overhanging branches. Keep grills away from steep slopes, rotting stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves.
- Keep the grill clean by skimming off the grease and prevent grease from collecting on the grill grates or pans below the grill.
- Never leave a working grill unattended.
- Always make sure the gas grill lid is open before lighting.
- When you’re done cooking on a charcoal grill, let the embers cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. Place the metal container away from the house and any dry weeds.
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[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Fire Pit Safety Tips[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]
- Never burn on a windy day.
- Make sure your fire pit is on a flat surface to reduce the risk of fire spilling onto the ground.
- Clear all flammable material 10 to 15 feet around the fire and keep the fire pit the same distance from the house or other structures (for example, a backyard shed).
- Also remember to think vertically. There should be nothing over the fire pit, such as a tree branch, an awning, or a covered patio.
- Never place the fire pit directly on a flammable surface, such as a wooden deck.
- Keep small piles of material to be burned, adding small amounts of material as the burn progresses.
- Always have a garden hose, shovel, bucket of water, or other means of extinguishing fire close at hand.
- Never leave the fire pit unattended.
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[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Camping Safety Tips[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]
- Use existing fire rings where possible.
- Build fires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotting stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves.
- Pile extra wood away from the fire.
- Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials.
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread rapidly; Y
- Douse the fire with water. Make sure all coals, coals, and sticks are moist. Move rocks as there may be glowing embers underneath.
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Publicado el 22 de Agosto 2022
