When soaring thermometers send you to the sea, take utmost care, especially when fueling and starting motors. Before these operations get underway, strictly observe the “NO SMOKING” rule and make sure the boat is completely “dead” with all engines, motors, fans, and heating devices shut down.  Wipe up any fuel spills at once.  Ventilate the craft until all fuel vapor odors are gone before attempting to start the engine.

On the water, as on land, good housekeeping helps keep fire away. Wipe up any leaking oil; don’t accumulate old newspapers, clothes, or trash; make sure the stove is approved for marine use and never fueled by gasoline; and comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations covering portable fire extinguishers by keeping one on board.

Closer to home, even the friendly barbecue can be dangerous.  Serious accidents are likely to happen when the backyard chef freshens a going fire with gasoline or one of the liquids sold as an aid for starting a charcoal fire.  The back flash when these liquids hit a live coal can instantly envelop in flames the arms and face of anyone nearby. Play it safe by never adding flammable liquid to a fire already underway, and never use gasoline, paint thinner, alcohol or similar liquids as a starter. Always ignite the charcoal briquettes in a sheltered area, out of the wind, preferably with an electric igniter, as contrasted with charcoal lighter fluid.

Never dispose of used charcoal briquettes on the ground, particularly in flower beds, where they can become a source of ignition for bark dust or similar mulch.  Better yet, leave them in the barbecue.  By shutting off the air supply after use, the briquettes will stop burning and may be used a second time.

Barbecuing should be done out of doors.  Never barbecue indoors, as an enclosed area can cause asphyxiation.

Northshore Fire Department -18030 73rd Ave NE Kenmore, WA 98028 - (425) 486-2784