State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers has announced that the Warning of Extreme Fire Danger that he issued last week is still in effect.
“Conditions continue to be very dry, even after the rainfall in many parts of the state in recent days,” Marshal Flowers said. “High temperatures are predicted for the next several days and Ohioans should not let their guard down. A spark, on dry grass, fanned by winds, can quickly get out of hand and put lives and property at risk.”
To ensure safety at your backyard cookouts or gatherings at a park or farm field, the Marshal provides the following advice:
- Do not burn for any reason except cooking/grilling or recreational fires.
- Never use a grill under a tent, canopy, or in a garage.
- Keep recreational fires contained in a designated fire pit, outdoor fireplace or confined to seasoned hardwood in an area 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.
- Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire – the flame can flashback into the container and explode.
- Supervise children around outdoor grills. Establish a three-foot “safety zone” around the grill to keep both children and pets at a distance.
- Keep a water source nearby – either a garden hose or buckets of water.
- Dispose of hot coals properly – douse all of them, not just the red ones, with plenty of water and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
- Leave the matches to the adults and the fireworks to the professionals. That means teaching children to take any matches to adults. Do not light fireworks. Visit a local professional fireworks exhibition.
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