Dee Jepsen, State Agricultural Safety and Health Leader
Fire safety is important - even at a bonfire. Follow these recommendations to make your next bonfire safe and enjoyable for all:
• Use a fire pit, as opposed to just building a fire on the ground. Fire pits should be approximately 12-18 inches deep, at least 2 feet wider than the size of the fire, and circled with stones or bricks.
• Find a safe place to build your fire pit. It should be away from buildings, parked cars, overhead trees, and other fuel sources.
• Use a small amount of wood combined with kindling materials to start the fire. Never use starter fluids or fuel to light the bonfire.
• Don't let the flames get out of control or exceed 3 feet higher than the wood materials.
• Have at least one type of extinguisher on hand. This could be a 5-gallon bucket of water, a bucket of sand, or a charged ABC fire extinguisher.
• Have a shovel nearby to keep hot embers in check, and to help extinguish the fire at the end of the evening.
• Children should always be under adult supervision, and not be permitted to tend the fire.
• Fireworks and alcohol do not mix well at bonfires, and should not be allowed near the open flame.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand for minor injuries like splinters, scratches, and burns.
• Find a safe place to build your fire pit. It should be away from buildings, parked cars, overhead trees, and other fuel sources.
• Use a small amount of wood combined with kindling materials to start the fire. Never use starter fluids or fuel to light the bonfire.
• Don't let the flames get out of control or exceed 3 feet higher than the wood materials.
• Have at least one type of extinguisher on hand. This could be a 5-gallon bucket of water, a bucket of sand, or a charged ABC fire extinguisher.
• Have a shovel nearby to keep hot embers in check, and to help extinguish the fire at the end of the evening.
• Children should always be under adult supervision, and not be permitted to tend the fire.
• Fireworks and alcohol do not mix well at bonfires, and should not be allowed near the open flame.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand for minor injuries like splinters, scratches, and burns.
• Keep a cell phone on hand for calling 9-1-1 for larger injuries or to report an out-of-control fire.
For more information on fire prevention, including helpful worksheets for planning and preparing for fire emergencies, please visit the National Fire Protection Association website at http://www.nfpa.org
OSU Ag Safety programs can be accessed at https://agsafety.osu.edu/or contact Dee Jepsen at jepsen.4@osu.edu or 614-292-6008.