Keven Moore: What’s better than a bonfire on a chilly evening? A bonfire that’s safe and kept under control
It’s fall, and that means cooler nights. And cooler nights mean it’s time to gather around a bonfire. Bonfires provide welcomed light and warmth on a chilly evening.
Not surprisingly, bonfires come with risk. Serious risk. People – mostly children – are severely burned every year during bonfires. Fatalities have even occurred, most notably in 1999 when 12 people died and 27 others were injured when a bonfire collapsed during Texas A&M’s annual Thanksgiving bonfire.
Each week KyForward’s “resident riskologist” Keven Moore shines the light on America’s riskiest behaviors – from unsafe driving practices to workplace stress to common home accidents. And in the process, he provides the information needed to help people play it a little safer.
The term “bonfire” is often used incorrectly. A bonfire is a large, controlled burn often used for celebratory and party purposes. It is not a campfire or fire pit in your backyard. Depending on the size of your fire, you may need a burn permit from local fire department for it to be considered legal.
With a bonfire, the key is control. It is crucial that you maintain control at all times. Before starting your bonfire you should check the weather forecast for wind advisories and warnings on outdoor burning. Never start a fire under windy or extreme dry conditions.
When selecting the sight of the bonfire you should find an open area that is a safe distance from buildings, tents, vehicles, trees, dry grass, fences or stored firewood. The ground should be level and free from obstacles to prevent anyone from tripping and falling. A fire ring should be added to help with containment and to serve as a warning barrier for small children.
Make sure that everyone keeps a safe distance from the fire and does not wear loose clothing that can catch fire. Roasting marshmallows or hot dogs in a bonfire is not recommended for obvious reasons. If that is what you want to do, you should consider building a smaller campfire instead.
Remember to use charcoal or lighter fluid to start the fire instead of flammable fuels such as gasoline. When using lighter fluid, soak the tip of a stick or piece of wood to ignite the bonfire. Do not pour lighter fluid directly into the flames to start the fire. Remember to store lighter fluid in it’s original container with a lid, and do not place it near the fire or any other heat source.
It’s important to know that a fire can spread easily. So where and how you build your bonfire is important. If you are planning a bonfire, here are a few additional guidelines to follow:
(Wikimedia Commons photo)
‣ Warn your neighbors beforehand, so they know to expect to see fire or smoke.
‣ Light the bonfire at a time least likely to affect your neighbors – for example, not on a warm day when people will be outdoors and in their garden or lawns.
‣ Bonfires must be at least 50 feet from all buildings and combustible materials unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Anything which could cause the bonfire to spread within 50 feet of a structure must be removed from the area.
‣ Other combustible objects to steer clear of include sheds, leaf piles, fences, trees, etc.
‣ If you’re using hay bales as seating, place them at least 50 feet away from the fire.
‣ Before getting started, check that there are no overhead electrical, cables, telephone wires above the area that the bonfire will be.
‣ Only burn dry seasoned wood. Damp wood causes more smoke when burned.
‣ Use only hardwoods and avoid soft wood, such as pine or cedar that will likely pop and throw sparks.
‣ As a rule of thumb, the bonfire should be a minimum of five times its height in distance from the property.
‣ It is recommended you call your local fire department to inform them of your bonfire even if you have been issued a burn permit. Doing so, can prevent unwanted fire department calls coming to your home.
‣ If you are expecting a large number of people you should consider inviting your emergency medical and fire agencies be present at your event. If they cannot attend, ask them to be on the alert and ready to respond quickly if anything happens.
‣ Keep all points of egress clear leading away from the bonfire.
‣ Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of emergencies.
‣ In addition keep a minimum of one fire extinguisher rated 4-A available for immediate use during and after the bonfire.
‣ Have suitable first aid available.
‣ Never leave the bonfire unattended.
‣ Keep everyone back from open flames and ensure children are supervised at all times.
‣ Have an adequate amount of attendants for the fire and chaperones for the students/children.
‣ Do not throw fireworks, aerosols, tires, canisters, furniture, fabrics, treated or painted wood, or anything containing foam or paint that may explode or produce toxic fumes.
‣ Forbid any alcohol consumption around the fire area. Accidental falls into fire pits can happen and cause second or third degree burns.
‣ Treat fire pits as you would a pool and exercise similar caution around them. Never leave young children unattended.
‣ Once the bonfire has died down, drench the hot coals and embers with water to stop it from reigniting. Also consider covering remaining embers with sand.
‣ Bonfire attendants must stay on duty until the fire is completely extinguished.
‣ Do not put bonfire remnants (wood, ashes, coals, etc.) into trash receptacles that contain combustibles.
‣ After the bonfire party is over, always put the fire out completely. The easiest way to do this is with water or dirt. Then use shovels to turn over burnt materials and douse again with water or dirt. Do not leave the area until the pile is no longer smoking.
And, of course, it is also a good habit to always check with your insurance agent to ensure that bonfires are not excluded on your commercial or personal lines insurance policy. This guarantees that you have the proper coverage in the event someone were to get hurt or a fire was to grow out of hand and caused a secondary fire to your property or your neighbor’s property.
Be safe, my friends.
Keven Moore works in risk management services. He has a bachelor’s degree from University of Kentucky, a master’s from Eastern Kentucky University and 25-plus years of experience in the safety and insurance profession. He lives in Lexington with his family and works out of both the Lexington and Northern Kentucky offices. Keven can be reached at kmoore@roeding.com.
