Chief Scott Wiley and the Winthrop Fire Department would like to provide safety tips for grilling and fire pit use as warmer weather approaches.
The Winthrop Fire Department would like to remind residents of fire pit and outdoor grill safety, as the start of summer and outdoor gatherings are expected to take place.
Chief Wiley would like to share the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:
-Make sure the fire and/or smoke does not pose a hazard to any property
-Smoke from the fire should not create a nuisance or health hazard in the neighborhood
-Only ordinary and dry firewood can be burned in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit
-No construction debris, leaves, hazardous waste, or chemicals may be burned at any time
-Ensure that your fire pit is on a non-combustible surface at grade level (i.e. not on a deck) and is not under any type of overhang, roof or canopy
-A water supply or fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing the fire is within 75 feet of the fire pit or outdoor fireplace
-Common sense must be used (i.e. a competent adult must be in attendance) The hot fire pit should always be considered a hazard to curious children, hot embers routinely are sent into the air from these fireplaces, a screen should be in place to prevent the embers from igniting nearby guests or combustibles
-Make sure the fire is completely extinguished/put out before going inside
-Never leave an open fire unattended
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane) Grills
According to Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR Section 6.07: (5), States: “Storage or use of LP-Gas containers above the first floor of a building used for
habitation is prohibited.”
-Never leave a burning grill unattended.
-Make sure that the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
-If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
-Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when you are done cooking.
-Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
-Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
-Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
-Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.
Grills or Live Fire on Porches and Decks
-Always grill outdoors.
-Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
-Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
-Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
-Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
-Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
-Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
The Winthrop Fire Department would like to emphasize that outside fires on public beaches are prohibited. Residents should also be mindful of wind currents when burning and only burn when air quality is acceptable.
Stay up-to-date on burning regulations by contacting the Winthrop Fire Department on their non-emergency line at 617-846-3474.
In case of emergency if the smoke/fire from your fire pit or grill is growing at a rapid rate, or you need assistance extinguishing the flames do not hesitate to call 911.
If the fire department responds to any house for any type of outside fire, they have the right to order any fire be extinguished at the fire officer’s discretion.
