Outdoor Fire Safety

Back in 2018 we did a blog post on fire safety. At that time, we referred to indoor/house fires. We’ve been in a drought for months and under a burn ban for nearly as long, so today, let’s look at outdoor fire safety.
 
On August 14th, Gov. John Bell Edwards declared a state of emergency due to the impact of extreme heat and wildfires in Louisiana. The entire state is under a burn ban.
 
The four major wildfires in SW & Central Louisiana are still active and have burned nearly 50,000 acres combined.
 
For decades now, we’ve seen commercials with Smokey the Bear educating us on how to prevent forest fires. Seems those tips need to be uppermost in our minds until the fall rains appear and the drought is over.
 
So how can we do our part to prevent wildfires and help those fighting them?
 
*OBEY the burn ban! Even a “small” trash pile can become a raging fire with one tiny shift of wind. Do. Not. Start. One. PERIOD. According to officials those caught disregarding the burn ban will be fined or jailed or both.
 
*LISTEN to the news and remain vigilant of evacuation orders in your area should a fire erupt. Firefighters and law enforcement have enough to worry about in protecting homes. They do not need to be concerned with recovering bodies too. Homes can be replaced. Lives can’t.
 
*KEEP your own fire-fighting equipment on hand and up to date. Most of us have a fire extinguisher or two hanging around. Have them checked to be sure they are sufficient to use should the need arise. Water hoses and buckets of sand are quick and easy ways to put out a small fire. Once you extinguish the blaze, check often to be sure no embers or coals are still ignitable.
 
*BE CAREFUL while using gas-powered equipment such as tractors, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, edge trimmers, etc. Starting them can cause sparks. Hot mufflers can ignite dry grass. This goes for riding four-wheelers and other ATV’s in dried out fields.
 
*HAVE an evacuation plan and supplies ready. Just like leaving for a hurricane or another natural disaster, being prepared is your best option. Pack a couple of bags with clothing, personal items, medical and legal papers, nonperishable food, etc. and keep them in a place where you can grab them and go. Check out our previous tips for hurricane preparedness, moving and travelling for more ideas.
 
*BE CONSCIOUS of water conservation requests or requirements in your area. Watering lawns, filling swimming pools and the like are not smart when in a drought or during a fire emergency. Firefighting crews need all the help they can get to contain and control the flames.
 
*BE VIGILANT weather-wise. Although rain is much needed, lightning is one of the dangers of a storm system. Keep your eye on the sky and if you see lightning strike a tree or something, do what you can, but don’t try and be a hero. Call local authorities for back up.
 
Although the burn ban on grilling has been lifted in some areas do not leave your grill unattended and keep the fire-fighting equipment/items mentioned above handy.
 
I never thought I’d see fires like these burning up our state. Please be considerate, vigilant, and wise in everything you do to help ensure the safety of your family and neighbors.
 
Thank You,
Tommy Curtis and Staff

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Article © 2023 Pamela S Thibodeaux