Despite the oppressive heat that Ohio summers can bring, some of the most popular summer activities involve fire. We know that a carelessly tossed match or cigarette, a rogue ember from a fire or even a backfiring vehicle can start a brush fire that can get out of control and cause serious damage to nature and property – and harm to people and animals.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), two types of popular summer activities – campfires and barbecues – can create fire hazards if people don’t follow simple precautions. Further, amateur fireworks cause numerous unnecessary injuries every summer. Let’s take a brief look at these.
Campfires and firepits
Campfires are often associated with camping. However, increasingly, people have firepits on their patios and other outdoor spaces on their property. FEMA recommends that campfires be at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn and firepits at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, including shrubbery and property
Barbecues
Barbecue grills can range from simple to very large and expensive. Regardless of what is used to light the grill, as with bonfires and campfires, a grill should never go unattended.
The grill always needs to be kept away from trees and shrubbery that can catch fire with a single spark. It should also be away from a home’s eaves, railings and any part of the property. It always needs to be outside in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fireworks and sparklers
If you want to see fireworks on the Fourth of July (or any other time), go to an official fireworks celebration. Let the pros do it. Setting off individual firecrackers and sparklers (and being around those who are) can be very dangerous
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2022. Some 38% of fireworks injuries involve burns. Nearly three-quarters of these injuries occur in the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July.
If you or a loved one has suffered burns or other injuries due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness around fire or explosives, find out what your options are for seeking the compensation you need for medical bills and other expenses and damages.
