Campfire and BBQ Safety

Here are some safety tips to keep outdoor fires from turning deadly.

For Barbecue Fires:

• keep BBQ fires on a deck or balcony at least 10 feet away from your home or apartment - the fire department actually urges landlords to prohibit barbecuing on balconies in the leases;
• when using a propane grille, always check the connections for leaks before turning it on;
• never use gasoline to light a charcoal grille; use charcoal lighter fluid but be careful not to add fluid to an already lit fire (there is danger of flashback which can burn you!). The safest way to light a grille is with an electric charcoal starter;
• never barbecue in an enclosed area; deadly carbon monoxide is produced;
• do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue;
• keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Always supervise children around outdoor grilles;
• dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper, or wooden containers. The improper disposal of hot coals is the leading cause of barbecue related fires in Saint Paul!

For outdoor campfires:

• Recreational fires are legal within St. Paul without a permit as long as you follow these requirements. Open burning for disposal requires a permit from the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) - call 651.266.8989;
• recreational fires cannot be more than 3 feet wide and 2 feet high and you can only burn sawn wood; they cannot be used for disposal of construction debris or other such materials - or trash;
• recreational fires on the ground cannot be less than 25 feet from a building or combustibles. If the fire is in an approved container such as a barbecue grille or an outdoor fireplace, the fire cannot be less than 15 feet from a building or combustible material;
• always remain in attendance at any outdoor fire and have the means to extinguish it if necessary;
• wind speed should not be more than 10 miles per hour. If the smoke is creating a nuisance to others, the fire must be put out. Smoke is the leading cause of complaints about recreational fires in Saint Paul.

Remember - no outdoor burning of trash allowed!!

Submitted by the Saint Paul Fire Marshal, Steve Zaccard