Safety tips to ensure proper, controlled outdoor burning
By Samantha Johnson Special to the News on July 6, 2022.
It’s the time of year for barbecuing and outdoor campfires. With the recent rains, everything is green and grass fires are not a big concern, said fire prevention officer Carter Gramlich of the Medicine Hat Fire Department. He also added, “Even when it’s green and the fire risk is lower, safety around fire is still of paramount concern.” Fire Pits Having a fire pit in your backyard requires a permit from the Medicine Hat Fire Department. Fire pit permit information and guidelines can be found on the City of Medicine Hat website. “There are guidelines available on the appropriate location, how it should be constructed to ensure it will be safe,” said Gramlich. Utilities need to be located beforehand to avoid placing the pit on top of a line, particularly a gas line. Only use clean, dry wood, and ensure the fire is small and isn’t threatening to spread. “We get lots of complaints if someone is burning something they shouldn’t or burning when it’s windy,” stated Gramlich. Fireworks In Medicine Hat, it is illegal to store, buy, sell, or use fireworks. Only approved shooters can handle them – those who have training and applied for a permit from the Fire Department, such as for Canada Day, Stampede and other special events. “We’ve seen incidents happen with consumer fireworks,” said Gramlich. “They are of a different quality and the unpredictability of who is firing them and where are they firing them from causes concern. “In a residential area, the fallout will drop into other people’s yards and that can’t be controlled. Fires and injuries do happen from fireworks and that is why Medicine Hat has taken the step to say we want to prohibit the use of consumer fireworks.” Barbecues Should be in cleaned and in good condition. Check for leaks when changing the propane cylinder. Keep the barbecue away from siding or anything combustible. When using, always keep an eye on it in case something changes, and it needs to be shut down. Disposable Cigarettes Butts should be disposed of in a can filled with sand or a commercial disposal device. Potting soil is not a good option. The plants might be growing and the soil moist now, but Gramlich notes the containers keep getting used after the plant dies and the soil dries out. Windy days are when the fire department sees improper disposal being more of a problem. The Don’t Be a Flicking Idiot message has been well received in the city. “Hopefully they are having some effect, and helping people think about the impact of what they are doing,” said Gramlich. 18-17
