Fire Safety and Prevention

Fire Safety and Prevention

• In case of a fire, choose a safe meeting spot outside the home, at a safe distance away.

Fire Hazards

• Cigarette smoking, especially combined with drugs and alcohol, is a fire hazard.
• Cooking hazards include contact with stoves or other appliances, hot liquids, and grease.
• Flammable substances, such as gasoline, can start fires.
• Mechanical equipment, such as car exhausts, radiators, batteries, and welding equipment, can cause burns.
• Clothing ignition can result from careless smoking or cooking.
• Smoke and gas inhalation from fires can be hazardous.

Fires in Texas

• In 2022, there were 91,904 fires reported in Texas, resulting in 157 civilian deaths, 441 civilian injuries, 18 fire service member deaths, 454 fire service member injuries, and $1,361,966,109 in property loss.
• There were 31,140 structure fires, 13,864 vehicle fires, and 69,930 "other" fires (grass, brush, etc.) in 2022.
• In 2022, there were 12,111 wildfires, burning 650,712 acres.
• In 2021, there were 6,039 wildfires, burning 158,612 acres.
• In 2020, there were 7,233 wildfires, burning 256,750 acres.

Wildfire Prevention

• Nationally, almost 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans.
• Check weather and drought conditions, which can affect vegetation flammability.
• Avoid activities that involve fire or sparks when it's hot, dry, and windy.
• Choose non-flammable options when conditions aren't right.
• Pay attention to local restrictions and conditions before engaging in fire-related activities.

Campfire Safety

• Build campfires in open locations, far from flammable materials.
• Clear the area around the campfire, scraping away grass and leaves.
• Cut wood into short lengths and pile it within the cleared area.
• Always clear the area around your workspace.

Fireworks Safety

• Fireworks start an estimated 19,000 fires and send over 9,000 people to the ER each year in the US.
• Check local, federal, state, and city regulations before using fireworks.

Debris Burning Safety

• Burn debris only when it's not windy, and make sure you have water nearby.
• NEVER burn debris when it's windy or restricted.
• Check with local fire authorities for burning restrictions and debris burning tips.

Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

• Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by nearly 50%.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
• Consider installing a smoke alarm with a 10-year battery.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Use common sense in the kitchen, and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Practice feeling the door, doorknob, and cracks around the door with the back of your hand to see if they're too hot.
• Have a family plan and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of the house.
• Stay with your fire until it's extinguished completely.
• Keep vehicles off dry grass, as exhaust can reach temperatures of 1,000+ degrees.
• Regularly maintain your equipment and vehicle to prevent sparks.
• Carry a shovel, bucket, and fire extinguisher in your vehicle to put out fires.
• Check your tires, bearings, and axles on your trailer before towing.
• Make sure you never operate equipment that produces sparks near dry vegetation.