How to Prevent Fire Starters

Fire burning in a fire pit.

There are various ways to prevent fires while both indoors and outdoors. Preventing fires from starting in a household is just as simple as preventing outdoor forest fires. Fires can start relatively easy, so it is always important to take the proper steps and precautions to avoid them, such as putting out a lit cigarette or building a stone barrier around the campfire.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Smoke detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Fireplace screen
• Metal cabinet
• Electrical tape
• Bucket

Preventing Household Fires

1. Install preliminary fire prevention equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers around the house. Place smoke detectors on the ceiling in every bedroom and in the stairwells. Fire extinguishers should be placed in the kitchen and boiler room. These tools will be useful in preventing the fire from spreading.

2. Place a fireplace screen over or around the fireplace to prevent any hot ashes from jumping out and hitting any nearby furniture or rugs. The screen will catch the ashes so that they do not exit the fireplace.

3. Put out cigarettes or cigars completely before disposing them. Dip the cigarette or cigar in water and then throw it away in a wastebasket.

4. Store chemicals in a locked metal cabinet. Many household chemicals, such as cleaners, are flammable and might catch fire if they are near fireplaces or stoves.

5. Check all electrical appliances in the house for faulty wires. Wires that look worn should be replaced or fixed quickly so that they do not short out, causing an electrical fire. Wrap electrical tape over the cut or exposed wire until you can replace it or remove the appliance, if it is not needed.

Preventing Outdoor Fires

1. Dip lit cigarettes, cigars and matches in water before throwing them away. These can cause dry brush in the forest to catch fire.

2. Place stones around campfires, preventing the fire from spreading outside the designated area. Gather 10 to 30 medium-sized stones, depending on the size of the campfire, and place them around in a circle. The campfire should be completely enclosed with the stones.

3. Put out the campfire completely, using a bucket of water. Spread the water over the top of the fire, causing it to smother.

Tips & Warnings

• Check smoke detectors' batteries on a monthly basis to ensure they are working.

• Check the fire extinguisher's shelf date yearly and replace it if necessary.

• Always keep a bucket of water near the fireplace and campfire in case something must be extinguished quickly.

• Never leave a campfire unattended. A jumping ash may leave the stone barrier and cause a forest fire.

References

• Pacific Northwest Fire Prevention Education: Living with Fire
• Emergency Zone: Fires