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Firefighter News - August 2017

Grilling Safety

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.

Safety Tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Charcoal Grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.

• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

Burn Ban

The Sonoma County Fire Marshal and CAL FIRE have enacted the burn ban effective July 1st. This is due to the increasing danger of wildland fires. Sonoma County firefighters are deploying to other counties to help fight massive fires... let’s hope we can be fire safe here at home.

All backyard burning must stop until the fire marshal believes the threat is less severe. Typically, the burn ban is lifted sometime in October (after 2-3” of rain). Call the firehouse (823-8400 x105) or look at the map outside the front door to find out. At that time, the Air Quality Management Districts will resume authority and you will need to follow their burning permit/notification process (forms available in front of the firehouse).

Bodega Volunteer Fire

Join us Sunday August 6th 2017 for the 37th Annual Bodega Fire Big Event BBQ A full day of family fun. Day starts out with Sonoma County’s Shortest Parade at 10:30am through downtown Bodega, CA. Free Admission. Live Music from 10:45am- 5pm. Music from local eukele groups, Used Goods and the Highway Poets. Enjoy BBQ chicken and tri-tip lunch served with salad, beans and garlic bread. Adults $15 Child $8. Beer on tap, wine, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Desserts, kids games, and craft vendors. Pet Friendly. Free Parking. All proceeds benefit Bodega Volunteer Fire Department. More info: 707-876-9438 or bodegafire.org. Event held in Downtown Bodega, 17184 Bodega Hwy.

Defensible Space Time What are we talking about? Keeping a perimeter of mowed and/or green grass around our homes to prevent wildland fires from reaching them. 100 feet is recommended. Mow early in the day and often. We also recommend keeping flammable things away from our homes – wood piles, dead trees, bushes, etc. Go to readyforwildfire.org to learn more.

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