Renton firefighters offer tips to stay safe this spring and summer

Published 4:43 pm Friday, March 28, 2014

With the return of warm weather, Renton residents are cleaning up their yards and planning barbecues.

The Renton Fire and Emergency Services offers the following tips to stay safe this spring:

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors; never inside a home, tent, vehicle or any other enclosed area.

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

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

• Reduce unintentional fire risk by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and trays below.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Charcoal grill safety

• When using a starter fluid, use only starter fluids specifically made for charcoal fires.

• 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.

• When finished grilling, let the coals cool completely; then dispose the coals in a metal container.

Gas grill safety

• Inspect the cylinder of the propane tank for bulges, dents, gouges, corrosion, leaks or evidence of extreme rusting. Replace if necessary.

• Examine and replace any hoses that are brittle, have leaks, holes, cracks or sharp bends.

• Keep propane tanks upright; move gas hoses away from dripping grease and hot surfaces.

• Never use cigarettes, lighters or matches near a gas grill.

• Never try to remove the valve from a propane tank.

• Always close the tank valve when finished using.

• Never bring your propane tank indoors.

• Never store spare gas containers under or near your grill.

• Don’t store other flammable liquids, such as gasoline, near propane tanks.

• Never dispose of a propane tank by throwing it in the trash.

Outdoor burning regulations

• Outdoor burning is only allowed for a limited religious or ceremonial event, cooking, patio fireplaces, and charcoal and gas barbecues.

• Burning debris is not allowed.

• Never burn during a burn ban.

• Burn only charcoal, dried fire wood or manufactured fire logs.

Burn ban info

• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at 1-800-323-2876 orwww.pscleanair.org

Patio fireplace

• Commercial patio fireplace is allowed.

• Follow the manufacture recommendations.

• Unit must be 15 feet from structures or combustibles.