As the ash settles on yet another harrowing house fire, Bloomington's bravest are stepping up to preach the gospel of fire safety to local residents. With an estimated 95,000 outdoor fires wreaking havoc nationwide and burning a $250 million hole in property values last year, the message couldn't come at a more crucial time. These fires account for a staggering 6 percent of all fires in 2022, as per figures from the National Fire Protection Association.
The recent blaze is a stark reminder to never underestimate the fiery beast that is an unattended recreational fire. The Bloomington Fire Department is urging locals to strictly adhere to city ordinances on open fires and to always assume that ashes are hot, a lesson painfully learned from several devastating fires both in Bloomington and across the nation. In a statement obtained by the City of Bloomington's website, they lay it out: "Your house, deck or garage are unsafe locations for storing ashes while they cool."
To keep our homes and families safe, the fire department insists on a few non-negotiables: burn only dry, clean wood, and always be ready to quickly extinguish a fire gone rogue. The watchful eyes of a responsible individual must be trained on those flames at all times. If the winds dare to whip up beyond 10 miles per hour, it's time to snuff out the fun.
Disposing of ashes, it turns out, is a ritual that demands respect. The department's been clear: never even thought to place ash containers on decks, porches, or in garages. Instead, drown your spent coals in water to ensure that they don't light up again within their metal containers. And keep that can far from anything that even remotely whispers of combustion. According to their guidelines, "Keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from your fireplace, stove or grill and anything combustible."
As residents take stock of their fire safety practices, the Bloomington Fire Department remains on standby, ready to respond and educate, because when it comes to fire, prevention is not just better than the cure—it's the only cure.
