Keep an eye on conditions and maintain your distance when having that summer bonfire

If a bonfire is part of your summer nights, or you are clearing property and using a burn pit, make sure you are taking steps to reduce fire hazards.

“Number one, make sure you know what your local ordinances are, what you can and can’t do, especially if you’re out at a campground,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “A lot of the campgrounds, especially the state parks and everything, they have rules, and most of them already have set up areas, little pits you can use.”

The recommendations for fire pits are similar to the recommendations for grills.

“Keep it about 15 feet away from your house at least, and make sure you’re using only good, clean wood,” Crane said. “In the cities of Radcliff and in Elizabethtown, you’re not supposed to burn grass clippings and leaves because they smolder.”

Keep kids from getting too close to the fire, and have materials ready to put out the fire when necessary. Keep an eye on the weather conditions to keep the fire contained.

“Sometimes in the summer it gets dry, and we want to make sure that you’re careful there so that the fire doesn’t spread, and then also make sure that you’re watching the wind conditions,” Crane said.

If you will be doing outdoor burning, contact your local fire company ahead of time so the burn doesn’t result in unnecessary emergency responses.