Have you got a fire table? Accidents can happen from time to time, and it can be frightening if your fire gets out of control. In this blog, we will look at what you should do if a fire gets out of control.
Understanding the Risks
Let’s have a look and understand why fire can become dangerous especially around a fire table:
- Fuel Plus Oxygen Plus Heat Equals Fire
These three are the basic elements of combustion. If any of these increases beyond a safe level things can go wrong fast. - Outdoor Variables
The weather such as wind and dry foliage or placement of your equipment, can become a hazard. Even a gentle breeze can fan sparks. - Human Error
You can become distracted when you’re cooking, unsafe use of fuel, overloading grills or letting grease build up. These types of mistakes can be preventable with good practice and using safe methods. - Equipment Failure
If you don’t maintain your fire table properly it can cause damaged hoses or connectors and when used could start a fire.
Immediate Steps: What to Do First
When you realise a fire is becoming out of control, act quickly but calmly. Try not to panic as it can make you freeze or make wrong decisions. Here’s a step-by-step guide of what to do if a fire happens while using your fire table:
- Raise the Alarm
- Shout out to anyone nearby: “Fire!”
- If you’re in a shared space then let others know immediately, so they can help or stay clear of the area.
- Cut Off the Heat or Fuel Source
- If your fire table runs on gas, turn off the gas supply at the valve. That reduces the chance of more fuel increasing the blaze.
- If you have a charcoal or wood burning cooking table stop adding fuel. Don’t put on any more wood.
- Remove Flammable Items
- Make sure to move any cushions, umbrellas, towels or decorations away from the fire.
- If there are overhanging branches, dry leaves or anything flammable nearby get them away, so the fire doesn’t spread.
- Use Fire Extinguishers if Available
- Use a fire extinguisher on your fire table, if you have one and you are trained enough to use it.
- If it’s a small flare-up a fire blanket can help if you can throw it safely without getting too close.
- Water works only for certain fires such as wood or paper and should not be used on grease or gas fires. Water on grease will cause dangerous steam and splattering. Water on gas fire table fittings can be hazardous.
- Don’t Try to be Heroic
- If the fire on your fire table is growing don’t put yourself at risk trying to control it. It’s better to evacuate safely than suffer injuries.
- Call the Fire Service
- Dial 999.
- Provide your address and tell them it’s an outdoor fire caused by your fire table, what’s burning whether it’s gas, wood or charcoal, etc and whether anyone is trapped or suffering from injuries.
- Evacuate If Needed
- Get everyone including children, pets and neighbours who might be close by, to a safe location that is far enough away from the fire.
- Keep doors and windows of nearby buildings closed to avoid drafts and the spread of smoke.
What to Do While Waiting for Help?
After you have called the emergency services there are still things you can do to make the situation safer and without endangering yourself.
- Monitor Wind Direction
Smoke could blow back toward you or into the fire table’s controls. Keep an eye on the wind changes and move yourself and others to safe areas. - Use Available Tools
- Continue trying to contain the fire if it’s safe to do so. Use a garden hose or buckets of sand and dirt.
- Fire extinguishers – If you have more than one use them as needed but don’t overdo it. One mistake placing it incorrectly can cause damages and injuries.
- Prevent Spread
- Be aware of where embers or sparks might land from your fire table, such as on dry grass, wooden decking or other flammables.
After the Fire Is Controlled or Firefighters Arrive
Even after the fire from your fire table seems out there are steps to take:
- Wait for Official Confirmation
Let the fire brigade check to make sure the fire is fully out. - Check for Damage
Check the fire table, surrounding furniture and nearby features. Heat damage isn’t always obvious until later. The damages can include warping, scorch marks, smells and melted parts. - Ventilate the Area
Open windows or move any coverings to allow smoke and fumes to disperse. - Don’t Use Damaged Equipment
If gas lines, connectors or burners have been exposed to too much heat or flame don’t use them until checked and repaired properly. Otherwise, these deformities can be dangerous later. - Clean Up Safely
- Dispose of ash, burnt wood or charcoal and other debris safely.
- Use metal containers for ashes and ensure they are fully extinguished.
- Avoid placing hot ashes near flammable materials.
- Check with Experts
You can get a qualified technician to look over your fire table for peace of mind.
How to Stop the Fire Getting Out of Control in the First Place?
The best strategy is prevention. Here are some things you can do so a fire from your fire table never gets out of control.
- Choose a Good Location
- Place your fire table at least several feet away from buildings and fences etc.
- Avoid overhangs such as tree branches.
- Keep It Clean
- Remove grease buildup. Grease can ignite or cause flare-ups.
- Clean burners, grates and surfaces often.
- Use the Right Fuel
- If your fire table is gas powered use the correct type of gas as specified and make sure fittings and hoses are in good condition.
- For wood or charcoal, use dry and well-seasoned wood or proper charcoal.
- Invest in Safety Gear
- Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
- Keep a fire blanket or sand and soil for emergencies.
- Wear gloves and protective clothing when cooking over an open flame on your fire table.
- Be Attentive
- Never leave fire or hot coals unattended.
- Be especially cautious when children or pets are around.
- Training and Practice
- Make sure everyone who might use your fire table knows how to shut off gas, use extinguishers and call for help.
Conclusion
A fire table is a great investment and an excellent entertainment feature to have. However, it must be used safely to avoid fires. Following the steps in the blog will help you prevent fires and manage a fire if the unfortunate event happens.
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