Ash disposal safety reminder for Atascadero residents
–Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services responded to two fires last weekend caused by improperly discarded ashes. Fortunately, the damage incurred from both fires was confined to the property and nobody was injured. Fires can easily be started by hot ashes from grills, pellet, or wood stoves and fireplaces.
Knowing how to properly dispose of ash is an easy way to increase fire safety in your home and protect your loved ones by reducing the chances of a destructive house fire. We can all do our part to avoid these types of fires from ever occurring by following these simple, yet important safety tips:
- Fireplaces and woodstoves are designed to retain heat and are a great place to leave your ashes for several days prior to discarding, whenever possible.
- Upon ash removal, place them into a covered metal container and saturate the ashes with water.
- DO NOT place ashes into a combustible container, such as a bag, box or plastic container.
- DO NOT place anything combustible into a receptacle containing ashes.
- Place this metal container outside and at least ten feet from your home and any combustibles.
- After a week, ensure the ashes are cool prior to disposing of them into the trash.
- “The safety of our community is paramount, and part of that is educating folks on the fire dangers that exist and ways we can avoid those dangers,” explains Fire Chief Casey Bryson. “We want to remind everyone to be mindful of the length of time it takes ash to completely cool and that proper disposal is a critical safety measure to protect their families and homes.”
If you would like further information regarding this press release, please feel free to contact Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services at (805) 461-5070.
