Bureau of Fire Services Reminds You to Keep Fire Safety in Mind This Spring

IRONWOOD, MI - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Spring is here. It is time for family, friends, and firing up the grill. Many damaging and fatal fires have occurred, particularly in apartment complexes and predominantly on balconies, because grillers were not aware or ignored fire safety requirements. The Uniform Fire Code specifically prohibits the use of any hibachi, gas, or coal fire grill of any similar device on any balcony or overhanging structure within 10 feet of any structure for three-family or more dwellings. Additionally, recreational fires cannot be located less than 25 feet from a structure and these fires to include cooking fires must be attended by a competent person who must have a garden hose connected to a water supply or have firefighting equipment available. Have fun during your cookouts, but stay fire safe.