Seasonal Fire Prevention
Sizzling Summer Safety: Tips to Stay Fire-Free!
Fire Hydrants
In a fire, seconds count. A fire engine holds about two to five minutes’ worth of water. When that is used up, hydrants become indispensable, as every passing second allows a fire to grow. When fire hydrants are covered in snow, or hidden behind trees and shrubs, it can delay fire services, costing crucial seconds or minutes that can mean the difference between saving a structure and its inhabitants and not doing so.
A hydrant needs space below its valve, and approximately 1 metre of space all around it. This space allows fire fighters to attach hoses to the valve and rotate the hydrant wrench.
The City maintains over 4,500 fire hydrants ensuring they are in operation for firefighters in the event of a fire.
Summer Maintenance
When the Fire department needs to use a hydrant, it is important that they can gain access to one easily. Please remember:
- Ensure vegetation around or near the hydrant does not impede access (e.g. landscaping, shrubs, trees, etc.)
- Do not put up fences, walls or any structure within one metre of a hydrant
- Do not place anything between a hydrant and the street, so the hydrant can be easily seen by the firefighters
BBQ Safety
Barbecues are a great way to spend time with family and friends in the summer and these safety tips will help you barbecue safely.
Camp Fires
Richmond Hill's Open Air Burning By-Law does not allow camp fires. Before setting up a campfire anywhere else, be sure it is allowed. If you are at a cottage or camping, check with your local fire department.
Campfires bring family and friends together, but campfire mishaps can cause injuries. With a few safety tips, you can prevent these accidents.
- If campfires are permitted where you are staying, they need to be at least 25 feet away from any structure and anything that can burn.
- Clear away dry leaves and sticks, overhanging low branches and shrubs.
- Avoid burning on windy, dry days. It is easier for open burning to spread out of control when it is windy and dry.
- Watch children while the fire is burning. Never let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire.
- Attend to the campfire at all times. A campfire left alone for only a few minutes can grow into a damaging fire.
- Keep a campfire small which is easier to control.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids.
- Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure to put it completely out before leaving the site.
- If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. Stop, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.
- Treat a burn right away. Cool the burn with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help if needed.
- If roasting marshmallows, help young children. Never shake a roasting marshmallow. It can turn into a flying, flaming ball. A heated metal skewer can cause burns.
Fireworks
Every year, fireworks cause hundreds of fires, injuries and even deaths. Because of this, the fire service does not encourage the use of fireworks. The only safe way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a public fireworks display.
Richmond Hill also has a Fireworks By-Law, which regulates the use of fireworks.
Visit our Fireworks Permits and Safety Tips page to learn more.
The following seasonal safety tips will help keep you and your family safe all-year-round.
Contact(s)
Fire Prevention
T. 905-883-5444
Email Fire Prevention