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Rags & Ashes — Caution Required
Spring is here, summer is right around the corner. We welcome the
warm weather: time to do some chores around the house; time to
barbecue. And time to exercise caution.
 STAINING YOUR DECK?
Each year, Windsor Fire responds to several fires that result
from improper disposal of rags used to apply deck stain, wood
preservative, and like substances. Many people do not realize that
rags soaked in stains, preservatives, etc. will spontaneously
combust—catch on fire by themselves—unless they are completely dry.
Many times these fires are contained to garbage cans. Sometimes,
though, the fire extends to the house—because the garbage can is
next to the house or the rags have been left wadded up on the
deck—with disastrous results.
It is imperative these rags be disposed of correctly. This can be
accomplished in a couple of ways. One, lay the rags out flat on a
nonflammable surface—the lawn or the driveway, for example—and leave
them there until they are dry. Once they are dry, they can be thrown
away. The rags can also be placed in an airtight container, like an
empty paint can. Or they can be placed in a container of water.
 BARBECUE OR FIREPLACE ASHES?
Windsor Fire also often responds to fires in garages and
backyard sheds, which sometimes spread into the house. In many of
these cases, we find that an improper container used to store ashes
is the cause of the fire: grocery bags, plastic buckets, plastic
trash cans. Sometimes all that is left is a little puddle of plastic
the size of a silver dollar under the area of heaviest damage.
Cold ashes many times conceal hot embers within. These embers can
smolder for days. When they come in contact with something
flammable, fire results.
Using the correct container is a surefire cure for ash disposal
fires. Grocery bags will ignite in just a few hours after they have
been filled with. Plastic trash containers are absolutely no good
for ash removal. Even if the plastic trash can is lidded, the hot
embers touch the side of the container, melt through, let in air,
and when the air mixes with the melted plastic, a very hot fire
quickly results. In many cases, hot ashes dumped on a compost heap
will start a fire with the first gust of wind.
Use a metal container with a lid that seals tightly. Place your
ashes in the container, put the lid on tightly, and place it away
from walls, papers, and other flammables. Let it sit for a week, at
least, before you dispose of it.
Click here for
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