Oxendine urges fire safety

After a

rash of recent apartment fires that were blameed on

careless outdoor cooking, Insurance and Safety Fire

Commissioner John W. Oxendine urges Georgians to keep

fire safety in mind when enjoying summer activities such

as grilling and camping.

Oxendine

offers the following grilling tips:

Georgia Law

states that"No charcoal or liquefied petroleum gas

or liquid fueled burners shall be kindled or maintained

on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible patios on

ground floors."

Use outdoor

grills where they belong -- oudoors. Charcoal fires give

off carbon monoxide, which can reach toxic levels in an

enclosed space.

Keep

flammable materials such as leaves and other debris away

from the grill. Also, keep the grill a safe distance from

your house or car.

Don't leave

a grill unattended. Keep childen and pets away from

cooking areas.

Use only

lighter fluid specifically made for starting charcoal

fires. Don't use gasoline; it can explode. Don't add

starter fluid of any kind after charcoals are lit.

When

camping, Oxendine suggests the campfire safety tips:

If the

campsite has a designated campfire ring, use it. if not,

use a shovel to clear 10 foot area of all leaves, grass

and any other material that might burn. Scoop out a

shallow hole in the center of the area and place rocks

around it.

Never leave

a campfire unattended, even for a few minutes.

Keep all

flammable objects away from the campfire.

Be sure

your campfire is out before you leave. Soak it with

water, mix ashes with the soil and soak it again. Take

extra care with partially burned wood; hot embers can

re-ignite hours later.