As temperatures warm up around Kosciusko County and flowers begin to bloom, many will begin journeying off their couches and into the fresh air again. Though there are several activities to enjoy with families and friends outdoors, the gathering around a warm fire on a cool spring night is always a favorite option.

Toasting marshmallows and hot dogs over warm coals is a great way to spend time with friends and family, many times simple rules and regulations for fire safety are ignored. Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Fire Chief Mike Brubaker provides a few simple guidelines to ensure your fire is a safe fire.

When planning your fire, first and foremost be sure you are aware of the restrictions on how fires may be enjoyed within city limits. According to Brubaker, residents within the city limits who plan to have a campfire are asked to call the fire department. In addition, Brubaker states that those within the city limits are not permitted to have open flames.

“It needs to be within an enclosed container if they are going to burn within the city limits – you are not suppose to have any open burning within the city limits. That doesn’t mean that they can’t have recreation fires, there are a lot of companies out there that make patio fireplaces that have a grate over the top of them. We recommend those, that way it contains all of the burning embers that could fly up.”

In addition to ensuring you are setting up your fire correctly, Brubaker says one of the most important and commonly ignored components of fire safety is maintaining the flames. He notes that many people forget to extinguish flames after an evening of fun and, should the wind pick up, the embers of the deserted fire can blow into fields and neighboring yards.

Lastly, Brubaker advises those planning to enjoy a fire to consider the neighbors surrounding them and health concerns that could arise should smoke blow through open windows of their homes.

“The biggest thing is, you just have to be cautious for your neighbors. A fun evening can turn into a bad thing if it is not watched really closely. If it becomes a health hazard to your neighbors, then we need to put that out. Smoke downwind to your neighbors with their windows open, if somebody has asthma or health problems, can affect them in adverse ways. I would like for everyone to understand and be courteous and realize if you do have a neighbor who has a health problem take them into consideration.”

To call the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory with your fire-related questions, or to inform the department of an upcoming campfire or other controlled burn you may be planning, call 574-372-9552.