Use caution, safety tips when barbecuing

As I look at my calendar and see the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, I am reminded of longer days, ice cream truck music, baseball, swimming and that most glorious of all-American family activities, the barbecue.

To have a safe and happy summer, the following safety rules should be remembered beyond this weekend’s Best Dam Barbecue Challenge.

It is the position of the Boulder City Fire Department that barbecuing on an enclosed or partially covered patio does, in fact, constitute a fire hazard and, therefore, is not allowed by code within Boulder City.

n All barbecues are to be located a minimum of 10 feet away from any building or overhanging, and away from any opening such as doors and windows.

n Adult supervision is required around any active barbecue including the period of time the hot coals are cooling down.

n Storage of LPG fueled barbecues and equipment is prohibited above the first story of any apartment building and within 5 feet of any exterior wall (electric barbecues are an exception). Property owners and managers have the responsibility of enforcing the code on the tenants of the residential units in question.

n Another smart idea would be to have a source of water for extinguishment near by (garden hose).

n Finally, it is important to teach your family, especially children, to stop, drop, and roll in case anyone’s clothing were to catch fire.

Bill Wilson is a retired Boulder City firefighter. If you have further questions about this or any fire safety issue contact the Boulder City Fire Department at 293-9228.