Outdoor burning is NOT permitted from July 15 through September 30 each year. All burn permits will be rescinded between these dates. Check with the Fire Marshal's Office and/or SW Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) before resuming outdoor burning after September 30.

Campfires (aka Recreational Fires) are allowed during the burn ban stated above unless a county or state-wide burn ban is implemented (check SWCAA's website).

Some Standards and Information on Campfire Sizes and Clearance Issues:

	Pit size cannot exceed 36" in diameter
	Create a 1.5 ft clearance by removing all combustibles and filling the cleared area in with gravel or rock (you also have the option of digging a hole in the ground, setting the pit inside, filling it with cement, then creating a clearance area)
	Create a 10 ft radius combustible free zone
	Create a 10 ft vertical clearance by removing overhanging branches
	Pit must be at least 25 ft from all structures
	Pit must be at least 50 ft from all logging slash/debris
	Pit must be maintained (clean out debris after each use)

Campfires can burn out of control quickly. Leaving a campfire unattended is extremely dangerous and is how many accidental fires start. Any number of accidents can occur in your absence, leading to personal injury, property damage or even a wildfire. You need to be very cautious and responsible and follow the rules and regulations.

Outdoor Burning can be just as dangerous as campfires. See our burning information page for more information, rules and regulations.

General Rules and Safety Tips For Safe Outdoor Debris Burning:

	Make sure you have a valid burn permit (depends on the size of your fire)
	Check with your local fire department - outside burning may be prohibited
	Check the weather - don't burn on dry, windy days
	Local fire officials can recommend a safe way for burning debris. Don't pile it on the ground; it should be placed in a cleared area, away from overhead branches and wires in a screened receptacle
	Debris should not be accumulated for several days and then ignited because it becomes compacted and wet, increasing the air pollution, and making the fire burn longer
	Check local laws on burning debris because some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely
	Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass, and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned
	Household trash should be hauled away to a recycling station...Burning garbage is ILLEGAL
	To control the fire you will need a hose, bucket and shovel for tossing dirt on the fire
	Be sure you are fully prepared before burning

There are risks in the open water that you just don't have in a pool, like uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather. A properly fitted, US Coast Guard Approved life jacket can help to save a life in case of an incident on the open waters.

Here are some safety tips to help you and your family stay safe this summer:

• Actively supervise children in and around water, giving them your undivided attention.
• Enroll your child in swimming lessons.
• Make sure kids swim only in areas designed for swimming
• Teach your kids that there is a difference between swimming in open water and in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow, changing weather, etc.
• Do not let kids operate personal water crafts BEFORE they recommended age (which is normally 16).
• Teach your kids not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hiding under the surface of the water.
• Learn infant and child CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

Download these safety tips and a 25% off coupon for a life jacket courtesy of Big 5 Sporting Goods.

Click here for a Life Jacket Integrity Checklist Form to ensure the life jacket you and/or your child will be using is safe and approved.

Click here to download the 5 Truths About Water Safety Fact Sheet

Click here for a drowning article

Click here for When Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning important facts

Candle Safety
Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires — and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Download These Candle Safety Tips (courtesy of NFPA)

Safety Tips - Candle with Care:

	NEVER leave your home without blowing out your candles
	Never leave a burning candle unattended
	Keep burning candle out of the reach of children and pets
	Blow out all candles when you leave a room or go to bed
	Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people fall asleep
	Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire

If you burn candles, make sure you:

	Use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily
	Put candle holder on a sturdy, uncluttered surface
	Light candles carefully
	Keep your hair & any loose clothing away from the flame
	Don't burn a candle all the way down...put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container
	Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
	Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.