Dry leaves, outdoor entertaining and an impending dip in temperatures bring a greater risk of fire and the Norman Fire Department urges citizens to be aware of the fire dangers that accompany fall.

Recreational fires in approved fire pits or fire rings should be a maximum of three feet in diameter and less than two feet in height, should be located at least 25 feet from a structure or combustible material, said Norman Fire Marshal Matthew Elliott.

In addition, he said portable outdoor fireplaces or chimeneas should be placed on a non-combustible surface, should be approved for use with fire and should be a minimum of 15 feet from any structure or combustible material. Both outdoor fireplaces and fire rings should also only be used with a spark screen. It is also important to be aware of the smoke outdoor fires create. If the smoke is a nuisance to neighbors, Elliott said, the fire must be extinguished.

Regardless of the type of fire, Elliott said it’s important to have a garden hose available and ready, to remember that only wood should be burned, never trash or leaves, and to be aware of burn bans that prohibit all recreational or permitted fires.

Elliott said the Norman Fire Department recommendations are particularly important at a time of year when grass is dry and trees drop their leaves. Combustible vegetation can accumulate rapidly in areas close to homes and create ignition zones that put lives and property at risk.

Further, he said, it is important to have central heating systems, fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually to ensure they are in good working condition, to keep combustibles away from space heaters and never to use a propane grill as a source of indoor heat.

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