NORWAY — Out of the frying pan and into the fire is a cliche worth remembering as summer presents a new danger for anyone burning wood or using a gas grill.

While summer is a time for relaxation—enjoying the sun and cookouts with the family—it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year when it comes to fires. Norway Fire Chief Dennis Yates shares tips on how to avoid fires and stay safe this summer.

Camping is a summertime ritual and popular family event in Maine — but it’s also the culprit of many uncontrolled fires. It’s important to be aware of how to keep campfires under control so that they don’t spread to nearby grass or woods.

According to Yates, campfires should always be in a clean, prepared area that is clear of neighboring debris including leaves, branches, or fuel. He says that campfires should always be kept small with a mineral strip surrounding and supporting them, and kept confined to a small area. They should not be left unattended and should be completely extinguished, preferably with water.

“If the wind is blowing, don’t do it,” said Yates about campfires. Heavy wind creates a greater possibility that fire may blow in the direction of trees, grass, or other flammable materials. Yates says that one of the biggest factors of fires in the summer is “burning getting out of control.”

He said a fire occurred in Paris last Thursday night due to a faulty gas grill. The flames caught on to a neighboring porch but, luckily, were quickly controlled by the fire department. He suggests that people make sure their gas grills are up-to-date, and that the tanks are up to code.

In homes, electrical fires often occur in the summer.

Yates said that the fire department has seen fires start from electric thermostats, and extension cords being stretched too far.

“Extension cords are a big factor,” said Yates. “People run smaller extension cords than they should for the appliances they have.”

To prevent fires from stretched extension cords, he says that people should watch what they’re doing and using appropriate length extension cords. Appropriate extension cords also need to be used for specific utilities.

“Don’t assume that a Christmas tree extension cord is going to run your air conditioner,” said Yates. “You may have 700 watt light bulbs on your Christmas tree, and you may have 16 amps on your air conditioner.”

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