Officials Urge Fire Safety as Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Outdoor Season
State officials are reminding residents to keep fire safety top of mind this Memorial Day weekend as cookouts and outdoor gatherings ramp up.
The Ohio Department of Commerce says grilling remains a leading cause of outdoor fires, with more than 9,000 grill-related fires reported nationwide each year and over 100 incidents in Ohio alone last year.
Safety experts urge people to keep grills at least three feet away from structures, check equipment before use, and never leave a grill unattended. They also recommend keeping children and pets at a safe distance and having water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
For those heading outdoors, campers are advised to use designated fire pits, clear flammable materials, and fully extinguish campfires before leaving the area.
Officials are also reminding residents to follow Ohio’s alcohol laws, keep designated grill operators sober, and plan safe transportation if drinking.