1. World Trade Center, New York, NY: On September 11, 2001, two airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers killing everyone aboard and thousands of those working in the buildings (official death toll set at 2,752). The burning towers collapsed within two hours, destroying nearby buildings and damaging many others.
2. Iroquois Theatre, Chicago, IL: An arc light shorted out and ignited a curtain during a show on December 30, 1903. The theater quickly became engulfed in flames, and 602 people died within 20 minutes.
3. Cocoanut Grove, Boston, MA: On November 28, 1942, approximately 1,000 people were in the nightclub (official capacity: 460). Flimsy and flammable decorations and furniture easily went up in flames when someone lit a match, killing 492 people and injuring hundreds more.
4. Ohio Penitentiary, Columbus, OH: On April 21, 1930, a candle ignited some oily rags and killed 322 inmates. Chester Himes, an inmate at the time, wrote about it in an Esquire story and in his book Cast the First Stone (later republished as Yesterday Will Make You Cry).
5. New London School, New London, TX: An undetected natural gas leak was ignited by an electric sander on March 18, 1937, causing an explosion and fire that killed approximately 300 people.
6. Rhythm Club, Natchez, MI: On April 23, 1940, a carelessly discarded match is believed to have started the social club fire that killed 209 people, most from smoke inhalation or from being crushed while trying to escape, as the exists had been locked and the windows boarded up to prevent outsiders from looking in and hearing the music.
7. Collinwood School, Cleveland, OH: On March 4, 1908, 172 students, two teachers, and a rescuer were killed when overheated steam pipes ignited nearby wood joists.
8. Rhoads Opera House, Boyertown, PA: A fire started when a kerosene lamp was knocked over, lighting gasoline from a stereoscopic machine on January 13, 1908. Unable to escape through the one exit, 171 people died.
9. Hartford Circus, Hartford, CT: On July 6, 1944, a fire was started — probably by a carelessly flicked cigarette — at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, killing 156 people and injuring over 700. The tent had been waterproofed with paraffin dissolved in gasoline, which melted and rained down like Naplam.



10. Beverly Hills Supper Club, South Gate, KY: On May 28, 1977, a fire caused possibly by faulty wiring killed 165 people and injured 200.
11. Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, New York, NY: A fire on March 25, 1911 trapped (mostly) immigrant working women and girls behind doors that had been locked by management to prevent them from stealing. Many jumped out of windows to escape, and 148 people died.
12. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH: On May 15, 1929, an exposed light bulb got too close to nitrocellulose X-ray film and started a fire causing 123 people to die from the fire, explosion, and released poisons.
13. Winecoff Hotel, Atlanta, GA: Now called the Ellis Hotel, this building once was considered fireproof; yet on December 7, 1946, a fire killed 199 people, including youth at a conference organized by the YMCA and Christmas shoppers.
14. The Station, West Warwick, RI: On February 20, 2003, the band Great White’s pyrotechnic props set off a flash fire that burned the nightclub to the ground in six minutes, killing 100 people and injuring 230.
15. Our Lady Queen of Angels School, Chicago, IL: On December 1, 1958, three nuns and 92 students died when smoke, heat, and fire cut off their escape through corridors and stairways.
16. Happy Land, The Bronx, NY: A jealous boyfriend, who was also angry because he had recently lost his job, deliberately started a fire at the social club on March 25, 1998, killing 87 (mostly) ethnic Hondurans celebrating Carnival.
17. MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV: Faulty electrical wiring caused a fire to break out in The Deli restaurant at what is now Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel on November 21, 1980. The fire spread through the hotel and toxic fumes circulated via the ventilation system, killing 84 people, almost all from smoke inhalation.
18. Katie Jane Memorial Home for the Aged, Warrenton, MO: On February 15, 1957, a linen closet fire quickly spread through the building, eventually killing 84 people.
19. Golden Age Nursing Home, Fitchville, OH: A fire broke out so quickly on November 23, 1963 that an attempt to call the local fire department proved fruitless when the facility’s telephone wires were burned, and 63 patients perished.



20. La Salle, Chicago, IL: A fire broke out in the lower floor cocktail lounge on June 5, 1946, and spread through the hotel by ascending stairwells and shafts, killing 61 people, most from suffocation.
21. Gulf Hotel, Houston, TX: On September 7, 1943, a smoldering mattress thought to have been extinguished burst into flames and quickly spread, killing 55 people (official count).
22. UpStairs Lounge, New Orleans, LA: On June 24, 1973 a Molotov cocktail was lobbed into the gay-friendly bar, and 32 people died from direct immolation or inhalation of fumes.
23. Imperial Foods Chicken Processing Plant, Hamlet, NC: A hydraulic line failure caused a fire on September 3, 1991. Trapped behind locked doors, 25 people were killed and 54 injured.
24. Study Club, Detroit, MI: A carelessly discarded cigarette started a fire that killed 22 people and injured over 50 in the dance hall on September 20, 1929. Most died from suffocation and asphyxiation from toxic fumes emitted by the burning debris.
25. St. Johns School, Peabody, MA: On October 28, 1915, 21 girls between the ages of seven and seventeen were burned or crushed to death while trying to escape a fire.

For Kids and Teachers

1. Fire Facts: This site holds fun games and activities that teach fire safety. The site includes teacher and parent resources.
2. Fire Safety Activities and Games: Apples 4 the Teacher provides coloring pages, crafts and word searches for teachers.
3. Fire Safety for Kids: This site offers a colorful way for kids to learn about fire safety. Sections available for parents and teachers, too.
4. Fire Safety Week Resources: This page offers songs and poems for Fire Safety Week, plus some ideas and activities for students.
5. FireSafety.gov: This government site is for kids, and teaches home fire safety, information about smoke alarms and how to escape a fire…all with games and kid-oriented instruction. The site for adults is an information resource for eliminating residential fire deaths.
6. Get Your Smokey On: Smokey the Bear keeps up with the times through educational resources about wildfires and safe camping practices.
7. Kids Fire Safety Tips: This colorful page is a simple one for younger children, teaching fire safety along with “Buzzy” the smoke detector and “Reddy” the fire extinguisher.
8. Scholastic Fire Safety Resource Center: This section, for teachers, provides lessons, printables and activities for grades K-5.
9. Sparky the Fire Dog: Kids learn fire safety with Sparky the fire dog. This site also includes information for parents and teachers.
10. Sprout Fire Safety: Sprout provides videos, activities and other resources for young children to learn about fire and fire safety.

At Home

11. 7 Steps to Better Fire Safety: Home Checklist: Popular Mechanics provides easy steps to help prevent home fires.
12. Curious Kids Set Fires [PDF]: This is a fact sheet for teaching children about fire safety.
13. Download Free Home Safety Education Materials: The Home Safety Council provides fire safety tools for adults as part of a home safety literacy project.
14. Fire Prevention Tips: Follow the safety advice below from the Home Safety Council to reduce the chance of fire in your home.
15. Fire Smart: Liberty Mutual Insurance provides an entire Web site on fire safety, including seasonal tips and a fire safety pledge program.
16. General Fire Safety Tips: This page at Safety Resource offers links to articles that focus on fire drills and escape plans as well as bedroom fire safety.
17. Kids Health Fire Safety: This page is for parents, and includes a check list of all things parents should check to avoid home fires.
18. Police Notebook — Fire Safety: Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and how to deal with kitchen fires, among other topics at this site.
19. Stopping a Fire Before it Starts: 5 Things You Can Do Today: UL provides a list of practical tips fore residents to help prevent home fires.

Organizations

20. Burn Institute: The Burn Institute is a nonprofit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Their online resources can be used by anyone.
21. Citizens for Fire Safety: Citizens for Fire Safety is a coalition of fire professionals, educators, community activists, burn centers, doctors, fire departments and industry leaders, united to ensure that our country is protected by the highest standards of fire safety.
22. Directory of State Fire Safety Organizations: Use this list to find the closest fire safety organization to get tools and education about fire safety.
23. Firewise Communities: This is a project of NFPA (see below), and includes information about firewise communities, including courses and training.
24. National Fire Protection Association: NFPA tries to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.
25. U.S. Fire Administration: USFA’s mission is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

Wildfires

26. FEMA Wildfire: Protecting your home from wildfire is your responsibility. FEMA provides information on how to manage these responsibilities.
27. International Code Council Wildfire Safety: Take these steps to protect lives and property at home and in your community.
28. Wild Fire Safety Checklist: This American Red Cross site provides a list of things you should take with you if you need to evacuate.
29. Wildfire – Are You Prepared? USFA wants residents to reduce your risk in wildfires by preparing now – before wildfire strikes.
30. Wildfire Prevention: The Wildland/Urban Interface: This public safety site provides a number of links for basic wildfire safety as well as prevention and local (Washington) plans and regulatory provisions. Each state usually has a site about wildfire safety, especially in the western states.
31. Wildfire Safety: Advance planning and knowing how to protect buildings in wildland areas can lessen the devastation of a wildland fire.
32. Wildfire Safety Tips: National Geographic provides tips on how to prevent wildfires and what to do if you’re caught in the middle of one.
33. Wildfires: The CDC offers information on how wildfires can damage your health. Know whether you are at risk and learn how to protect yourself.

In the Workplace

34. 12 Fire Prevention Tips for Workers: Here are some general tips for a fire-safe workplace fore employers to share with employees.
35. Best Practices Guide for Workplace Fire Safety and Fire Extinguishers [PDF]: Each year in the U.S., 70-80,000 workplaces experience a serious fire. About 200 employees per year die in these fires and another 5000 are injured. Learn more about the facts and about fire prevention in this extensive file.
36. Fire in the Workplace [PDF]: There are dozens of ways for workplace fires to start — chemicals, electricity, flammable liquids, combustible materials, compressed gases, smoking, and even poor housekeeping. Learn more about each one of these hazards.
37. Fire Safety: This section highlights OSHA standards, the Regulatory Agenda, directives (instructions for compliance officers), and national consensus standards related to fire safety.
38. Fire Safety in Barns: This entire Web site is dedicated to teaching about protecting farm animals and horses from barn fires.
39. O.R. Fire Safety: Cedars-Sinai Hospital offers an article about how to detect and prevent operating room fires.
40. Workplace Fire Prevention Tips [PDF]: A simple checklist that any employer can provide to their employees.
41. Workplace Fire Safety: The U.S. Department of Labor provides a checklist for workplaces to follow.
42. Workplace Fire Safety Video: Use this short video to teach about national safety compliance.

Other Tools

43. Christmas Fire Safety: These tips are great for all holidays or parties, including ones where candles are used. Kitchen safety also is addressed.
44. Christmas Holiday Fire Safety Tips: The Texas Department of Insurance provides several articles on how to have a safe holiday season.
45. Christmas Tree Fire Safety: This video, produced by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), shows how a dry Scotch pine tree can engulf a room in flames in 48 seconds.
46. Fire Safety Publications: This site offers HTML and PDF files on topics such as gas grills, metal chimneys and fire resistant mattresses.
47. Fire Safety Tips For Home & Apartments: Mackenzi the fire fighter gives you fire safety tips to avoiding being killed or burned in your home or apartment in case of an emergency in this video.
48. Fire Spokesperson’s Pocket Media Guide [PDF]: If you play a pivotal role in fire safety education, you may need this news media kit to communicate fire safety and prevention information to the public.
49. Firework safety and the law: This UK government site provides a firework safety checklist.
50. Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks: The USFA provides information and downloads for teaching and learning about firework hazards.

You don’t have to have a degree in fire science to know some of the common sense steps to take to prevent a fire, whether you are in your home or away from it. Here are some great videos about preventing fires, including a number of informative PSAs:

General Fire Prevention Tips

Use these videos to educate yourself about fire prevention, and the steps that can be taken to reduce the chance that you will have problems with fire. A great overview of the steps that can be taken to prevent fires.

1. The Checklist: For 2008 Fire Prevention Week, this cartoon was created. It’s mainly aimed at adults, even though it’s a cartoon. A great checklist for preventing fires in your home.
2. Home Fire Prevention Tips: Use these tips to help you avoid a house fire. Geared especially for the change from warm weather to cold weather.
3. Dryer Fire Prevention: A helpful look at how to prevent becoming a victim of dryer fire. Your dryer is a convenience, but it can also cause a fire. Be careful.
4. Home Safety Tips: Kitchen Fire Prevention & Safety: Take a look at how to keep your kitchen from being a source of fire. A quick, simple video.
5. Stop Duck & Roll Fire Prevention Tips from Stanlee Duck: A fun video that offers practical tips aimed at adults. Learn more about preventing fires, and what to do in case of a fire.
6. Fire prevention tips: You can get an idea of misconceptions related to fire safety, and then learn a few tips that can help you prevent fires in your home.
7. “Safety Tips”: You can learn from this great Q&A with members of the Philadelphia fire department. Fire prevention ideas from the pros.

Kid-Friendly Fire Prevention Videos

If you are interested helping your children learn about fire prevention, or even if you teach a class of children, it can be a good idea to use these videos, which are aimed at kids. Great resources for helping kids learn about fire prevention.

8. Fire Safety For Children: The Friendly Fireman: Kids learn about preventing fires with the help of “The Friendly Fireman.” Great rules that can help kids be safer.
9. Fire Safety Song For Children: Great song to help children remember to be safe at home. A great fire safety resource for kids.
10. Fire Prevention & Home Safety: This fire truck helps you learn how to be safe at home, as well as prevent fires. Meant for children, offering some fire safety tips.
11. Fire Safety for Kids: These puppets can help your children learn about better fire habits. Suggestions for being safe at home.
12. Buzzly Fire Safety: Kid-friendly look at fire prevention and home safety tips. This is designed for children ages two to 10 to learn how to keep from starting fires.
13. Serifon fire safety: Animation meant to help children learn about fire prevention, and how to be safe at home during a fire.

Holiday Fire Prevention Videos

From fireworks accidents on the Fourth of July, to exploding deep fat fryers meant for turkeys at Thanksgiving, there are a number of fire hazards around the holidays. Here are some ways to protect yourself, and avoiding having a fire ruin your good time.

14. Home fire prevention tips for the holidays: A look at holiday decorations and fire. Learn how to prevent a fire around the holidays.
15. Holiday fire prevention: PSA that provides you with 10 tips for holiday safety. A great reminder of how you can keep your home safe from fire during the holidays.
16. Be careful with that turkey fryer: The Grand Rapids Fire Department offers a look at turkey fryers. Learn safety tips that can help you prevent a home fire when cooking a turkey.
17. Turkey Fryer Danger: Make sure you are careful as you prepare your turkey. Great tips for preventing a fire from your turkey fryer.
18. Connecting with Community Fireworks Safety: Be careful when using fireworks. Safety tips, as well as tips for avoiding starting a fire with your fireworks. Make sure that you are safe, and be careful with fireworks.
19. Grilling Safety: Most of us associate the Fourth of July with barbecuing. These tips can help you prevent fires — or explosions — with your grill as you enjoy the Independence Day holiday.

Preventing Forest Fires, and Camp Fire Safety Tips

These videos are about preventing forest fires. If you enjoy camping, and spending time outdoors, these are great videos to reference. Plenty of common sense suggestions and ideas.

20. Forest Fire Prevention: Basic video that can help you learn safety tips to prevent forest fires. Humorous video about teaching about camp fire safety. Make sure you do what you should to prevent fires.
21. A Day in the Forest with Smokey Bear: Looks at fire safety tips while in the forest. Iconic figure Smokey Bear helps you learn more about forest fire prevention. Especially helpful for children.
22. Addams family psa forest fires prevention: A fun trip back to the 1970s with this PSA on preventing forest fires by properly putting out a camp fire. A fun reminder that also brings a bit of nostalgia.
23. How to Build a Campfire: You can learn more about how to safely build a camp fire. A great resource for building the right kind of camp fire that will not result in the start of a forest fire.
24. Camping: Fire Safety: If you are not able to have wood fires in the area you are camping in, this fire safety tip can be quite helpful. Make sure you are careful, even when an open flame or wood fire is not part of your excursion.
25. Camping & Backpacking: How to Pack a Camping Stove: Learn how to properly pack your camping stove. You want to make sure you are practicing safety so that it doesn’t start a forest fire.

With far more than the family home at stake, it is just as important as ever for both parents and kids to know the basic, and even a few of the advanced, practices of fire safety. To help, we have gathered the top 30 sites to teach kids about fire safety. They contain lessons and activities just for kids and even a few select choices for older kids and even parents and teachers.

Top Overall Sites to Teach Kids About Fire Safety

1. Fire Safety.gov for Kids
   The main site is a source for fire prevention resources and information for everyone. However, this site is tailor made just for kids with lessons, fun, and games. You can even use it to learn how to become a junior fire marshal.
2. Sparky the Fire Dog
   He is the fire equivalent of McGruff the Crime Dog. His site is full of fire related learning for kids complete with activities, looks at fire trucks, and even a section for parents. There are also loads of games to play.
3. Fire Facts
   Parents, kids, and teachers can all stop here to learn more about fire safety from cartoons and actual firefighters. There are videos, contests, and sections just for kids. You can even send in your questions to actual firefighters with just a click.
4. Fire Safety for Kids
   The team at Rescue 1 specializes in teaching fire safety to kids. There are games, videos, events, and even a blog. Of course, there are also options for parents and teachers.
5. Scholastic
   If you are a teacher or just a parent who thinks like one, click here. The site from Scholastic includes many fire resources to educate children with. You can also get lessons, printables, and more on the site.
6. A to Z Teacher Stuff
   In the tradition of the above, this site is also for teachers who want to get some fire safety resources. Nine current choices include fire prevention crafts, snacks, fire science, and others. There are also tons of other themed lessons for the viewing.
7. Playing With Fire?
   The folks at Kids Health help parents, teens, and kids stay safe in loads of situations. In this section, they discuss fire safety for kids as text or audio. Be sure to scroll down to get other kid themed fire safety lessons.
8. Kids Fire Safety Tips
   Buzzy the Smoke Detector, Reddy the Fire Extinguisher, and Squirt the Water Drop all have stuff to teach kids about fire safety. The simple site offers loads of tips for kids with a simple scrolling down of diagrams and sayings.
9. Fire Safety for Children
   Sprout is where younger kids come to learn all sorts of things. This special section shows how you can teach kids to practice fire safety every day. There are games activities and even a special section from Fireman Sam.
10. Fire Safety
    And if the above isn’t enough, click here. It is a collection of fire safety resources from Kennesaw State University. It has links to everything from fire safety coloring books to home fire escape plans.

Top Sites to Teach Older Kids About Fire Safety

11. National Fire Prevention Association
    They are the authority on fire, electrical, and building safety. Visit to get codes and standards, safety information, training, and much more. There is also a special section for kids, blogs, and much more on fire education.
12. Fire Safety
    Medline Plus often shares trusted health information. In this section, they share fire safety and prevention tips. Scroll down to get information on fireworks, gasoline, smoking, and many other fire related topics.
13. Fire Extinguisher 101
    This site’s goal is to teach all visitors about the different kinds of fire extinguishers and why it is important to have one in the home. There are sections on types, how they work, how to use one, maintenance, and more. You can even visit to learn about the biggest fires in history.
14. How Smoke Detectors Work
    HowStuffWorks is a leading science site for kids of all ages. In this entry, they show how smoke detectors work including the science behind them. You can also choose from tips, fire extinguishers, and more.
15. Fire Prevention Tips
    The Home Safety Council shares fire prevention tips suitable for adults and older kids. You can choose from sections on everything from bathroom to grilling safety. There is also an Expert Network with entries by fire safety professionals.
16. Fire Prevention in the Home
    Michael J. Sheehan edited this piece for The Senior Corner. However, everyone can take advantage of the quick and timely tips on fire safety. Help is given with fire extinguishers, fireplaces, and exit plans.
17. U.S. Fire Administration
    Get an education in fire safety on this site from FEMA. Safety topics include smoke alarms, sprinklers, escape planning, extinguishers, and even carbon monoxide. There is also a special section just for kids.
18. Fire Education
    The US Forest Service is the home of Smokey the Bear and some online fire safety education. Visit here to learn the importance of fire safety outdoors. There are also sections on equipment, management, and even fire science.
19. CAL Fire
    You don’t have to live in the state to take advantage of this site from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. They have fact sheets, teacher’s tools, kids section, and even a video where a fireman shows a child how to use the water hose. There is even safety by holiday such as Fourth of July or Halloween.
20. Fire Safety
    Have a kid who’s really smart? Then have them read this guide on fire safety from the U.S. Department of Labor and explain it to you. They include many standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

Top Videos to Teach Kids About Fire Safety

21. Sparkles the Fire Dog
    There are several videos for the viewing from Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog. Topics include an escape plan, changing batteries, and being smart. The main site also has much more to teach kids about fire safety.
22. Fire Safety for Your Home
    Kathy Moore of About.com has loads for parents of toddlers. In this video, she shares how to make fire safety a priority in your home. She also has loads of other resources for parents of toddlers.
23. Get Your Smokey On
    We all heard “only you can prevent forest fires” as kids from this cartoon bear. Now your kids can hear it whenever they want by checking out Smokey’s own vault of online videos. There are also games, stories, and other fun for kids on the site.
24. Be Cool About Fire Safety
    This series of videos from Allstate is akin to the Schoolhouse Rock of fire safety. A catchy song and kids teach other kids the basics of fire safety. Several parts are featured on YouTube.
25. Stop, Drop, and Roll
    One of the basic tenants of fire safety, this video teaches all about the fire practice of stop, drop, and roll. The song also has other important fire safety tips.
26. Twiddlebug’s Smoke Detector
    This video is from the childhood favorite “Sesame Street.” In the video, characters install and use a smoke detector. They also show how to test a smoke detector.
27. Fireman Teaches Fire Safety
    Can’t have a real fireman come to your house and teach fire safety? Then check out this video from a teacher who filmed a fireman teaching fire safety. There are also other fire safety videos from Katz JCC.
28. Fire Safety for Young Children
    The Department of Social and Health Services of Washington teaches all about fire safety in this video. They report that many children can be afraid of fireman during a fire and need to be taught that the firemen are there to help them. Slightly on the scary side, parents should watch with children.
29. Fire Safety for All Families
    Safe Kids USA focuses on making homes safe for all kids. In this short video, they discuss fire safety for all families, including those with special needs. You can also find many other videos on other safety topics.
30. 911 Song
    Have a kid who only learns through song? Then have them visit this video to teach when and how to dial 911. Best for parents whose kids know how to use headphones.

Remember that each family and classroom is different and that the above top 30 sites to teach kids about fire safety are for educational purposes only. Visit your local fire department to learn more on fire safety in your area and always dial 911 when in an actual emergency.

To judge for yourself, we have gathered the top 25 wildfires of all time below. They range from the local to the international, from the recent to the historical, and have numerous causes. Dry conditions, wind, and even the human intervention all make the list, which is ordered mostly by number of people thought to have been killed.

Top National Wildfires of All Time

1. The Great Peshtigo Fire

   In 1871, the worst recorded forest fire in North American history raged through Northeastern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Known as The Great Peshtigo Fire, it destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of property and took between 1,200 and 2,400 lives. Ironically enough, it also took place at the same as another famous fire in Chicago found further down the list.

2. Cloquet Fire

   In 1918, Americans were being killed in World War I in addition to a deadly Spanish flu epidemic. However in the same year, wildfires in the forests of Minnesota killed 453 and seriously burned 85 others. Ten towns were completely destroyed. The fire was deemed the fault of railroad due to sparks caused by trains.

3. The Great Hinckley Fire of 1894

   This fire tore through the town of Hinckley, Minnesota after a dry summer season. The fire might best be remembered for the heroic acts of the train engineers which were ferreting away survivors as fast as the trains could take them. When it was over, an estimated 418 were dead in an area of about 1,400.

4. The Great Miramichi Fire

   This wildfire is perhaps best remembered for its survivors taking shelter by standing in the nearby river. Even livestock stood with them, and a baby was rumored to have been born there. It took place in 1825 in New Brunswick. The death toll for this fire is thought to be at least 200 killed in both the U.S. and Canada.

5. The Big Burn

   Occurring in Idaho and Montano, this wildfire happened in 1910. It tore through 3 million acres of wildfire and was said to have sent great balls of fire down the mountainsides. The fire claimed 85 lives and set off a debate on forest fires. Popular Mechanics has more on the blaze.

6. Port Huron Fire

   In the second of three famous wildfires to happen in 1871, this one also struck in Michigan in a different part than the Peshtigo Fire. The cities of Port Huron and White Rock burned along with 1.2 million acres. An estimated minimum of 50 people were suspected to have perished.

7. Oakland Wildfire

   Think huge fires only happened in the time of our grandparents? Then read more about these 1991 fires that took place in Oakland, California. It destroyed over 3,000 homes, cost over billion dollars, and killed 25 people, with another 150 injured. The fire is suspected to have begun in the Berkeley Hills from a poorly extinguished grass fire.

8. California Wildfires 2003

   This wildfire is current enough to have been reported on by CNN. It was an 18 mile wall of flames and was dubbed the Cedar Fire. Taking place in the Southern part of the state, it happened near the community of Cuyamaca and tourist town of Julian. Although CNN reported at the time that the death toll was 16, the actual total grew to over 20.

9. Mann Gulch Fire

   Although the death toll was comparatively lower than the above, this fire is best remembered for taking the lives of firemen. The fire happened in Montana’s Helena National Forest in 1949. The Forest Service dispatched a team of firemen called “smokejumpers” to study the fire. However, the fire built up quickly and all but three were killed. However, they did learn a great deal on how to deliver new firefighting techniques and equipment.

10. Florida Fires of 1998

    These fires happened in the summer of the year and displaced over 40,000 people from their homes. However, what is truly fascinating is this transcript from PBS on how modern day firefighters battle a blaze of this magnitude. Modern techniques, equipment, and more are all discussed.

Top International Wildfires of All Time

11. Matheson Fire

    In 1916, high winds blowing through the forests of Ontario, Canada turned a small fire into an inferno that destroyed nearly 800 square miles of forest. The towns of Matheson, Cochrane, and Nushka Station were destroyed in minutes. The death toll reached an unheard of 223 for the country, although the actual number was probably higher. The fire led to the passage of tougher fire safety laws for northern Ontario.

12. Black Saturday Bushfires

    The deadliest wildfires in Australia’s history took place in 2009 in Healesville and surrounding areas in the Southeastern state of Victoria. It burned people in their homes and cars, wiped out entire towns, and had killed 130 people at the time of this report. The fire was perpetuated by a long running drought and officials suspected that an additional 400 fires were deliberately set.

13. Black Friday

    Up until the above, this was the worst wildfire in Australian history. It happened in 1939 in the same state and killed 71 people. This site has more including an interactive map.

14. Greek Forest Fires

    Proving that wildfires happen in Europe too is this 2007 fire. It happened in the Southern Peloponnese region, near the site of the Ancient Olympics. At the time of the story, 56 were dead with more predicted. Officials blamed arson in several cases after up to 20 new fires broke out overnight after the original fire.

15. Israel 2010

    Although there is plenty of man-made trouble in the Middle East, nature can still strike. In December of 2010, a major forest fire in the Northern part of Israel killed at least 40 people. More than 12,000 people were evacuated from towns and villages and a number of prison guards died in an attempt to evacuate the prison. A bright spot was that in an attempt to put out the blaze, Israel cooperated with eight other countries who sent aircrafts to help battle the blaze.

16. The Great Fire of Rome

    This fire stands out for being one of the very first ever recorded. It happened in the year 64 AD and went on for six days and seven nights. Although the cause was uncertain, there were rumors that Emperor Nero ordered the fire so he could blame it on his Christian enemies. It was also named the “Worst and Strangest Fire” by Socyberty.

Other Top Wildfires of All Time

17. The Great San Francisco Earthquake

    In 1906, one of the most significant earthquakes of all time was recorded in the city of San Francisco. However, many of the deaths came from the resulting fires. Between 400 and 700 people were estimated to have perished. The events destroyed 490 city blocks, 25,000 buildings and left 250,000 homeless. You can read actual accounts of the fire from Eye Witness to History.

18. The Great Chicago Fire

    In 1871, one of the best known fires in American history happened in the town of Chicago. While theories of the cause remain hypothesized, with one of the more famous being a spooked cow, it happened after the city’s small firefighting team had already put out 20 other fires. The blaze quickly spread and before being put out by rain, had killed at least 300 people, and had left 100,000 Americans homeless. This interactive guide from PBS has loads more.

19. London’s Burning

    What’s the worst thing that could happen on a street called Pudding Lane? Unfortunately, in the London of 1666 it was the beginning of one of the worst fires ever. By the time it was over, the fire had destroyed almost 80 percent of the city. Because of the practice of simply putting out fires by destroying houses, which were also very susceptible to fire, it was able to spread quickly.

20. The Reichstag Fire

    Taking place in 1933 Germany, if you guessed Nazis has something to do with it, you’re right. The Reichstag was the building of the German parliament, the symbol of their democracy, and thusly, an enemy of Adolf Hitler. Although he and his party stood to gain the most, Hitler publicly blamed the opposing communists and used the blaze as an excuse to arrest them. After the fire, Hitler presented legislation that would transfer power to himself and the members cooperatively voted themselves out of existence.

21. Mount Saint Helens

    Although a volcano eruption isn’t exactly a wildfire, it can be just as deadly. In 1980, this Washington State volcano erupted when an earthquake struck. The blast was heard hundreds of miles away, the pressure wave flattened entire forests, the heat melted glaciers, and 57 people lost their lives. You can even click here to see the eruption on HowStuffWorks.

22. Happy Land Fire

    Because man is often his own worst enemy, this unimaginable fire was set in 1990 in The Bronx. A Cuban refugee had a bout of jealousy concerning his seventeen year old ex-girlfriend. She was an employee at the Happy Land Social Club. In a fit of rage, her ex burned down the club killing her and 86 other people. Although the club had been cited for several violations by the fire department, no follow up ever happened.

23. John Orr

    Proving that arson doesn’t just happen in fits of passion is Orr. He was a fire captain and arson investigator during the 80’s and 90’s in the Southern California Glendale Fire Department. The first on the scene of dozens of arson fires, suspicion soon began to grow around him. After a fingerprint positively identified him as the arsonist, he was convicted of starting a fire that killed four people and was sentenced to life in prison.

24. Love Letter Fire

    Ever burned something your ex gave or wrote to you? Then you have a lot in common with Terry Barton. In 2002, she burned a letter from her estranged husband which resulted in the largest wildfire in Colorado history causing $30 million in damages. A U.S. Forest Service Worker, the matches Barton used to start the fire and pieces of the letter traced the fire back to her and she would go on to be convicted for it.

25. Fire Bombs

    One would think that pro-environment groups would be first in protesting the use of fire as protest, and for the most part, this is true. However, in the case of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), this is wrong. The FBI had ranked the ELF and the ALF as among the nation’s top domestic terrorism threats after a string of attacks beginning in 1996 against U.S. Forest Service buildings, a Vail ski resort, a wild horse slaughterhouse, and other targets. In this 2001 attack, two members were convicted of setting of a firebomb at the University of Washington, causing seven million dollars’ worth of damage.

The above top 25 wildfires of all time are just the ones that have happened since we have been recording them and keeping records for future generations. To have a look at current wildfires in the United States, click here for an updated map by the USDA Forest Service.

Some people never get over the “fire bug” and choose a fire science career. Whether you’re interested in fire safety engineering, fire prevention, or firefighting, there is something for you in our list of 50 best fire science blogs.

Fire Safety

1. Edinburgh Fire Research Blog
   This fascinating fire science blog from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland features news and items of interest from the world of fire safety engineering. Fire safety engineering is an important field of study which saves countless lives each year.
2. The Fire Protection Research Foundation Blog

   The Fire Protection Research Foundation’s blog is devoted to reporting the research activities of this independent, not-for-profit organization. Research conducted by the Fire Protection Research Foundation is intended to support the work of the National Fire Protection Association.

3. The Fire Sprinkler Initiative

   The National Fire Protection Association has begun an initiative called “Bringing Safety Home,” which is intended to publicize the effectiveness of home sprinkler systems. While lobbying lawmakers to require use of such sprinklers, the blog also serves as a forum to refute “anti-sprinkler” sentiments.



4. The Society of Fire Protection Engineers

   The Society of Fire Protection Engineers hosts this blog, which is full of information on the field of fire protection engineering. Get news about conferences and continuing education around the world.

5. Firehouse Blogs

   “Firefighter Dayna,” as she is known to millions of schoolchildren, writes this fire safety and prevention blog focused on educating young people. She provides resources for other fire safety educators.

Becoming A Firefighter

6. How to Become a Firefighter

   An excellent resource for fire science job-seekers, the Firefighter Jobs blog is constantly updated with the latest firefighting job opportunities around America.

Firefighting Safety and Techniques

7. Fire Service Today

   Fire Service Today is the National Fire Protection Association’s blog for firefighters. Firefighters can learn all about the science behind their protective equipment, read the latest research on sprinklers, or find out the date of the next training session.

8. Firefighter Spot

   If you’re interested in seeing video of real firefighters in action, Firefighter Spot is the place to go. Jason T. Poremba started the blog as a way to educate more firefighters about firefighting safety. By showing footage of close calls and dangerous procedures, he hopes that lives may be saved.

9. VENTENTERSEARCH.com

   VentEnterSearch is a blog devoted to tips, tricks and techniques of aggressive truck company service. A whole page is dedicated to the question, “What’s in your pockets?” The idea is that every firefighter has specific ways to carry and store their tools, and that sharing these can help other firefighters learn.

10. Firehouse Blogs

    The “Craft of Fire” blog by Ed Hadfield is devoted to teaching and discussing firefighting strategy and tactics. He closely examines what happens in the line of duty—the good, the bad and the ugly—in an effort to keep more firefighters safe.

11. Firefighter Close Calls

    Firefighter Close Calls compiles reports and video from firefighting accidents and close calls from around America. “The Secret List” page is a letter-blog written by Chief Billy Goldfeber, featuring advice and commentary on the day’s close calls.

12. A Firefighter’s Own Worst Enemy

    Jason Hoevelmann, a firefighting instructor for over 15 years, began “A Firefighter’s Own Worst Enemy” as a way to complement his instructional material. He examines the ways that firefighters make poor decisions and ways these can be prevented.



13. S.A.F.E. Firefighter

    S.A.F.E. Firefighter stands for “Safe, Aggressive, Fundamental, Efficient.” This blog promotes firefighting strategy and techniques that allow firefighters to do their jobs in the best, safest possible way. In addition, firehouse leadership and cultivating excellence are discussed.

14. Fire Special Ops

    “Fire Special Ops” refers to the difficult fields of hazardous materials and technical rescue. Knowing how to manage a hazmat situation or a difficult rescue might not be something a future student of fire science thinks of. However, these skills are important parts of a firefighter’s toolbox.

15. Command Safety

    Christopher Naum’s unique blog focuses on the issue of firefighter awareness in the area of building construction. He maintains that understanding the way a building is constructed and how it will react when burning is the most important piece of information when it comes to keeping firefighters safe.

16. Structural Anatomy of Buildings on Fire

    Christopher Naum also writes The Structural Anatomy of Buildings On Fire, an educational blog packed with technical information useful to today’s student of fire science. He is considered a leading authority on the behavior of burning structures.

17. Brotherhood Instructors

    Brotherhood Instructors is a firefighter training organization that specializes in providing hands-on training. Their enlightening Online Drills blog provides photos of fire situations and points to discuss.

18. Kurt Kamm

    Kurt Kamm’s blog features real stories written by firefighters and paramedics. The author has written a novel about a wildland firefighter’s dangerous and thrilling life.

Firefighting News

19. U.S. Firefighters

    While not technically a fire science blog, this firefighting website is notable because it is a live feed of all the firefighting-related news from around America. See news coverage as well as read reports of firefighter injuries on a state-by-state basis.

20. Statter 911

    STATter911.com has been continuously updated since 2007. Written by a former firefighter who now works as a television and radio reporter, it features fire news and fire science commentary from the Washington D.C. area and around the country.

21. Fire Geezer

    “Fire Geezer” is actually Bill Schumm, a retired fire captain who has been involved in some capacity in the firefighting industry for over 50 years. Along with his co-bloggers, he offers perspective on modern firefighting through a historical lens, interspersed with interesting fire news of the day.



22. The Fire Critic

    The Fire Critic is Rhett Fleitz, a firefighter with 15 years of experience. He combines thorough coverage of the “firefighter blogosphere” with fire science commentary, contests and product reviews.

23. Fire Daily

    Fire Daily, written by Chicago-area paramedic and fire lieutenant John Mitchell, combines pointed commentary with news. Mitchell also takes time to blog about historic fire events “on this day in fire history.”

24. Chief Reason Art

    ChiefReasonArt is written by Art Goodrich, a 14-year fire chief now serving as a trustee with his local fire district. His blog entries are literary in style while still offering a vast amount of knowledge for the new fire science student.

Regional Firefighting

25. California Fire News

    California Fire News doesn’t have any fancy formatting or backgrounds. What it does have is a ton of information about everything related to California wildfires. Fire science enthusiasts will love this bare-bones blog.

26. Roanoke Fire

    Roanoke Fire Blog has been providing up-to-date news and commentary about firefighting in Roanoke County, Virginia, since 2005. Friends of the Roanoke County fire department can rely on this blog to stay abreast of everything as it happens.

27. Texas Fire

    Texas-Fire.com is an excellent source for Texas firefighting news. Incident reports and fire-related news items are organized into state regions for quick access. In addition, an entire section of the site is devoted to line-of-duty-death (LODD) reports.

28. VA Fire News

    VAFireNews is a blog that discusses training, job opportunities, and news related to firefighting in that state of Virginia. An interesting aspect of this site is the “Apparatus” page where firefighters can share photos of new equipment they have acquired or unusual apparatus they have seen.

29. LAFD News and Information

    The Media and Public Relations Department of the Los Angeles Fire Department updates this blog daily with news, photos and official statements from area fires. They also report line of duty deaths from departments across America.

30. North Carolina Fire News

    FireNews.net features content related to firefighting in North Carolina. News articles and incident reports are updated continuously.

Firehouse Leadership, Politics, and Community Relations

31. The Kitchen Table

    The Kitchen Table blog gives you an interesting “insider’s view” into the online community of firefighters. Firefighters from around the world gather here to post their opinions about diverse topics from the politics of firefighting to specific firefighting techniques.

32. Fire Chief

    Mutual Aid is a blog hosted by Fire Chief magazine, directed at fire chiefs and other organizational leaders. Topics of discussion include department policy, firefighting safety, and new technology.

33. The Fire PIO

    This often witty and incisive blog from Jeff Bressler is about the role of the Public Information Officer in fire departments. He discusses marketing techniques, policy, public relations strategy, as well as using social media.



34. Tiger Schmittendorf

    Tiger Schmittendorf is an experienced trainer, public speaker, firefighter, and marketing consultant who writes this frequently updated blog. His blog, while geared mostly toward people already in a fire science industry, has inspirational words for everyone who has ever wanted to be a firefighter.

35. Firehouse Zen

    Firehouse Zen is written by Mick Mayers , a Battalion Chief with the Hilton Head Island, SC Fire and Rescue Department. His well-written and thoughtful blog deals with issues regarding effective firehouse leadership, dealing with change, and getting the best out of your firefighters.

36. Firehouse Blogs

    Tim Butler wrote this entertaining and eye-opening blog. Chief of the St. Paul (Minn.) Fire Department, he decided to return to fire academy to experience the life of a trainee once again. The blog, now completed, chronicles his 61-day journey.

Fighting Forest and Wildland Fires

37. Australia Bushfire Monitor

    This blog is sure to be of interest to any serious student of fire science. Australia is known for its devastating wildfires, and Australia Bushfire Monitor provides reports of current conditions throughout the country. In addition, you can see many excellent satellite images on this blog.

38. Firefighter Blog

    This blog, started by retired fire captain Mike Morales in 2004, is focused on covering large wildfires and their impact on communities. When a fire makes the headlines around the world, you can be sure that Mike will cover it on his blog.

39. Los Angeles Times

    The Los Angeles Times provides this blog about area wildfire conditions as a part of their main news blog. In addition to news about the fires themselves, this blog covers cleanup and restoration efforts.

40. Wildfire Today

    Bill Gabbert has been blogging about wildfires around America since January of 2008. Not affiliated with any particular organization, Gabbert’s blog combines photos and news items of interest with an excellent FAQ page on wildland fire and firefighting.

41. Wildfire Blog

    While presented in a blog format, this website presents the best of wildfire news and opinions from around the Internet, linking to the original articles. The website also features a wildfire jobs board where job seekers and potential employers in the specialized field of fire science can connect.



42. Wildland Fire Leadership

    This is the official blog of the U.S. Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It was created to provide educational opportunities for wildland firefighters and to promote a culture of leadership in the wildland fire service.

43. Golden Eagles Hotshots

    This is a fascinating look at the daily operations of the Golden Eagles Hotshots, one of nine Native American Bureau of Indian Affairs wildland firefighting crews in the United States. Based on the Sycuan Indian Reservation, the crew was organized in 2000.

44. Contractors in Fire

    The National Wildfire Suppression Association consists of over 200 private fire contractors around America. Contractors in Fire is their official blog, devoted mainly to public policy and professional development.

45. International Association of Wildland Fire

    The International Association of Wildland Fire’s blog is an important resource for the fire science student wishing to stay informed about wildland fire research. Conferences and webinars are often announced via this blog.

1. Sparky the Fire Dog –
   The Sparky the Fire Dog website, sponsored by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), is designed for kids and their families to learn about fire safety and prevention. Free downloads include an escape planning grid and a home safety checklist. There are also pages about real families who have successfully completed a home escape plan and checked their homes for fire hazards.
2. City of Phoenix Fire Escape Resource –
   The City of Phoenix has excellent resources for developing a family escape plan on their website. It includes step-by-step instructions for creating an escape plan as well as a free downloadable brochure that you can print out for future reference.
3. The Home Safety Council –
   The Home Safety Council’s website includes many ways to make your home safer, such as fall prevention, childproofing, poisoning prevention, and of course fire safety. The “Step-By-Step Fire Drill” page has photos of each step, including instructions for practicing fire drills at home. Members (membership is free) of the site can download a Home Fire Escape Plan worksheet.
4. USFA.dhs.Gov –
   Did you know that kids under the age of 5 are twice as likely to die in a fire as older children and adults? That’s why the U.S. Fire Administration produced a special campaign for parents of babies and toddlers. The free downloadable materials on this site have special advice for creating a family fire escape plan when you have young children to think about. The materials include a fire escape grid for you to use in planning.
5. Univ. of Oklahoma Police Dept –
   The University of Oklahoma Police Department has created this excellent fire safety education website. Packed with information about the causes of home fires and strategies for getting out safely, the site also has advice for creating a fire safety plan. Learn what “EDITH” is, and why it is one of the best things you can do to keep your family safe.
6. Children Today –
   This outstanding article contains a step-by-step plan for getting your family from the home safely. Using stories of real kids who helped their families get out of a fire, the article highlights the need for practice, prevention, and preparation. The article includes a home fire safety checklist.
7. US Consumer Product Safety Commission –
   The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has prepared this sixteen-page home fire safety checklist. It is packed with information about fire prevention in each area of your home. Also included are instructions for developing a fire safety plan.
8. Fire Safety Council –
   Download this free two-page PDF file from the Fire Safety Council for the most basic information you need for creating a family escape plan in the event of fire. It has a simple seven-step plan as well as a grid for drawing a floor plan and exit map of your home.
9. Colorado State University –
   For homes located in rural areas, this Colorado State University webpage gives specialized advice. Learn ways to keep your home safe in the event of a forest fire, and how to prevent fire damage before a fire begins. They give tips on how to create a disaster survival kit for your family as well as an evacuation plan.
10. Red Cross –
    The American Red Cross stresses preparedness in its free fire safety flyer. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher as well as strategies for practicing home safety drills. The flyer also reminds you how to exit a home properly in case there is a fire.
11. Emergency Dude –
    “Emergency Dude” provides advice for surviving many different disasters, including a house fire. His preparation checklist includes keeping a flashlight and handkerchief next to the bed at all times. In addition, he provides ways to teach the whole family about the dangers of fire and how to exit the home in multiple ways.
12. What Happens Now Games –
    Four times every minute, a fire department is called to respond to a fire somewhere in America. If your family doesn’t have an action plan, you should check out this free video from WhatHappensNow.com. It demonstrates fun games you can play with your family to simulate getting out during a fire.
13. What Happens Now Checklists –
    This helpful page on the WhatHappensNow website includes checklists for creating a fire escape plan, making a list of emergency contacts, and drawing an exit route map. In addition, it includes home inventory forms to be filled out in advance as well as instruction from a firefighter on how to use a fire extinguisher.
14. NFPA –
    The NFPA’s website has advice on creating different types of family fire escape plans. It includes a free downloadable flyer that you can keep in your home as a reminder. In addition, there is material related to planning for a fire if you live in a tall or high-rise building.
15. Fire Dept of New York –
    The Fire Department of New York’s downloads page includes information on creating a family escape plan, as well as many other aspects of fire safety. What is remarkable about this page is that the documents are all available in multiple languages. While not each flyer is in each language, most have been translated into English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Creole, Urdu, Italian, and even Yiddish.
16. Staying Alive –
    Staying Alive is a Canadian website devoted to educating kids about fire safety and prevention. The site includes “The Great Escape,” a fun Flash game in which you can guide the Fire Lobster out of the home by making smart decisions. There is also a page about creating home escape plans. In addition, there are free downloads of typical house plans that you can print out and customize with your own escape routes.
17. FireSafety.gov –
    FireSafety.gov gives clear and easily understandable directions on creating your own family fire escape plan. One item of note is that special consideration should be given to windows with security bars. Newer security bars should all have devices attached that allow them to be opened quickly in case of fire. A fire escape grid is also available to download from this website.
18. Federal Citizen Information Center –
    Another good resource for family fire safety planning is provided by the Federal Citizen Information Center. The page focuses on the hazards of fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide. A large section of the page is devoted to the importance of not only having a family fire safety plan, but also practicing it at least twice a year.
19. BeFireSmart.com –
    BeFireSmart.com is a free website created by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Geared toward parents, children, and educators, it combines instructional videos on making a family fire safety plan with interactive games such as “Find the Fire Hazards.”
20. Scholastic.com –
    Scholastic’s fire safety lesson plan for grade K-2 teachers contains 18 different free, reproducible pages related to fire prevention, safety, and creating a home fire escape plan. So why wouldn’t parents want this great material, too? The lessons and worksheets were developed in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association.

Simple Ways to Fireproof Your Home Inside

Keep up with fireproofing through the summer by implementing these simple tools for the season. When in doubt, get the opinion of an expert (as in the case of overloaded wires). While it may cost you for a home visit, you can be sure your family is safe and any faulty hazards are taken care of immediately. This can wind up saving your life and a lot of money in home insurance.

1. Get rid of excess stuff. If you never get around to spring cleaning, make sure your home is rid of any excess once summer rolls around. The more stuff you have, the more quickly even the smallest fire can spread. This doesn’t mean you get rid of everything you aren’t using, but be sensible in deciding what actually gets use in your home. Get rid of clothes that don’t fit or are seldom worn and move out any toys your children no longer play with. Sort items into those that should be discarded and those which are still in wearable or usable condition, which can be donated to a local charity or thrift shop. If you make this a project for the family, it can go by relatively quickly and usually needs a single Saturday or Sunday devoted to the job.
2. Swap your candles for infused bamboo. Summer means you’re busy keeping up with extra activities and simply enjoying the season. Instead of worrying about candles, invest in a set of bamboo sticks and essential oils. These are available at high end shops and eco-friendly boutiques and run about $30, but last for months. Fill a bottle with the oils provided and stick a few bamboo sticks inside. The bamboo sticks become infused with the oils’ scent and releases a beautiful aroma into the air. For best results, flip the bamboo sticks every few hours for the most potent scent. This removes the work and hazard of having candles burning during warm weather, but still gives you a gorgeous smell to come home to.



3. Double check your smoke alarms. Each home should have a smoke alarm that is working at all times. Smoke alarms should be checked twice a year and replaced if there’s any faulty wiring or a glitch that prevents the alarm from going off at the appropriate time. Prior to summer, check your smoke alarm and make sure it is working. Also make sure any children in the home recognize the sound of the smoke alarm and are aware of what to do should they hear it go off. Practicing a fire alarm drill similar to those done in school is a smart way to give kids a dry run of what should occur if the fire alarm goes off
4. Make sure there are no overloaded wires. A primary sign that you are overloading wires is your continuously blow a fuse when turning on a particular light or using a certain electrical outlet. An electrician should be called immediately to avoid a fire hazard. Do not use a light bulb with higher wattage than what’s designated on the lighting fixture. If you plan on decorating your patio with outdoor lights, be sure you are using an outdoor outlet. Attempting to plug your outdoor lighting to an indoor outlet will often blow a fuse because the indoor outlet is not equipped to handle such power. Remember that a fuse is an electrical safety valve that exists for a reason.

Simple Ways to Fireproof Your Home Outside

Once you’re done taking care of fireproofing your home on the inside, don’t forget about the outsize fire hazards that can exist during the summer. The season means a lot of time is spent outdoors with the family, so take the proper precautions to ensure everyone’s safety for summer.

5. Move the recycling outside. Recycle bins should be outside during the summer. Because the air is so warm during the summer months, a fire can rapidly take off and multiply quickly once it hits the area where recycle bins are stored. Designate an area outside where all of your recycle bins can be stored. If you live in an area where recycling must be dropped off at a local center, be sure you do this on a weekly basis or any time recycling bins are filled. Having newspaper and magazines in excess amounts can also lead to a fire.
6. Fireproof your patio furniture. The patio furniture is usually near a barbecue pit, meaning charcoal and fire are nearby. Fireproof your patio furniture by having a fireproof chemical applied. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but can severely reduce an outdoor fire from going out of control. When purchasing new patio furniture, inquire with the store or manufacturer before buying to be sure the furniture has been treated to become fire retardant.
7. Buy a fire extinguisher to keep outside. Summer puts us outside on the patio or at the pool more often than any other season. Having a fire extinguisher outdoors is a great idea, especially if your family is known to cook outdoors during the summer. A fire extinguisher is more reliable than a water hose and is also easier to handle and access during an emergency. Be sure that everyone who lives at the house is aware of where the outdoor fire extinguisher is and how to use it.



8. Barbecue away from shrubs or trees. If you are barbecuing, be sure the pit is in an open area away from shrubs or trees, which can catch fire quickly should something go awry. When we barbecue, we are often entertaining family or friends. This distraction can lead to a fire hazard if you do not keep close watch on the barbecue as the fire burns. Keep the barbecue pit on a flat surface in an open area. Be sure your outdoor fire extinguisher is close to your barbecue pit.
9. Dispose of coals properly. If you are barbecuing with coal, be sure you know how to properly dispose of them. Ideally, coals should be left to cool down on their own, overnight if possible. If you are in a hurry, you can pour water or sand over already cool coal to turn out any remaining fire. Once this is done, dispose of coals with your normal garbage. Always make sure your barbecue pit is free from any coal, which can pose a serious hazard when you work with it the next time.
10. Never leave outdoor candles unattended. With all of the time we spend outdoors in the summer, we’re prone to mosquitos which means we usually reach for a citronella candle. These candles can be purchased in large pails, so they sit on a table or on the floor of a patio and burn inward, creating a “valley” that makes it safer than a pillar-style candle. Still, all outdoor candles should be within view at all times. Never leave children playing around a candle and be sure to blow the candle out after festivities settle down and you are back inside. Also refrain from burning the candle when it is very hot out and there are no mosquitos in sight.
11. Clean out dryer lint. This sounds like a simple tactic, but if you live with children and teenagers who do their own laundry, you know the lint trap can get out of control quickly. If your dryer is in the garage, be sure the lint trap is cleaned every few days, or more often if your family does a lot of laundry. Ideally, aim for cleaning the lint trap every 4-6 loads of clothing. Discard of lint by bringing it inside and putting it in the trash. Never let lint accumulate in an outdoor area, as a garage can often store a water heater and dryer in fairly close proximity.
12. Keep a close eye on fireworks activity. If you live in area where fireworks are permitted, you know the neighborhood is rampant with children wielding Roman candles, sparklers and the like come Fourth of July. Never leave children and teenagers unattended when they are playing with fireworks. Never light fireworks near dry grass or indoors and refrain from poking or prodding a firework if you light it and it doesn’t go off.