WASHINGTON, USA — The Washington State Fire Marshall’s Office is urging people to be aware during National Burn Awareness Week. The official dates are February 4-10.
This year, the State Fire Marshall’s Office is emphasizing flammable liquid burns. According to the Fire Marshall, flammable liquids ignite easily and can burn with extreme rapidity.
A flammable liquid is determined by the flash point of the material. Flash point is defined as the temperature in which a particular organic compound gives off sufficient vapor to ignite in air. Gasoline, kerosene, and even cooking oil are good examples of a flammable liquid.
In 2022, Washington State experienced thirty-five fatalities from causes listed as unintentional.
During National Burn Awareness Week, practice these safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:
- Only use gasoline outdoors and store in cool, well-ventilated areas.
- Start charcoal grills only with fluid labeled as “charcoal starter fluid.”
- Keep gasoline in a secure location, out of the reach of children.
- Use containers that have been listed, labeled, or approved for gasoline.
- Fill equipment with gas when engines are cool.
- If you spill a flammable liquid on your clothing, place the clothing outside to dry before laundering.
- Oily and solvent-wet rags can combust without a heat source. Store them in a tightly sealed metal container, or hang them outside to dry in a cool, shady location away from structures before discarding.
- Use gasoline only as a motor fuel, never as a substitute for charcoal lighter or a solvent/degreaser.
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