Lakeland Fire Department:
Our firefighters, unfortunately, ran this call already this week; we definitely don’t want any more. Please do not throw hot embers, ashes, or coals into a trash can. It seems harmless, but it is one of the leading causes of preventable house fires.
Whether from a backyard fire pit, a charcoal grill, or even a fireplace, improperly discarded embers can smolder for hours before igniting nearby combustible materials.
Trust us, you don’t want the Lakeland Fire Department showing up to your house uninvited!
Here’s what can happen:
-Slow Smoldering: Even if embers look cool, they can stay dangerously hot inside for up to 24 hours.
-Ignition Risk: A trash can filled with paper or plastic turns into the perfect fuel for those lingering embers.
-House Fire: Once the trash can catches fire, it can spread quickly to walls, furniture, or even the entire home.
Prevention Tips:
-Always place embers and ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store it away from your house.
-Let ashes cool completely for at least 24-48 hours before tossing them.
-Pour water over hot embers to ensure they’re fully extinguished.
-Never use plastic or paper bags for ember disposal.
