JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- As temperatures rise, many homeowners anticipate opening screen doors and windows to welcome the fresh air.
However, the arrival of spring also brings an increased risk of fire, as the dust and accumulation of items have built up inside and outside the home. Following safety guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association will significantly reduce these risks.
Marcus Armstrong, a fire protection inspector in the Fire Prevention Division at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, is sharing essential safety tips to help prevent fires during the season.
“In 2024, the NFPA reported an average of 15,970 fires annually caused by dryers and washing machines, with dryers accounting for 92% of these incidents,” Armstrong stated. Lint buildup is often the cause of these fires, making it crucial to perform regular maintenance.
“Cleaning the lint filter after every load is an effective way to prevent dryer fires,” Armstrong said. “Homeowners should also remove lint from around the dryer and keep the area clear of flammable items like clothing and cleaning supplies.”
Armstrong added that cleaning the dryer exhaust vent tube every six months is another important step to reduce risk of fire.
Other fire hazards include faulty smoke alarms, stovetop cooking, improperly stored batteries and electrical cords. According to Armstrong, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a house fire by half.
“Test your smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries annually, and install detectors in each bedroom, hallway, and level of your home,” Armstrong advised.
Most home cooking fires involve stovetops, which require extra supervision. “Keep flammable items away from the stove and never leave cooking unattended,” Armstrong stated.
Batteries are also a fire hazard, as batteries in drawers surrounded by metal objects and flammable items can catch fire. Armstrong recommends keeping batteries in their original packaging and storing them upright.
Extension cords pose a greater fire risk than permanent power cords, “Extension cords should only be used temporarily,” Armstrong said. “Electrical cords should not run across doorways or under carpets. If you need additional outlets, hire a qualified technician to install them.”
Fire safety isn’t just about inside the home — it’s about outside the home. As warm weather arrives, many also look forward to grilling. Grilling is a classic springtime activity but requires careful preparation to avoid catching fire.
“Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors,” Armstrong explained. “Place your grill at least 20 to 50 feet away from your home, railings, eaves, and branches.”
Armstrong recommends keeping children and pets at least three feet away from grilling areas. He also recommended cleaning grease or fat buildup from grills and trays regularly.
“Never leave your grill unattended,” Armstrong said. “Always open the lid before lighting a gas grill.”
For charcoal grills, Armstrong suggests using charcoal chimney starters with newspaper as fuel. “If you’re using starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid,” Armstrong advised. “Never add charcoal fluid or any flammable liquid to the fire and always keep charcoal fluid out of reach.”
Electric charcoal starters can also be used, but make sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. After grilling, allow coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
By following these fire safety tips, homeowners can safely enjoy the spring. Regular maintenance, proper storage of hazardous materials, and vigilance are key to reducing fire risks.
For more information about spring cleaning or grilling safety please visit the National Fire Prevention Association at www.nfpa.org/education or contact the fire prevention offices at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston at 210-221-2727, JBSA-Lackland at 210-671-2921, or JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-691