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Fire Safety Tips
- Cooking Safety
- Controlled Burns
- Electrical Wiring
- Fireworks
- Grilling & Grill Pits
- Matches, Lighters & Smoking
- Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Space Heaters
- Your Escape Plan
Tips
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
- Keep towels, pot holders, and curtains away from flames.
- Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
Guidelines
No controlled burning by residents is allowed within the City of Charlottesville. See the City Code for Open Burning, Section 12-32 and review the Virginia Department of Forestry Burn Law, Section 10.1-1142.
Contact
- City of Charlottesville residents should call the Fire Marshal at 434-970-3247.
- Albemarle County residents should call Albemarle County Fire and Rescue at 434-296-5833.
Things to Do
- Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
- Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
- Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas.
- Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
Inspections
Charlottesville Fire Department can inspect your home for fire safety and prevention. Call the Fire Marshal at 434-970-3247 for more information.
Guidelines
Fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted in the City of Charlottesville. For more information see the City Code on fireworks, Section 12-32.
Contact
Call the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240 for more information.
Guidelines
The City of Charlottesville allows the use of gas, charcoal and wood grills, and grill pits that are:
- UL® Listed - Tested for safety; look for UL® logo
- Covered with a screen
- If not used for food preparation, outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from a structure
Open fires are allowed for recreational and ceremonial use with permission from the Fire Marshal. For more information please see the City Code on open burning, Section 12-32.
Grilling Safety Tips
- Barbecue grills should be properly inspected and cleaned prior to use.
- Before using the grill, check the connection between the propane tank and fuel line.
- Do not wear loose clothing near the grill.
- Never grill indoors, as it could produce carbon monoxide.
- Never use gasoline to start charcoal grills.
- Do not burn plastic in grill pits.
- Use only a limited amount of lighter fluid.
- Never grill on balconies of apartments or condominiums.
- Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
- Be sure to properly dispose of hot coals.
Contact
Call the Fire Marshal at 434-970-3247 for more information.
Helpful Tips
- Keep matches/lighters away from children.
- Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
- If you must smoke, do it responsibly.
Tips
Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.
- Install smoke alarms.
- Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement.
- Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area of the bedrooms.
- Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year.
- Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.
Tips
- Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable/combustible materials.
- Use only the type of fuel designated for your space heater.
- Do not leave space heaters unattended.
Tips
- Create an escape plan in case there is a fire.
- Review escape routes with your family, including children.
- Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut.
- Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer when escaping from a fire.
- In a high-rise, never lock fire exits or doorways, halls, or stairways. Never prop stairway or other fire doors open.